Canada’s official minimum wage table has been updated to show four provincial increases taking effect on October 1, 2026.
Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Prince Edward Island will all have higher general minimum-wage rates next month.
The federal table, updated September 24, 2026, also lists the minimum wage currently in force across federally regulated workplaces, every province and territory, and scheduled changes already announced by governments.
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Four provinces will raise minimum wage on October 1
Manitoba’s general minimum wage will rise from $16.00 to $16.40 an hour.
Nova Scotia’s rate will move from $16.75 to $17.00, while Ontario’s rate will increase from $17.60 to $17.95.
Prince Edward Island will raise its rate from $17.00 to $17.30.
The increases are $0.40 an hour in Manitoba, $0.25 in Nova Scotia, $0.35 in Ontario and $0.30 in Prince Edward Island.
The dates and amounts match the federal government’s updated national table and the provinces’ own employment-standards information.
| Jurisdiction | 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 |
Current minimum wage rates across Canada
As of the September 24 update, the federal minimum wage is $18.15 an hour.
It applies to employees in federally regulated sectors, including banking, telecommunications and interprovincial or international transportation.
Where a provincial or territorial minimum wage is higher than the federal rate, federally regulated employers must pay the higher applicable rate to employees working in that jurisdiction.
| Jurisdiction | General minimum wage | Effective date shown in the table |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Nunavut has the highest listed general minimum wage at $20.17 an hour, followed by British Columbia at $18.25 and the federal rate at $18.15.
Alberta has the lowest listed general rate at $15.00 an hour.
These comparisons refer to the general rates in the federal table and do not account for special rates that can apply to particular occupations or young workers.
What workers and employers should check
Employees should review the rate that applies where they normally work and confirm whether their occupation is covered by a special minimum-wage rule.
In most jurisdictions, the general rate also applies to young workers, but the federal government maintains separate information for young workers and specific occupations.
Employers in Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Prince Edward Island should update payroll systems before the October 1 effective date.
They should also check whether a pay period crosses the date of a rate change, since provincial employment-standards rules can determine how wages must be calculated for that period.
Ontario says its October increase is tied to the provincial Consumer Price Index and applies from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
Manitoba’s official employment-standards information also confirms the $16.40 rate beginning October 1.
Nova Scotia’s general minimum-wage order lists $17.00 from October 1, 2026, after the rate rose to $16.75 on April 1.
Prince Edward Island’s order lists $17.30 from October 1, followed by a further scheduled increase to $17.60 on April 1, 2027.
More changes are already scheduled
Prince Edward Island is the only jurisdiction in the updated national table with another general minimum-wage increase already listed after October 1.
Its rate is scheduled to reach $17.60 on April 1, 2027.
The national table is designed to show both rates already in force and forthcoming changes.
Workers and employers should check the official federal table and their provincial or territorial employment-standards authority for later amendments, special occupational rules and enforcement guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which provinces are increasing 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 Ontario’s minimum wage be on October 1, 2026?
Ontario’s general minimum wage will be $17.95 an hour, up from $17.60.
What is the federal minimum wage in Canada?
The federal minimum wage listed in the updated table is $18.15 an hour, effective April 1, 2026, for federally regulated workplaces.
Which jurisdiction has the highest general minimum wage listed?
Nunavut has the highest general minimum wage listed in the updated table at $20.17 an hour.
Will Prince Edward Island’s minimum wage rise again after October 2026?
Yes. Prince Edward Island’s rate is scheduled to rise to $17.60 an hour on April 1, 2027.
Fact-Checked: Key rates, effective dates and forthcoming changes were checked against Employment and Social Development Canada and official provincial employment-standards sources.
Disclaimer: Minimum-wage rules can vary for young workers, specific occupations and federally regulated workplaces, so employees and employers should confirm the rule that applies to their situation.