In 2025, workers across Canada will see changes in their paycheques as several provinces and territories plan to raise their minimum wage rates. These changes are meant to help employees keep up with inflation and the rising cost of living, something many Canadians are struggling with today.
But the increases won’t be the same everywhere. Each province and territory has its own schedule and rates, depending on local decisions and economic conditions. Whether you’re working a part-time job, full-time, or even from home, it’s important to know what rate applies to you.
Federal Minimum Wage Goes Up First
Starting September 1, 2025, the federal minimum wage will rise to $17.75 per hour — a 2.4% increase. This applies to employees who work in federally regulated industries like banks, airlines, and telecommunication.
If you are employed under federal law, this will be your new base rate — unless the province you work in has a higher minimum wage, in which case the higher amount will apply.
Province-by-Province Wage Hikes
Most provincial increases will come into effect on October 1, 2025. Here are some key updates:
- Ontario: $17.60/hour
- Nova Scotia: $16.50/hour
- Manitoba: $16.00/hour
- Saskatchewan: $15.35/hour
- Prince Edward Island: Increasing from $16.50 to $17.00/hour
- British Columbia: $17.85/hour (effective earlier, on June 1)
- Yukon: $17.94/hour (effective April 1)
- Nunavut: $19.75/hour — the highest in Canada
- Alberta: No change — remains at $15.00/hour
These changes reflect a growing trend in Canada: adjusting wages to match inflation and the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
What Workers Should Do
If you’re unsure whether the new rates apply to you, here are a few steps you can take:
- Check your latest pay stub after the new rate comes into effect in your region.
- Know your category — special rules may apply for students, home-based workers, and gig or online platform workers.
- Talk to your employer or HR department if your pay hasn’t been updated. Sometimes, honest mistakes happen.
- If problems continue, contact your local labour board to make sure your rights are respected.
Don’t Forget About Overtime
Even with higher base wages, overtime rules haven’t changed. You’ll still earn extra if you work beyond regular hours — and now, with a higher base rate, your overtime pay should increase too.
The 2025 minimum wage hikes are good news for many Canadian workers, offering much-needed financial relief. While not every region is increasing wages at the same rate, the overall trend shows that Canada is trying to make life a bit easier for its working population.