Minimum Wage Rises in Five Canadian Provinces

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published October 2, 2026

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In Ontario, the general minimum wage rose from $17.60 to $17.95 per hour, an increase of 35 cents. The provincial government says the adjustment is tied to inflation and is expected to benefit more than 700,000 workers.

Prince Edward Island increased its minimum wage from $17.00 to $17.30 per hour. A further increase to $17.60 is scheduled for April 2027.

In Nova Scotia, the minimum wage rose from $16.75 to $17.00 per hour, marking the province’s second increase during 2026.

Manitoba introduced the largest increase among the five provinces, raising its minimum wage by 40 cents, from $16.00 to $16.40 per hour. The adjustment reflects changes in inflation measured during 2025.

Meanwhile, Saskatchewan increased its minimum wage from $15.35 to $15.70 per hour. The province uses a formula that considers changes in both the Consumer Price Index and the average hourly wage.

Following the October 1 increases, the new minimum wage rates are $17.95 in Ontario, $17.30 in Prince Edward Island, $17.00 in Nova Scotia, $16.40 in Manitoba and $15.70 in Saskatchewan.

By comparison, Alberta’s minimum wage remains at $15.00 per hour, while the federal minimum wage for employees working in federally regulated sectors stands at $18.15 per hour.