Minimum wage rates in Canada have been updated ahead of four provincial increases scheduled for October 1, 2026.
Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Prince Edward Island will all raise their general hourly minimum wages on that date, according to the federal Minimum Wage Database and provincial government information.
The changes affect the legal pay floor for most employees in those provinces, although some workers may fall under separate rates or employment standards rules.
Table of Contents
Four provinces raising minimum wage on October 1
| 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 |
Manitoba’s increase will move the provincial rate from $16.00 to $16.40 per hour.
The province says the adjustment reflects its annual inflation-based formula and is rounded to the nearest five cents, according to Manitoba Employment Standards.
Nova Scotia’s general minimum wage will rise from $16.75 to $17.00 per hour.
The province’s schedule includes two increases in 2026, with the first taking effect on April 1 and the second on October 1.
Ontario’s general minimum wage will increase from $17.60 to $17.95 per hour.
The province ties its annual October adjustment to the Ontario Consumer Price Index.
Prince Edward Island’s rate will rise from $17.00 to $17.30 per hour.
The province has also scheduled a further increase to $17.60 on April 1, 2027.
Current and forthcoming minimum wage rates across Canada
The federal comparison table lists the following general minimum wage rates and effective dates as of September 25, 2026.
| Jurisdiction | Effective date | General minimum wage |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Yukon | April 1, 2026 | $18.51 |
The federal minimum wage is $18.15 per hour from April 1, 2026.
It applies to employees in federally regulated sectors, including banking, telecommunications and interprovincial transportation.
For federally regulated employees, the applicable provincial or territorial minimum wage applies when it is higher than the federal rate.
This means the federal figure is not automatically the rate for every employee working in Canada.
What workers and employers should check
Employees in the four affected provinces should review the hourly rate shown on pay statements for work performed on or after October 1, 2026.
Employers should update payroll systems, employment agreements, scheduling calculations and workplace postings before the new rates take effect.
Minimum wage rules can differ for students, hunting and fishing guides, agricultural workers, construction employees and other specific groups.
Workers should check the employment standards rules that apply to their job rather than relying only on the general rate.
Ontario, Nova Scotia, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island each publish additional employment standards information for workers and employers.
The federal database also separates general rates from special rates for young workers and specific occupations.
Why the October changes matter
The four increases will affect workers paid at or near the legal minimum, as well as employers whose payroll costs are linked to the statutory wage floor.
The largest dollar increase among the four provinces is Manitoba’s 40-cent rise, while Ontario will have the highest general rate of the group at $17.95 per hour after October 1.
Prince Edward Island is the only one of the four provinces with another already scheduled increase listed in the federal table, with the rate set to reach $17.60 on April 1, 2027. Four Canadian minimum wages rise on October 1.
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 on October 1, 2026?
Manitoba’s general minimum wage will increase from $16.00 to $16.40 per hour.
What will Ontario’s minimum wage be after the October 2026 increase?
Ontario’s general minimum wage will rise from $17.60 to $17.95 per hour on October 1, 2026.
What is the federal minimum wage in Canada in 2026?
The federal minimum wage is $18.15 per hour from April 1, 2026, for employees in federally regulated sectors.
Does the federal minimum wage apply to every worker in Canada?
No. It applies to federally regulated workplaces. Most other employees are covered by the minimum wage rules of their province or territory.
Fact-Checked: The rates, effective dates and federal comparison figures were checked against the Government of Canada Minimum Wage Database and official provincial employment standards sources.
Disclaimer: Minimum wage rules can include separate rates or exemptions for specific occupations and worker groups, so employees should confirm the rules applying to their job.