The minimum wage is the lowest remuneration an employer can legally give an employee in exchange for work.
What Is the Minimum Wage in Canada?
In Canada, there is no fixed minimum wage for the entire country. It varies according to the province.
As of August 2026, here are the minimum wages in effect in Canada’s 13 provinces:
- Alberta: $15.00
- British Columbia: $18.25
- Manitoba: $16.00 ($16.40 effective October 1, 2026)
- New Brunswick: $15.90
- Newfoundland and Labrador: $16.35
- Northwest Territories: $16.95
- Nova Scotia: $16.75 ($17.00 effective October 1, 2026)
- Nunavut: $19.75 ($20.17 effective September 1, 2026)
- Ontario: $17.60 ($17.95 effective October 1, 2026)
- Prince Edward Island: $17.00 ($17.30 effective October 1, 2026)
- Quebec: $16.60
- Saskatchewan: $15.35
- Yukon: $18.51
Are All Employees Entitled to the Minimum Wage?
Not all employees are entitled to the minimum wage. For example, in Quebec, the following employees may be paid less than the minimum wage:
- Students employed in a non-profit organization such as a summer day camp
- Interns in a vocational training program
- Employees paid entirely on commission
