On October 1, 2025, five Canadian provinces raised their minimum wages to support workers facing rising living costs. The Canada Minimum Wage 2025 updates apply to Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. These provinces tied their increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks inflation across the country.
Which Provinces Raised the Minimum Wage in 2025?
Here are the new minimum wage rates that took effect on October 1:
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Ontario: $17.60 per hour
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Nova Scotia: $16.50 per hour
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Prince Edward Island: $16.50 per hour
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Manitoba: $16.00 per hour
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Saskatchewan: $15.35 per hour
Meanwhile, Alberta remains the only province that did not increase its minimum wage recently, keeping it at $15.00 per hour, now the lowest minimum wage in Canada. Earlier this year, provinces like British Columbia, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador also raised their minimum wages.
Why the Canada Minimum Wage 2025 Increases Matter
The increases reflect an effort to help Canadians keep up with inflation and the rising cost of living. With food prices, rent, and utilities going up, the higher minimum wage is intended to protect workers’ purchasing power.
For more on how inflation impacts Canadian workers, check out our inflation impact guide.
Balancing Support for Workers and Businesses
While the Canada Minimum Wage 2025 hikes bring relief for many workers, some small businesses worry about rising payroll costs. Governments aim to find a balance between fair wages and business sustainability.
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