Starting October 1, 2025, five Canadian provinces—Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island (PEI)—will increase their minimum wages. These changes are designed to provide more financial support for low-wage earners while addressing the rising cost of living across Canada.
This article outlines the new wage rates, what they mean for workers and businesses, and how they compare to living wage standards in Canada.
Minimum Wage Updates by Province
1. Ontario
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General Minimum Wage: $17.60/hr (up from $17.20)
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Student Wage: $16.60/hr (up from $16.20) – applies to students under 18 working 28 hrs/week or less
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Homeworkers: $19.35/hr (up from $18.90)
Why it matters: Ontario’s increase ensures students, remote workers, and general employees receive fairer pay amidst inflation.
2. Manitoba
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New Rate: $16.00/hr (up from $15.80)
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Adjustment is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to keep wages in line with inflation.
Impact: This helps maintain workers’ purchasing power, especially in retail, hospitality, and service industries.
3. Saskatchewan
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New Rate: $15.35/hr (up from $15.00)
Why it matters: Though a smaller increase compared to other provinces, this still strengthens financial security for entry-level workers and keeps Saskatchewan competitive regionally.
4. Nova Scotia
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April 1, 2025: Increased to $15.70/hr
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October 1, 2025: Will rise again to $16.50/hr
Why it matters: Regular increases highlight Nova Scotia’s efforts to keep up with rising living costs.
5. Prince Edward Island (PEI)
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October 1, 2025: $16.50/hr (up from $16.00)
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April 1, 2026: Further increase to $17.00/hr
Impact: A phased approach to improving worker incomes, especially in industries like tourism and agriculture.
Minimum Wage Across Canada – October 2025 Snapshot
| Province/Territory | Minimum Wage (Oct 1, 2025) | Next Scheduled Increase |
| Federal (regulated industries) | $17.75 | April 1, 2026 |
| Ontario | $17.60 | — |
| Manitoba | $16.00 | — |
| Saskatchewan | $15.35 | — |
| Nova Scotia | $16.50 | — |
| Prince Edward Island | $16.50 (→ $17.00 in Apr 2026) | Apr-26 |
| Alberta | $15.00 | — |
| British Columbia | $17.85 | June 1, 2026 |
| New Brunswick | $15.65 | April 1, 2026 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $16.00 | April 1, 2026 |
| Northwest Territories | $16.70 | — |
| Nunavut | $19.00 | — |
| Quebec | $16.10 | May 1, 2026 |
| Yukon | $17.94 | April 1, 2026 |
Minimum Wage vs. Living Wage
While these increases are welcome, they still fall short of “living wages”—the hourly pay required to cover housing, food, childcare, and transportation.
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Ontario: $17.60/hr is below the estimated $20–$25/hr needed in cities like Toronto and Ottawa.
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Manitoba & Saskatchewan: $16.00/hr and $15.35/hr remain well below the $18–$22/hr living wage benchmarks.
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Nova Scotia & PEI: $16.50/hr still lags behind the $21–$23/hr living wage estimates in Halifax and Charlottetown.
Rising housing and grocery costs have outpaced wage hikes, leaving many workers struggling to make ends meet.
Key Takeaways
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Minimum wages in five provinces will rise on October 1, 2025.
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These increases aim to support workers but remain below actual living wage levels.
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For employers, higher wages may increase costs but can also improve productivity and reduce staff turnover.
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For workers, even modest increases can provide relief in managing essential expenses.
FAQs
1. Is Ontario’s minimum wage going up in 2025?
Yes, to $17.60/hr starting October 1, 2025. Student and homeworker rates will also increase.
2. Which province has the lowest minimum wage?
As of October 2025, Alberta at $15.00/hr.
3. Which province has the highest minimum wage?
Nunavut at $19.00/hr, followed by British Columbia at $17.85/hr.
4. What is Ontario’s student minimum wage for 2025?
$16.60/hr for students under 18 working 28 hrs/week or less.
5. How often are wages adjusted?
Most provinces adjust annually, often based on inflation (CPI).
