Canada Minimum Wage Increase 2025 – Provinces That Have Implemented the Latest Hike

As the cost of living continues to rise across Canada, minimum wage increases remain a hot topic for workers, businesses, and policymakers. In response to inflation and economic pressures, several provinces have introduced new wage standards, with Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island implementing minimum wage hikes effective October 1, 2025.

These adjustments reflect a broader trend of ensuring fair wages, particularly in provinces where wage growth has lagged behind rising expenses. Let’s break down the recent changes and what they mean for workers.

Minimum Wage Increases by Province

Wage Changes Across Canada

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Ontario’s minimum wage has increased by 65 cents, bringing it to $17.20 per hour. For full-time minimum wage workers, this means an annual income boost of approximately $1,355, assuming a 40-hour workweek. While Ontario remains one of the higher-paying provinces, it still trails behind Nunavut and British Columbia.

Manitoba

Workers in Manitoba will now earn $15.80 per hour, a 50-cent increase from the previous rate. Though this wage hike is modest, it is part of a long-term effort to support workers amid rising inflation. However, Manitoba’s minimum wage remains below the federal minimum wage and many other provinces.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island’s minimum wage has risen twice in 2025, first in April and now again in October, bringing it to $16.00 per hour. The province is committed to improving earnings as its labor market adapts to economic fluctuations.

Saskatchewan

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Saskatchewan saw the biggest jump, with a $1.00 increase, bringing the minimum wage from $14.00 to $15.00 per hour. Despite this significant increase, Saskatchewan still has the lowest minimum wage in Canada among the provinces. The government has hinted at further reviews to ensure wages remain competitive.

Highest Minimum Wages in Canada

While these four provinces saw increases on October 1, 2025, some regions already have higher wages due to previous adjustments.

Federal Minimum Wage

For workers in federally regulated industries, such as banking, telecommunications, and federal agencies, the minimum wage is now $17.30 per hour as of April 1, 2025.

British Columbia

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British Columbia raised its minimum wage in June 2025 from $16.75 to $17.40, making it the highest among provinces.

Nunavut

Nunavut remains the highest-paying region in Canada, with a minimum wage of $19.00 per hour. This reflects the higher cost of living in the northern territory, where essentials like food and housing are significantly more expensive than in the rest of the country.

Bigger Picture

The recent minimum wage hikes reflect an effort to help workers keep up with the rising cost of living. With inflation driving up housing costs, groceries, and other essentials, these adjustments provide some relief—though many argue that they are not enough to close the gap between wages and living expenses.

While some provinces, like Saskatchewan and Manitoba, still lag behind, others, like British Columbia and Nunavut, are setting higher pay standards. As Canada continues to grapple with economic challenges, discussions about further wage increases and living wages will likely remain in focus.

For now, workers in affected provinces can expect a modest boost in their earnings—small but important steps toward fairer wages.

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