Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island will implement new minimum wage rates effective October 1st, 2024. This change is intended to reflect the cost of living and economic factors.  According to Immigration News Canada, these adjustments are part of an annual review by Canadian provinces to ensure minimum wages reflect current economic realities. 

Ontario’s Minimum Wage Changes ‘In Ontario, the minimum wage will rise from $16.55 to $17.20 per hour, reports inform. indicating a 3.93% increase.  This change is part of the province’s annual wage review. Labour activists are pushing for a minimum wage of $20 per hour. The Ontario Living Wage Network, according to reports, revealed that the living wage in many areas is about $20 per hour, reaching over $25 in the Greater Toronto Area.  

Specific adjustments within Ontario include a New minimum wage of $16.20 per hour for students under 18 working limited hours.

An increase for homeworkers from $18.20 to $18.90 per hour, and a New daily wage structure for hunting, fishing, and wilderness guides. 

Manitoba’s Wage Increase 

Manitoba will increase its minimum wage from $15.30 to $15.80 per hour. This, according to reports, is part of an effort to adjust wages according to the Consumer Price Index, which measures inflation. The last increase was in 2023, which saw a total increase of $1.80 over two adjustments. Future revisions are scheduled for October 1, 2025. 

Saskatchewan’s New Rate 

Saskatchewan will raise its minimum wage from $14.00 to $15.00 per hour, an increase of 7.14%. This increase, according to reports, follows a previous adjustment made in October 2023.  Saskatchewan, as stated, continues to work toward improving wage standards, stressing the need for periodic updates based on economic conditions.

Prince Edward Island Adjustment 

Prince Edward Island will also see its minimum wage increase from $15.40 to $16.00 per hour. This change follows an earlier increase effective April 1, 2024. The new rate aims to further support workers in the province as they navigate rising living costs. 

Current and Upcoming Minimum Wage Rates Across Canada 

The recent increases in minimum wage reflect a nationwide trend toward adjustments aimed at matching inflation and living costs. British Columbia currently has the highest minimum wage in Canada at $17.40 per hour, with another increase planned for June 1st, 2025.

Upcoming minimum wage rates: 

– Ontario: $17.20 (October 1st, 2024) 

– Manitoba: $15.80 (October 1st, 2024) 

– Saskatchewan: $15.00 (October 1st, 2024) 

– Prince Edward Island: $16.00 (October 1st, 2024) 

As provinces continue to adjust their rates annually, workers and employers alike will need to stay informed about these changes and their implications for the labor market.