Canada Minimum Wage / September 22, 2025

Ontario & 4 Provinces To Raise Minimum Wage Starting October 2025

Beginning October 1, 2025, minimum wages will increase in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

Millions of Canadian workers across Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island will see a boost in their pay starting October 1, 2025. These provinces have announced new minimum wage rates to help workers cope with rising costs.

This move follows earlier wage increases in British Columbia, Quebec, and federally regulated sectors.

Ontario’s New Minimum Wage: $17.60

Ontario workers will earn $17.60 per hour starting October 1, 2025. This is a 40-cent increase from the current rate of $17.20, set in 2024.

A full-time worker putting in 40 hours a week will make about $835 more each year. The Ontario government expects this to provide noticeable relief for many households.

There are also changes for special worker groups:

  • Students under 18 working part-time will earn $16.60 per hour.
  • Homeworkers will receive $19.35 per hour.
  • Guides in hunting, fishing, and wilderness work will make up to $176.15 per day.

Still, concerns remain. Some groups say this raise doesn’t match real living costs. Many in Ontario need at least $19.50 per hour to get by. In the Greater Toronto Area, that number jumps to $26 per hour.

Manitoba’s Wage to Hit $16.00

Manitoba’s minimum wage will rise to $16.00 per hour, up from $15.80. This follows years of steady increases.

In 2023, wages jumped by $1.80. Another 50-cent hike came in 2024. Now, the province adjusts wages each year based on inflation. The next review comes in October 2026.

Nova Scotia to Introduce Second Wage Hike

Nova Scotia is increasing wages twice in 2025.

  • April 1, 2025: Wage rose to $15.70
  • October 1, 2025: Wage will rise again to $16.50

This two-step plan helps workers better handle rising bills and daily costs.

Saskatchewan Moving to $15.35

Saskatchewan’s wage will go from $15.00 to $15.35 per hour in October 2025. Last year’s increase was more dramatic, with a $1.00 jump.

Another raise is scheduled for October 2026, as the province aims for steady and manageable wage growth.

PEI Workers to Earn $16.50

Prince Edward Island workers will get $16.50 per hour starting in October. This is a 50-cent rise from the current $16.00. Another increase to $17.00 is already set for April 1, 2026.

How Other Provinces Compare

Some provinces have already raised wages earlier in 2025:

  • British Columbia: $17.85 (since June)
  • Quebec: $16.10 (since May)
  • Federal minimum wage: $17.75 (since April)

Other regions, like Alberta, have not raised wages since 2018.

Nunavut currently has the highest wage in the country at $19.75. Meanwhile, provinces like Yukon, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland plan reviews in 2026.

Why These Increases Matter

These wage changes come as many Canadians struggle to afford housing, groceries, and transportation. Governments say the new rates aim to protect workers during tough economic times.

However, many groups believe the minimum wage is still far behind what people need to live with dignity. Some are calling for rates above $20 per hour.

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