Canada did not introduce a nationwide $18.50/hour minimum wage for 2025. Instead, the federal minimum wage for workers in federally regulated sectors (banking, telecom, interprovincial transport, etc.) rose to $17.75/hour on April 1, 2025.
Provinces and territories each set their own minimum wages, many of which changed in 2025—and those local rates apply if they’re higher than the federal rate.
What changed in 2025?
- Federal floor: Increased to $17.75/hour from April 1, 2025.
- Multiple provincial updates: e.g., British Columbia moved to $17.85 (June 1), Ontario to $17.60 (Oct 1), Manitoba to $16.00 (Nov11).
- Highest territorial rate: Nunavut jumped to $19.75 on Sept 1, 2025. Yukon sits at $17.94 (Apr 1).
Bottom line: There’s no single national $18.50 rate. Your location and industry determine the minimum you must be paid.
2025 Minimum Wage Snapshot (General Rates)
| Jurisdiction | 2025 Rate (C$/hr) | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Federal (federally regulated) | 17.75 | Apr 1, 2025 |
| Alberta | 15.00 | Oct 1, 2018 (unchanged) |
| British Columbia | 17.85 | Jun 1, 2025 |
| Manitoba | 16.00 | Nov 11, 2025 |
| New Brunswick | 15.65 | Apr 1, 2025 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | 16.00 | Apr 1, 2025 |
| Nova Scotia | 16.50 | Nov 11, 2025 |
| Ontario | 17.60 | Nov 11, 2025 |
| Prince Edward Island | 16.50 | Nov 11, 2025 |
| Quebec | 16.10 (tipped: 12.90) | Nov 11, 2025 |
| Saskatchewan | 15.35 | Nov 11, 2025 |
| Northwest Territories | 16.95 | Nov 11, 2025 |
| Yukon | 17.94 | Apr 1, 2025 |
| Nunavut | 19.75 | Sept 1, 2025 |
Who does the federal rate cover?
The $17.75 rate applies to federally regulated employers (banks, airlines, telecom, interprovincial trucking). If your province/territory’s minimum is higher than $17.75, your employer must pay the higher local rate.
Why rates differ across Canada
Minimum wages are typically indexed to CPI on a set date each year (e.g., April 1 for federal, June 1 for B.C., October 1 for Ontario).
These formulas aim to keep pace with inflation and cost-of-living shifts.
What workers should do now
- Check your pay stub after the effective date in your jurisdiction.
- If you work in a federally regulated sector, confirm you’re at $17.75+; otherwise, confirm you’re at your provincial/territorial rate.
- Tipped or student roles may have different floors (e.g., Quebec tipped wage). Always verify the category that applies to you.
Claims of a Canada-wide $18.50/hour minimum wage are incorrect. In 2025, the federal minimum is $17.75, and most provinces/territories set their own rates—from $15.00 in Alberta to $19.75 in Nunavut.
To know what you’re owed, look at both your industry (federal vs. provincial) and your local effective date — and ensure your pay reflects the latest adjustment where you work.
FAQs
Is there a new $18.50 national minimum wage in 2025?
No. The federal rate is $17.75/hour (April 1, 2025). Provinces/territories set their own rates, which may be higher or lower depending on the location.
Which place has the highest minimum wage in 2025?
Nunavut leads with $19.75/hour (Sept 1, 2025). Yukon follows at $17.94/hour, and British Columbia at $17.85/hour.
I work for a bank/airline—what rate applies to me?
These are federally regulated sectors, so you should get at least $17.75/hour; if your province’s minimum is higher, you must receive the higher rate.
