Canada’s minimum wage landscape in 2025 is a mix of federal and provincial/territorial rules. While some headlines mention $17.65/hour, the confirmed federal minimum for federally regulated workers is $17.75/hour (banks, telecom, interprovincial transport, etc.).
Provinces and territories set their own rates for most workers—and many now exceed the federal floor.
Below is a clean, province-wise summary with effective dates so employers and workers can align payroll and expectations.
What Changed In 2025
- Federal Adjustment: The federal minimum rose to $17.75/hour in 2025. If your province/territory is higher, you’re paid the higher rate.
- Northern Leaders: Nunavut leads the nation at $19.75/hour, followed by Yukon at $17.94/hour.
- West Coast Move: British Columbia increased its general minimum to $17.85/hour.
- Fall Resets: Several provinces applied their regular October 1 increases (e.g., Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, PEI).
Province-Wise Minimum Wage (2025)
| Jurisdiction | 2025 General Minimum | Key 2025 Date(s) / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Federal (federally regulated sectors) | $17.75 | Applies to federally regulated private sectors |
| British Columbia | $17.85 | Effective Jun 1, 2025 |
| Ontario | $17.60 | Effective Oct 1, 2025 (was $17.20) |
| Quebec | $16.10 | Effective May 1, 2025 |
| Alberta | $15.00 | No change in 2025 |
| Manitoba | $16.00 | Effective Oct 1, 2025 |
| New Brunswick | $15.65 | Effective Apr 1, 2025 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $16.00 | Effective Apr 1, 2025 |
| Nova Scotia | $16.50 | Effective Oct 1, 2025 |
| Prince Edward Island | $16.50 | Effective Oct 1, 2025 |
| Saskatchewan | $15.35 | Effective Oct 1, 2025 |
| Yukon | $17.94 | Effective Apr 1, 2025 (indexed) |
| Northwest Territories | $16.95 | Effective Sep 1, 2025 |
| Nunavut | $19.75 | Effective Sep 1, 2025 (highest) |
Tip: If you’re in a federally regulated job located in a province with a lower minimum than $17.75, you get $17.75. If your province is higher (e.g., B.C. $17.85), you get the higher number.
Cost Of Living And Indexation
Several jurisdictions index minimum wage annually to inflation.
That means regular, predictable adjustments instead of ad-hoc jumps.
This helps workers keep pace with rising costs and gives businesses better planning visibility. For example, Yukon ties its update to the consumer price index each April, while provinces like Ontario typically adjust on October 1.
What Employers Should Do Now
- Audit Payroll: Ensure the correct 2025 rate by jurisdiction is applied for hours worked on/after each effective date.
- Update Contracts & Posters: Keep employee handbooks, offer letters, and workplace postings current.
- Budget For Ripple Effects: Higher minimums can lift entry-level and near-minimum pay bands and may influence overtime and holiday pay thresholds.
- Track Youth/Tipped Rules: Some provinces have special rates or categories (e.g., student, liquor server), though many have narrowed gaps with the general minimum.
What Workers Should Check
- Jurisdiction: Are you provincially or federally regulated?
- Effective Date On Your Pay Stub: Verify the correct rate from the first shift after the date change.
- Deductions/Benefits: Confirm any changes in overtime, vacation pay, or allowances that scale with hourly wages.
Canada’s 2025 wage picture blends a $17.75 federal floor with a patchwork of provincial/territorial rates—many of which are higher.
Standouts include Nunavut ($19.75), Yukon ($17.94), and B.C. ($17.85), while Ontario moved to $17.60 on Oct 1. Whether you’re updating payroll or reviewing your pay stub, use the table and dates above to stay accurate, compliant, and ready for the year’s cost-of-living realities.
FAQs
Is The Minimum Wage The Same Across Canada In 2025?
No. Most workers are covered by provincial/territorial rates, while the federal rate ($17.75/hour) covers federally regulated sectors. You’re paid whichever is higher.
Why Do Some Headlines Say $17.65 Instead Of $17.75?
$17.65 appeared in earlier projections and media shorthand. The confirmed federal rate for 2025 is $17.75/hour; provincial/territorial rates may be higher.
Which Region Has The Highest Minimum Wage In 2025?
Nunavut at $19.75/hour, followed by Yukon ($17.94) and British Columbia ($17.85).