Minimum wage rates are set to increase in four provinces on October 1, 2026, giving workers and employers a new set of hourly pay requirements to follow as the federal government updates its Canada-wide comparison table.
The scheduled increases affect Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Prince Edward Island.
The new rates range from $16.40 in Manitoba to $17.95 in Ontario.
The changes were reflected in the federal government’s official general minimum wage comparison table updated on September 24, 2026.
Table of Contents
Minimum wage rates changing on October 1
The October 1 increases apply to the general minimum wage in each of the four provinces.
| Province | Current 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 |
For a worker putting in 40 hours per week, the Manitoba increase represents an additional $16 in gross weekly wages before deductions.
The same calculation produces weekly increases of $10 in Nova Scotia, $14 in Ontario and $12 in Prince Edward Island for employees who work 40 hours.
Manitoba minimum wage reaches $16.40
Manitoba’s general minimum wage will rise from $16.00 to $16.40 per hour on October 1, 2026.
The Manitoba government says the increase is tied to the province’s 2025 inflation rate and was rounded up to the nearest five cents.
The province’s Employment Standards Branch lists $16.40 as the minimum wage that will apply from October 1, 2026.
Most workplaces in Manitoba fall under provincial employment standards, although some workers and industries may be subject to different rules or exemptions.
Nova Scotia rate increases to $17.00
Nova Scotia’s general minimum wage will move to $17.00 per hour on October 1, 2026.
The scheduled rate follows an increase to $16.75 on April 1, 2026.
The province’s Minimum Wage Order states that the general rate will be $17.00 from October 1, 2026, with future adjustments calculated under the province’s wage-setting formula.
Employers should review payroll systems, job offers and workplace postings before the October effective date.
Ontario minimum wage rises to $17.95
Ontario’s general minimum wage will increase from $17.60 to $17.95 per hour on October 1, 2026.
The Ontario government says the increase is based on the province’s Consumer Price Index and will affect more than 700,000 workers.
Ontario’s student minimum wage will also rise on the same date, reaching $16.90 per hour under the province’s published employment standards table.
Ontario employees should check whether they are covered by the general rate or a specialized rate, including the student rate or rates applying to certain guides and other occupations.
Prince Edward Island rate reaches $17.30
Prince Edward Island’s general minimum wage is currently $17.00 per hour and is scheduled to rise to $17.30 on October 1, 2026.
The province has also published a further scheduled increase to $17.60 on April 1, 2027.
Prince Edward Island’s annual minimum wage review will consider future rates beyond the increases already announced.
Federal minimum wage remains separate
The federal minimum wage is $18.15 per hour from April 1, 2026, for employees in federally regulated private-sector workplaces.
Federally regulated employers must pay the higher of the federal rate or the applicable provincial or territorial minimum wage.
This means the federal rate generally sets the floor for covered workers even when the provincial general rate is lower.
Federally regulated industries include areas such as banking, telecommunications, interprovincial transportation and postal services, although coverage depends on the employer and workplace.
What workers and employers should do
Workers should check the hourly rate shown on their first pay statement covering work performed after October 1, 2026.
Employers should update payroll software, written wage information and internal compensation records before the new rates take effect.
Employees who believe they are being paid below the applicable minimum can keep copies of schedules, pay statements and employment records when seeking information from their provincial employment standards office.
Minimum wage rules apply to hourly pay, but other employment standards can also affect total compensation, including overtime, vacation pay, statutory holiday pay and rules governing deductions.
The applicable rate depends on the employee’s province or territory, the type of work, whether a specialized rate applies and, in some cases, whether the workplace falls under federal jurisdiction.
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 wage rates on October 1, 2026.
What will Manitoba’s minimum wage be in October 2026?
Manitoba’s general minimum wage will be $16.40 per hour starting October 1, 2026.
What will Ontario’s minimum wage be in October 2026?
Ontario’s general minimum wage will be $17.95 per hour from October 1, 2026. The student minimum wage will be $16.90.
What is Nova Scotia’s minimum wage from October 1, 2026?
Nova Scotia’s general minimum wage will be $17.00 per hour from October 1, 2026.
What is the federal minimum wage in 2026?
The federal minimum wage is $18.15 per hour from April 1, 2026, for employees in federally regulated private-sector workplaces. The higher federal or provincial rate applies.
Fact-Checked: Key rates, effective dates and federal rules were checked against the Government of Canada and official provincial employment standards sources.
Disclaimer: Minimum wage rules can vary by jurisdiction, occupation and workplace coverage, so workers should confirm the rate that applies to their specific job.