The minimum wage will increase in Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Prince Edward Island on October 1, 2026, according to an updated Government of Canada table of current and forthcoming general wage rates.
The four changes affect the minimum hourly amount covered employees must receive under provincial employment standards.
The new rates apply from October 1 unless a worker is covered by a different occupational, federal or sector-specific rule.
Table of Contents
Minimum Wage: Four provinces set for October 1 increases
| Province | Current rate | Rate from October 1, 2026 | Hourly 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 |
Manitoba’s rate will rise by 40 cents an hour, the largest increase among the four provinces.
The province’s employment standards information identifies $16.40 as the rate effective October 1, 2026.
Nova Scotia’s general minimum wage will increase from $16.75 to $17.00 an hour.
The change is set out in the province’s Minimum Wage Order regulations.
Ontario’s general minimum wage will move from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour.
Ontario has also published separate rates for students and certain other categories of workers, according to its minimum wage rates.
Prince Edward Island’s rate will increase from $17.00 to $17.30 an hour.
The province’s Minimum Wage Order lists the October 1, 2026 rate at $17.30.
What workers should know
The increases apply to eligible hours worked on or after the effective date.
Employees should check their first pay statement covering October 1 or later to confirm that the correct rate has been used.
A minimum-wage increase does not automatically require an employer to raise every wage above the legal minimum.
Employers generally must adjust pay when an employee’s rate would otherwise fall below the new statutory floor.
Workers paid by commission, piece rate or another non-hourly arrangement may still be protected by minimum-wage rules.
The calculation can depend on the province, the pay period and the type of work performed.
Employees who believe they have been paid less than the applicable minimum should keep records of hours worked, pay statements and workplace communications.
Provincial employment standards offices handle most complaints involving provincially regulated workplaces.
Why the federal table matters
The federal minimum-wage table brings together general rates across Canada, including rates that are already in force and rates scheduled to take effect later.
It is a useful national reference, but provincial employment standards agencies remain the primary authorities for interpreting local rules.
Not every worker in Canada is covered by a provincial minimum wage.
Employees in federally regulated industries may be subject to the federal minimum wage, while some occupations have special rules or exemptions under provincial legislation.
Employers should review payroll settings before October 1 and confirm whether any student, liquor-service, construction, domestic-worker or other special rate applies.
Where a collective agreement or employment contract promises a higher wage, the higher amount may continue to apply.
Changes take effect October 1
The updated federal table was published September 24, 2026, ahead of the four scheduled increases.
The next practical deadline for affected employers is to ensure that work performed on or after October 1 is paid at the new applicable rate.
Workers and employers should rely on the employment standards authority in their province when a question involves exemptions, special categories, overtime, vacation pay or the treatment of a pay period that crosses the changeover date.
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 Ontario’s minimum wage be on October 1, 2026?
Ontario’s general minimum wage will be $17.95 per hour.
What will Manitoba’s minimum wage be after the increase?
Manitoba’s minimum wage will be $16.40 per hour starting October 1, 2026.
Do employers have to increase wages for workers already earning more than minimum wage?
Not necessarily. The legal requirement is generally to ensure that covered employees receive at least the new minimum wage, unless another rule or agreement requires more.
Where can workers report a possible minimum-wage violation?
Workers should contact the employment standards office in the province where they work and keep records such as schedules, hours, pay statements and related communications.
Fact-Checked: The October 1, 2026 rates were checked against the Government of Canada’s wage table and official Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Prince Edward Island information. ([minwage-salairemin.service.canada.ca](https://minwage-salairemin.service.canada.ca/en/general.html?1353fe24_page=1&26a8c44d_page=2&dbe437e9_page=2&wbdisable=true))
Disclaimer: Minimum-wage rules can vary by occupation, industry, jurisdiction and worker classification, so affected employees and employers should confirm the applicable rate with their provincial or federal employment standards authority.