Minimum Wage Hikes Set to Arrive Across Canada in 2026 / December 15, 2025

Minimum Wage Hikes Set to Arrive Across Canada in 2026

Bringing higher pay for federally regulated employees and workers in several provinces and territories.

The federal government sets wages for federally regulated private sectors. Provinces and territories set rates for all other workers. The correct wage depends on the employer and industry. Federal and provincial rates can differ.

Federal Minimum Wage Update

The federal minimum wage changes every April. Officials link the increase to the Consumer Price Index. The goal is to match rising prices.

The current federal wage stands at $17.75 per hour. It takes effect on April 1, 2026. The next increase should reach about $18.10 per hour. This change follows a two percent inflation measure. Banks, transportation companies, postal services, and telecommunications firms must follow this rate. The adjustment applies automatically.

Nova Scotia Plans Two-Step Increase

Nova Scotia has raised wages quickly in recent years. The province ties increases to inflation plus an extra one percent.

The current rate is $16.50 per hour, effective October 1, 2025. Workers will earn $16.75 per hour on April 1, 2026. Another increase will lift the wage to $17.00 on October 1, 2026. The two-step plan helps businesses prepare while workers gain steady raises.

Prince Edward Island Confirms April Raise

Prince Edward Island uses yearly reviews to guide wage changes. The current minimum wage is $16.50 per hour from October 1, 2025. A confirmed increase will raise the rate to $17.00 per hour on April 1, 2026. This makes the increase one of the most certain in the country.

Other Regions Expect Changes

New Brunswick adjusts wages based on inflation alone. The current rate is $15.65 per hour. The province expects the wage to reach about $16.00 on April 1, 2026.

Newfoundland and Labrador also follow inflation indexing. The present rate is $16.00 per hour. The next increase could bring it to about $16.32 in 2026.

Yukon uses local inflation data. The territory now pays $17.94 per hour. The next increase could raise it to about $18.37.

Ontario will announce a new wage by April 2026. The increase will start on October 1, 2026.

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