New Minimum Wage in Canada
Starting April 1, 2025, Canadian workers will see a notable boost in their paychecks as the federal minimum wage and wages in 4 Canadian provinces are set to rise.
These changes aim to combat inflation and support workers facing a rising cost of living.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 minimum wage updates, optimized to keep you informed!
Canada’s Federal Minimum Wage Jumps to $17.75 in 2025
On April 1, 2025, the federal minimum wage in Canada will increase from $17.30 to $17.75 per hour, a 45-cent boost designed to align with inflation trends tracked by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
This change will directly benefit over 26,000 workers in federally regulated private sectors, such as:
- Banking
- Postal and courier services
- Interprovincial transportation (air, rail, road, and maritime)
The federal minimum wage applies nationwide to these industries, but here’s the kicker: if a province or territory offers a higher minimum hourly wage, employees in those regions get the better rate.
This annual adjustment, reviewed every April 1, follows last year’s increase from $16.65 (2023) to $17.30 (2024)—a 65-cent jump.
The 2025 hike keeps the momentum going for fair wages across Canada.
4 Provinces Raising Minimum Hourly Wages on April 1, 2025
Alongside the federal increase, four Canadian provinces are rolling out their minimum wage hikes on April 1, 2025.
Let’s break it down:
- Nova Scotia Minimum Hourly Wage 2025
- Current Rate: $15.30 per hour
- New Rate: $15.65 per hour
- Nova Scotia ties its wage adjustments to inflation, ensuring workers see steady gains year after year. This 35-cent increase reflects the province’s commitment to supporting its workforce amid rising costs.
- Newfoundland and Labrador Minimum Wage 2025
- Current Rate: $15.60 per hour (as of April 1, 2024)
- New Rate: $16.00 per hour
- With a planned 40-cent boost, Newfoundland and Labrador continues its roadmap for consistent wage growth, giving workers a reliable financial uplift in 2025.
- New Brunswick Minimum Hourly Wage 2025
- Current Rate: $15.30 per hour (set April 1, 2024)
- New Rate: $15.65 per hour
- Pegged to the CPI, this 35-cent increase keeps New Brunswick wages in step with the province’s cost-of-living trends, marking another win for workers.
- Yukon Minimum Wage 2025
- Current Rate: $17.59 per hour
- New Rate: $17.94 per hour
- Yukon’s 35-cent hike, also based on inflation data, brings its minimum wage tantalizingly close to the top spot in Canada. Plus, overtime pay remains strong at time-and-a-half for hours over 8 per day or 40 per week.
Why These Minimum Wage Increases Matter
These updates aren’t just numbers—they’re a lifeline for workers grappling with inflation and soaring living expenses.
From federally regulated sectors like airlines and telecommunications to provincial labour markets, these raises signal a broader push for economic fairness in 2025.
Curious about who qualifies for the federal rate? It includes industries like:
- Grain elevators and feed mills
- Radio and TV broadcasting
- Federal Crown corporations (e.g., Canada Post)
- Uranium mining and more
Minimum Wage in Canada: Your 2025 Cheat Sheet
Wondering, “What’s Canada’s minimum hourly wage in 2025?” Here’s the rundown as of April 1, 2025:
| Province/Territory | Current Minimum Wage | Next Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (Federally regulated sectors) | $17.30 | $17.75 effective April 1, 2025 |
| Yukon | $17.59 | $17.94 effective April 1, 2025 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $15.60 | $16.00 effective April 1, 2025 |
| Nova Scotia | $15.20 | $15.65 effective April 1, 2025 |
| Prince Edward Island | $16.00 | TBD |
| New Brunswick | $15.30 | $15.65 effective April 1, 2025 |
| Nunavut | $19.00 | TBD |
| British Columbia | $17.40 | $17.85 effective June 1, 2025 |
| Ontario | $17.20 | Expected to be $17.70 effective October 1, 2025 |
| Northwest Territories | $16.05 | TBD |
| Manitoba | $15.80 | TBD |
| Quebec | $15.75 | TBD |
| Alberta | $15.00 | TBD |
| Saskatchewan | $15.00 | TBD |
With inflation driving these changes, expect more updates in 2026 as Canada and its provinces continue refining wage policies.
Whether you’re a worker, employer, or just curious, these increases spotlight a growing focus on livable wages.
Share this article to spread the word—and stay tuned for more updates on Canada’s evolving economic landscape!
What’s the highest minimum wage in Canada for 2025?
As of April 1, 2025, Nunavut holds the crown with a minimum wage of $19.00 per hour, unchanged since 2021 but still the highest in the country.
Following close behind are:
Yukon: $17.94 per hour
Federal Minimum Hourly Wage: $17.75 per hour
For comparison, British Columbia sits at $17.40 per hour (effective June 1, 2024), with a planned increase to $17.85 per hour on June 1, 2025.
Meanwhile, Ontario’s minimum wage stands at $17.20 per hour, with its next hike slated for October 1, 2025.
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