Minimum wage rates will increase in four provinces on October 1, 2026, bringing higher hourly pay floors for workers in Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Prince Edward Island.
The updated Government of Canada table lists the new general rates as $16.40 in Manitoba, $17.00 in Nova Scotia, $17.95 in Ontario and $17.30 in Prince Edward Island.
The changes apply on October 1, 2026, and replace the rates currently in effect in those provinces.
Table of Contents
Minimum wage increases taking effect October 1
| 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 |
For an employee working 40 hours per week, the increases represent roughly $16 more in gross weekly pay in Manitoba, $10 more in Nova Scotia, $14 more in Ontario and $12 more in Prince Edward Island before taxes and other deductions.
The provincial increases range from 25 cents to 40 cents per hour.
Manitoba has the largest increase in dollar terms, while Nova Scotia has the smallest increase among the four provinces.
Canada’s general minimum wage rates
The federal minimum wage database also lists current and forthcoming general rates for every province and territory.
The table below reflects the rates identified by the federal database as of September 25, 2026.
| 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, 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 | October 1, 2026 | $17.00 |
| Nunavut | September 1, 2026 | $20.17 |
| Ontario | October 1, 2026 | $17.95 |
| Prince Edward Island | October 1, 2026 | $17.30 |
| Quebec | May 1, 2026 | $16.60 |
| Saskatchewan | October 1, 2025 | $15.35 |
| Yukon | April 1, 2026 | $18.51 |
What workers and employers need to know
The minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate an employer can generally pay an employee covered by the applicable employment standards legislation.
Employers may offer higher wages, but they must meet or exceed the legal minimum for eligible employees.
Employees should check the rate that applies to their province, territory, occupation and employment category.
Some jurisdictions publish separate minimum-wage rules for students, guides, construction workers, logging employees or other specific groups.
Ontario’s October 1 increase will also raise its student minimum wage from $16.60 to $16.90 per hour, according to the province’s employment standards guide.
Other specialized rates may change separately from the general rate.
In Nova Scotia, the general minimum wage is scheduled to move from $16.75 to $17.00 on October 1.
The province says its rate-setting formula is based on the consumer price index plus an additional one per cent.
Manitoba’s government says the $16.40 rate reflects the province’s 2025 inflation rate, rounded up to the nearest five cents.
Prince Edward Island’s official wage order lists $17.30 per hour from October 1, 2026, followed by a scheduled increase to $17.60 on April 1, 2027.
Federal minimum wage rules
The federal minimum wage is $18.15 per hour from April 1, 2026, for workers in federally regulated private-sector industries.
These include sectors such as banking, telecommunications and interprovincial transportation.
Where the provincial or territorial minimum wage is higher than the federal rate, a federally regulated employer must pay the higher rate, according to the Government of Canada.
Workers who believe they are being paid below the applicable minimum should keep copies of schedules, pay statements and records of hours worked before contacting the relevant provincial, territorial or federal employment standards office.
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 on October 1, 2026?
Ontario’s general minimum wage will increase from $17.60 to $17.95 per hour.
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 Canada in 2026?
The federal minimum wage is $18.15 per hour from April 1, 2026, for workers in federally regulated private-sector industries, subject to the higher applicable provincial or territorial rate.
Fact-Checked: Key rates and effective dates were checked against the Government of Canada minimum wage database and official provincial employment standards sources.
Disclaimer: Minimum wage rules can vary by jurisdiction, occupation and employment category, so workers and employers should confirm the rate that applies to their specific situation.