Just 4 years ago, the demand for a $15 per hour general minimum wage was a controversial issue. On October 1, 2024, it officially became a reality in all parts of the country when the last holdout, Saskatchewan, finally increased its minimum wage $1.00 to $15. The irony is that $15 per hour has now become an obsolete benchmark that represents the lowest rate in Canada. All but 2 provinces have minimum wages over $15.00, including 5 jurisdictions (FED, BC, ON, NU, YK) where the minimum wage is actually above $17.00 per hour.

Who Has the Highest & Lowest Minimum Wage

Not surprisingly given the difficult working conditions and challenges in attracting labour, minimum wages are generally higher in the territories with Nunavut having the highest minimum wage at $19.00 per hour, followed by Yukon at $17.56. Minimum wage rates are also generous in Ontario ($17.20) and BC ($17.40), as well as for employees of federally regulated companies who get $17.30 or the local minimum wage, whichever is higher.

Meanwhile, the relatively prosperous provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta are tied for the nation’s lowest minimum wage at $15. Following previous trends, minimum wages are the lowest in the Atlantic Provinces, particularly Nova Scotia ($15.20), New Brunswick ($15.30), and Newfoundland ($15.60).

Ranking of Minimum Wage Rates Across Canada (Per Hour) (on October 1 of respective year)