Canada has published its new hourly wage forecast as of June 1, 2025, which constitutes a change for all Canadian workers. The federal minimum wage has increased to $17.75, showing the government’s attempts to accommodate at least minimum wage employment. Nonetheless, some provinces maintain higher minimums due to local developments.
Federal and Provincial Wage Overview
The provincial federal wage floor of $17.75 per hour may be higher in some provinces, as some provinces have already anticipated higher minimums. This change is in tandem with inflation and aiming to assist all workers in every industry. For instance, Nunavut is the highest with $19 per hour, while Alberta is the lowest at $15. This shows western and eastern Canada exhibit two separate rates of economic growth.
| Province | Hourly Wage Rate (2025) |
|---|---|
| Federal Rate | $17.75 |
| Alberta | $15.00 |
| British Columbia | $17.85 |
| Manitoba | $15.80 |
| New Brunswick | $15.65 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $16.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $15.70 |
| Ontario | $17.20 |
| Prince Edward Island | $16.00 |
| Quebec | $16.10 |
| Saskatchewan | $15.00 |
| Northwest Territories | $16.70 |
| Nunavut | $19.00 |
| Yukon | $17.94 |
Industry Specific WI Wage Increases
In addition to the incremental wage floors set by the provinces, a number of sectors are wage inflation. Occupations in the higher-paying sectors such as finance, utilities and mining have long surpassed the wage floor, thus reflecting a higher minimum wage. This set of minimum wages illustrates the very multidimensional nature of its complexity and the interdépendance of salary within the country beyond the minimum wage.
Effects on Workers and The Economy
Increased wages will improve the purchasing power of employees, specifically those working in minimum wage positions. Further, it demonstrates the government’s efforts in trying to support employees and at the same time stimulate the economy. Adjustments to payroll budgets are being made by employers, which may have a bearing on recruitment and employment patterns in the near future.