Minimum wage in Canada by province and territory, 2026
Quick summary
Nunavut has the highest general minimum wage at $20.17 an hour. Alberta has the lowest at $15.00, a rate that has not changed since June 26, 2019. The rest fall between $15.70 and $18.51. The numbers come from the federal Minimum Wage Database. To see what a wage leaves after tax, try the take-home pay calculator.
Checked November 3, 2026. Main source: Employment and Social Development Canada: Current and forthcoming general minimum wage rates (read Nov. 3, 2026). See all 2 sources.
Minimum wage by province and territory
This is the general rate that applies to most workers. The last column is simple math: the hourly rate times 40 hours a week for 52 weeks. It is before tax and assumes no unpaid weeks.
| Where | Hourly rate | Took effect | Next change | 40 hours, 52 weeks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nunavut | $20.17 | Sept. 1, 2026 | None listed | $41,954.00 |
| Yukon | $18.51 | Apr. 1, 2026 | None listed | $38,501.00 |
| British Columbia | $18.25 | June 1, 2026 | None listed | $37,960.00 |
| Federal (banks, telecom, interprovincial transport) | $18.15 | Apr. 1, 2026 | None listed | $37,752.00 |
| Ontario | $17.95 | Oct. 1, 2026 | None listed | $37,336.00 |
| Prince Edward Island | $17.30 | Oct. 1, 2026 | $17.60 on Apr. 1, 2027 | $35,984.00 |
| Northwest Territories | $17.20 | Sept. 1, 2026 | None listed | $35,776.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $17.00 | Oct. 1, 2026 | None listed | $35,360.00 |
| Quebec | $16.60 | May 1, 2026 | None listed | $34,528.00 |
| Manitoba | $16.40 | Oct. 1, 2026 | None listed | $34,112.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $16.35 | Apr. 1, 2026 | None listed | $34,008.00 |
| New Brunswick | $15.90 | Apr. 1, 2026 | None listed | $33,072.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $15.70 | Oct. 1, 2026 | None listed | $32,656.00 |
| Alberta | $15.00 | June 26, 2019 | None listed | $31,200.00 |
Nova Scotia went from $16.75 to $17.00 on Oct. 1, 2026. Source for every row: the federal Minimum Wage Database, read on November 3, 2026.
Which minimum wage applies to you
Most jobs follow the province or territory where you usually work. Banks, telecom and interprovincial transport follow the federal rate instead.
The federal database says that if the provincial or territorial rate is higher than the federal one, the employer pays the higher rate.
Different rates for some workers
Some places set another rate for students, tipped workers or certain jobs. These come from the same database.
| Where | Who | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Students under 18 working up to 28 hours a week, or on a school holiday | $13.00 an hour |
| Ontario | Students under 18 working 28 hours a week or less in school, or on a break | $16.90 an hour |
| Ontario | Homeworkers (paid work done in their own home) | $19.70 an hour |
| Quebec | Workers who usually receive tips | $13.30 an hour |
| British Columbia | Liquor servers | $18.25 an hour, the same as the general rate |
| British Columbia | Delivery and ride-hail platform workers, while engaged | $21.89 an hour, plus a distance allowance |
The database also lists daily and monthly rates for jobs such as live-in caregivers and building caretakers, and construction wage schedules in some provinces. See the full list on the database page.
How rates change
Each province and territory sets its own date. Several raise rates on Oct. 1, including Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and PEI. Others change in April, May, June or September.
Prince Edward Island already has the next step listed: $17.60 on Apr. 1, 2027. We do not guess at future raises that are not announced.
What it means for your money
- A low wage can still leave room for benefits. Use the benefit estimators to see what you might get.
- Your take-home pay is lower than the numbers above because of tax and payroll deductions.
- If your pay is below the rate for where you work, contact your province's labour standards office.
Questions people ask
Which province has the highest minimum wage?
Nunavut, at $20.17 an hour since Sept. 1, 2026. Among provinces, British Columbia is highest at $18.25 an hour, then Ontario at $17.95.
Which province has the lowest minimum wage?
Alberta, at $15.00 an hour. The database shows that rate took effect on June 26, 2019.
What is the minimum wage in Manitoba?
$16.40 an hour since Oct. 1, 2026.
What is the minimum wage in Ontario?
$17.95 an hour since Oct. 1, 2026. Students under 18 who work 28 hours a week or less in school get $16.90.
Is there a federal minimum wage?
Yes. It is $18.15 an hour since Apr. 1, 2026, and covers federally regulated work like banks, telecom and interprovincial transport.
How much is minimum wage per year?
At 40 hours a week for 52 weeks, multiply the hourly rate by 2,080. For example, $17.00 an hour comes to $35,360 before tax.
Do tipped workers get a lower wage?
In Quebec, yes. Workers who usually receive tips have a $13.30 rate. See the table above for other special rates.