Canada’s official minimum wage rates table has been updated with current and forthcoming general hourly rates for federally regulated workers and every province and territory.
The September 25, 2026 update shows several changes scheduled for October 1, including increases in Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan.
Table of Contents
Minimum wage rates across Canada
The table below lists the general rates shown in the federal government’s database, along with their effective dates.
| Jurisdiction | Effective date | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | April 1, 2026 | $18.15 |
| Alberta | June 26, 2019 | $15.00 |
| British Columbia | June 1, 2026 | $18.25 |
| Manitoba | October 1, 2025 | $16.00 |
| Manitoba | October 1, 2026 | $16.40 |
| New Brunswick | April 1, 2026 | $15.90 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | April 1, 2026 | $16.35 |
| Northwest Territories | September 1, 2026 | $17.20 |
| Nova Scotia | April 1, 2026 | $16.75 |
| Nova Scotia | October 1, 2026 | $17.00 |
| Nunavut | September 1, 2026 | $20.17 |
| Ontario | October 1, 2025 | $17.60 |
| Ontario | October 1, 2026 | $17.95 |
| Prince Edward Island | April 1, 2026 | $17.00 |
| Prince Edward Island | October 1, 2026 | $17.30 |
| Prince Edward Island | April 1, 2027 | $17.60 |
| Quebec | May 1, 2026 | $16.60 |
| Saskatchewan | October 1, 2025 | $15.35 |
| Saskatchewan | October 1, 2026 | $15.70 |
| Yukon | April 1, 2026 | $18.51 |
The federal database identifies these as general rates and notes that many jurisdictions have separate rules for young workers or specific occupations.
Five increases take effect on October 1
Ontario’s general minimum wage will rise from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour on October 1, 2026.
The Ontario government says the increase is tied to the province’s Consumer Price Index and will affect more than 700,000 workers.
Manitoba’s rate will increase by 40 cents, from $16.00 to $16.40 an hour.
The Manitoba government says the adjustment reflects the province’s 2025 inflation rate and is rounded up to the nearest five cents.
Nova Scotia’s general rate will move from $16.75 to $17.00 an hour.
The province previously announced that the October increase would follow a rise to $16.75 on April 1, 2026.
Prince Edward Island will increase its general rate from $17.00 to $17.30 an hour on October 1, with another increase to $17.60 scheduled for April 1, 2027.
Saskatchewan’s rate is listed at $15.70 an hour from October 1, up from $15.35.
Federal rate is $18.15 for federally regulated workers
The federal minimum wage is $18.15 an hour effective April 1, 2026.
It applies to employees in federally regulated private-sector industries such as banking, telecommunications and interprovincial transportation.
When a provincial or territorial general minimum wage is higher than the federal rate, federally regulated employers must pay the higher applicable rate.
That rule means the federal figure is not automatically the rate for every worker in Canada.
Where the highest and lowest general rates stand
Nunavut has the highest listed general minimum wage at $20.17 an hour, effective September 1, 2026.
Yukon follows at $18.51, while British Columbia’s rate is $18.25.
Alberta has the lowest listed general rate at $15.00 an hour, although special rates can apply to some workers.
The differences reflect separate provincial and territorial employment standards systems rather than one nationwide wage floor.
What workers and employers should check
Workers should confirm the jurisdiction governing their job, the effective date of the applicable increase and whether a special occupational or student rate applies.
Employers should review payroll settings before a new rate takes effect and account for pay periods that cross an increase date.
Ontario’s employment standards guidance, for example, says a pay period affected by a rate change must be treated as two separate periods for minimum-wage calculations.
The federal government’s general-rate database is a useful starting point, but employment standards offices in each province and territory remain the authoritative source for exemptions and special categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the federal minimum wage in Canada in 2026?
The federal minimum wage is $18.15 per hour effective April 1, 2026 for employees in federally regulated private-sector industries.
Which provinces are increasing their minimum wage on October 1, 2026?
Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan have general minimum wage changes listed for October 1, 2026.
Which jurisdiction has the highest general minimum wage in the table?
Nunavut has the highest listed general rate at $20.17 per hour, effective September 1, 2026.
Does the federal minimum wage apply to every worker in Canada?
No. It applies to federally regulated workers. Most employees are covered by the employment standards rules of their province or territory.
Can a special minimum wage apply instead of the general rate?
Yes. Some jurisdictions have separate rates or rules for students, young workers, employees who receive tips and specific occupations.
Fact-Checked: Key rates, effective dates and federal minimum-wage rules were checked against the Government of Canada database and official provincial sources.
Disclaimer: Minimum-wage rules can vary by occupation, worker status and jurisdiction, so employees and employers should confirm their specific situation with the applicable employment standards authority.