Canada’s minimum wage table has been updated with current and forthcoming general hourly rates across the country, including four provincial increases scheduled for October 1, 2026.
Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Prince Edward Island are all set to raise their general minimum wages on that date.
The federal rate is already $18.15 an hour, while Nunavut has the highest listed territorial rate at $20.17 an hour.
The federal government’s Minimum Wage Database says its general-rate table covers the minimum hourly wage that applies to most employees in each jurisdiction.
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Minimum wage rates taking effect on October 1
The four October increases will affect workers and employers in different parts of the country.
The new rates are:
| Jurisdiction | Current general rate | Rate from October 1, 2026 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manitoba | $16.00 | $16.40 | $0.40 |
| Nova Scotia | $16.75 | $17.00 | $0.25 |
| Ontario | $17.60 | $17.95 | $0.35 |
| Prince Edward Island | $17.00 | $17.30 | $0.30 |
Ontario’s general minimum wage will rise by 35 cents to $17.95 an hour.
The province says the increase is tied to its Consumer Price Index and will apply from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
Manitoba’s rate will increase by 40 cents, from $16.00 to $16.40 an hour.
The Manitoba government said the adjustment reflects the province’s 2025 inflation rate, rounded to the nearest five cents.
Nova Scotia’s general rate will reach $17.00 an hour after an April increase to $16.75.
The province’s regulations list October 1, 2026, as the effective date for the new rate.
Prince Edward Island will move from $17.00 to $17.30 an hour.
The province has also scheduled a further increase to $17.60 on April 1, 2027.
Current minimum wage rates across Canada
The federal table also shows the rates currently listed for every province and territory.
The federal rate applies to employees in federally regulated sectors, such as banking, telecommunications and interprovincial or international transportation.
| Jurisdiction | Listed general minimum wage | Effective date |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | $18.15 | April 1, 2026 |
| Alberta | $15.00 | June 26, 2019 |
| British Columbia | $18.25 | June 1, 2026 |
| Manitoba | $16.00 | October 1, 2025 |
| New Brunswick | $15.90 | April 1, 2026 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $16.35 | April 1, 2026 |
| Northwest Territories | $17.20 | September 1, 2026 |
| Nova Scotia | $16.75 | April 1, 2026 |
| Nunavut | $20.17 | September 1, 2026 |
| Ontario | $17.60 | October 1, 2025 |
| Prince Edward Island | $17.00 | April 1, 2026 |
| Quebec | $16.60 | May 1, 2026 |
| Saskatchewan | $15.35 | October 1, 2025 |
| Yukon | $18.51 | April 1, 2026 |
Among the listed general rates, Alberta has the lowest at $15.00 an hour, while Nunavut has the highest at $20.17.
The comparison does not mean every worker in a jurisdiction is covered by exactly the same rate, because some provinces have separate rules for students, young workers or specific occupations.
What workers and employers should check
Workers should review the rate that applies where they usually work and note the exact date when a new rate begins.
A pay period that crosses October 1 may require an employer to account for two different minimum rates.
Employers should update payroll systems, workplace notices and budgeting before the applicable effective date.
They should also confirm whether a special rate applies to students, guides, construction workers or another occupation.
The federal database notes that, in most jurisdictions, general rates also apply to young workers.
However, special wage rules can exist, so employees and employers should verify the relevant provincial or territorial employment-standards guidance before relying only on the general table.
Why the rates change at different times
Minimum-wage adjustments are set by each jurisdiction and do not follow one Canada-wide schedule.
Some governments tie increases to inflation, while others use legislation, regulations or a review process.
That is why four provinces are scheduled to change rates on October 1, while other increases have already taken effect earlier in 2026.
Prince Edward Island’s published schedule also extends into 2027, showing that some future changes are announced in advance.
The practical result is that an employee’s minimum legal hourly rate depends on the jurisdiction, the effective date and, in some cases, the type of work performed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which provinces are increasing their minimum wage on October 1, 2026?
Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Prince Edward Island are scheduled to increase their general minimum wages on October 1, 2026.
What will Ontario’s minimum wage be in October 2026?
Ontario’s general minimum wage will be $17.95 an hour from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
What will Manitoba’s minimum wage be on October 1, 2026?
Manitoba’s general minimum wage will rise to $16.40 an hour.
What is the highest general minimum wage listed in Canada?
Nunavut has the highest listed general minimum wage at $20.17 an hour, effective September 1, 2026.
Does the federal minimum wage apply to every worker in Canada?
No. The federal rate applies to federally regulated sectors. Most other employees are covered by the minimum wage rules of their province or territory.
Fact-Checked: The rates, effective dates and jurisdictional details were checked against the federal Minimum Wage Database and official provincial government sources.
Disclaimer: Minimum-wage rules can include separate rates or exemptions for specific occupations and worker groups, so readers should confirm the rules that apply to their job.