The minimum wage is a crucial benchmark in Canada’s labor system, defining the lowest hourly rate employers are legally allowed to pay workers. As of October 1, 2025, several provinces—including Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island (PEI)—will implement new wage rates to better reflect rising living costs.
These adjustments follow earlier increases in 2025, such as British Columbia raising its minimum wage on June 1, Quebec on May 1, and the federal minimum wage moving to $17.75 on April 1, 2025.
Ontario’s Minimum Wage Update
Starting October 1, 2025, Ontario will increase its general minimum wage from $17.20 to $17.60 per hour. This 40-cent hike translates to an estimated $835 in additional annual income for a full-time worker (40 hours per week).
Special wage categories in Ontario:
- Students under 18 (28 hours or fewer per week during school periods) → $16.60/hour (up from $16.20).
- Homeworkers (working from home for an employer) → $19.35/hour (up from $18.90).
- Hunting, fishing, and wilderness guides → $88.05/day for shifts under 5 hours (up from $86.00), and $176.15/day for shifts over 5 hours (up from $172.05).
While the increase is welcomed, labor groups argue it still lags behind the living wage benchmark: $19.50/hour in many regions and up to $26/hour in the Greater Toronto Area.
Ontario Minimum Wage History:
- Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026: $17.60
- Oct 1, 2024 – Sep 30, 2025: $17.20
- Oct 1, 2023 – Sep 30, 2024: $16.55
- Oct 1, 2022 – Sep 30, 2023: $15.50
- Jan 1, 2022 – Sep 30, 2022: $15.00
Manitoba’s Wage Adjustment
Manitoba will raise its minimum wage to $16.00/hour on October 1, 2025, up from $15.80. This follows a 50-cent increase in 2024 and a substantial $1.80 rise in 2023.
The province now pegs annual adjustments to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with the next review set for October 1, 2026. This ensures wages keep pace with inflation while balancing business sustainability.
Nova Scotia’s Dual Wage Increases
To address inflation, Nova Scotia is applying two raises in 2025:
- April 1, 2025: $15.70/hour (up from $15.20).
- October 1, 2025: $16.50/hour.
Nova Scotia Wage History:
- Oct 1, 2025: $16.50
- Apr 1, 2025: $15.70
- Apr 1, 2024: $15.20
- Oct 1, 2023: $15.00
Saskatchewan’s Gradual Increase
Saskatchewan’s minimum wage will climb to $15.35/hour on October 1, 2025, from $15.00. A further rise is already planned for October 1, 2026.
Saskatchewan Wage History:
- Oct 1, 2025: $15.35
- Oct 1, 2024: $15.00
- Oct 1, 2023: $14.00
- Oct 1, 2022: $13.00
- June 1, 2022: $12.52
Prince Edward Island’s Boost
PEI will raise its minimum wage to $16.50/hour on October 1, 2025, up from $16.00. Another increase is set for April 1, 2026, reaching $17.00/hour.
PEI Wage History:
- Apr 1, 2026: $17.00
- Oct 1, 2025: $16.50
- Oct 1, 2024: $16.00
- Apr 1, 2024: $15.40
- Oct 1, 2023: $15.00
Minimum Wage Across Canada – 2025 and Next Increase Schedule
| Province/Territory | Current Wage | Next Raise | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada (Federal) | $17.75 | TBD | Apr 1, 2026 |
| Ontario | $17.20 | $17.60 | Oct 1, 2025 |
| Nova Scotia | $15.70 | $16.50 | Oct 1, 2025 |
| Prince Edward Island | $16.00 | $16.50 | Oct 1, 2025 |
| Manitoba | $15.80 | $16.00 | Oct 1, 2025 |
| Saskatchewan | $15.00 | $15.35 | Oct 1, 2025 |
| Alberta | $15.00 | TBD | TBD |
| British Columbia | $17.85 | TBD | Jun 1, 2026 |
| New Brunswick | $15.65 | TBD | Apr 1, 2026 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $16.00 | TBD | Apr 1, 2026 |
| Northwest Territories | $16.95 | TBD | TBD |
| Nunavut | $19.75 | TBD | TBD |
| Quebec | $16.10 | TBD | May 1, 2026 |
| Yukon | $17.94 | TBD | Apr 1, 2026 |
The 2025 minimum wage increases in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and PEI reflect a nationwide effort to provide greater financial stability for workers. While these changes will add meaningful income for millions, many argue they still fall short of true living wage standards.
With scheduled hikes already announced in PEI and Saskatchewan for 2026, and other provinces reviewing their policies, the conversation about wage adequacy and business sustainability will remain a central issue in Canada’s labor landscape.
FAQs
What will Ontario’s minimum wage be on October 1, 2025?
Ontario’s general minimum wage will rise to $17.60/hour, with special rates for students, homeworkers, and guides also increasing.
Which provinces have scheduled further wage hikes in 2026?
Prince Edward Island (to $17.00 in April 2026) and Saskatchewan (next raise on October 1, 2026).
How does Canada’s federal minimum wage compare?
The federal minimum wage is currently $17.75/hour, applying to federally regulated industries, with the next review expected in April 2026.
