Minimum wage in Canada is not one nationwide rate for every employee. Provinces and territories set general rates for most workplaces; the federal minimum applies to federally regulated employees. As of September 25, 2026, the federal rate is CAD $18.15 per hour, effective April 1, 2026. If a higher provincial or territorial rate applies to a federally regulated worker, the higher rate must be paid.
Rates checked September 25, 2026 against the Government of Canada’s current-and-forthcoming database. This is a dated snapshot, not payroll or legal advice. Confirm the rate for the actual work location and date before paying or accepting an offer.
General hourly rates in effect on September 25, 2026
| Jurisdiction | General rate (CAD/hour) |
|---|---|
| Federal | $18.15 |
| Alberta | $15.00 |
| British Columbia | $18.25 |
| Manitoba | $16.00 |
| New Brunswick | $15.90 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $16.35 |
| Northwest Territories | $17.20 |
| Nova Scotia | $16.75 |
| Nunavut | $20.17 |
| Ontario | $17.60 |
| Prince Edward Island | $17.00 |
| Quebec | $16.60 |
| Saskatchewan | $15.35 |
| Yukon | $18.51 |
The official minimum-wage database also shows announced future changes. For example, several rates are scheduled to change on October 1, 2026. Those future amounts are not the rates in effect on the review date above. Always use the effective date, not just the newest number visible on a chart.
When does the federal rate apply?
Federal labour standards cover federally regulated private-sector workplaces such as certain interprovincial transportation, telecommunications and banking activities. The federal pay and minimum-wage guidance confirms the $18.15 rate and says a higher local rate prevails for federally regulated employees. Working for a company with offices across Canada does not, by itself, establish which labour-law jurisdiction governs your role. Check the employer’s sector and your usual place of work.
Examples that prevent common mistakes
A federally regulated employee usually working in British Columbia should not be paid only the $18.15 federal floor when the applicable British Columbia general rate is $18.25. By contrast, a worker in a provincially regulated Alberta business should not assume the federal $18.15 rate automatically applies. The type of employer matters as well as the province.
Suppose an Ontario offer promises $17.60 per hour with a start date before October 1, 2026. The rate matches the general Ontario rate shown for this review date. If the work starts after a scheduled increase, recheck the rate in force on the actual work date. Special rules for certain occupations, ages or arrangements may differ from the general table.
Minimum wage is gross pay, not take-home pay
At $18.15 an hour, 40 paid hours would be $726 gross for that week before deductions, assuming the federal rate applies and there is no overtime adjustment. That calculation does not establish what you should receive after tax, nor does it settle overtime, holiday-pay or tip questions. Review the applicable employment standards and your pay statement.
If you are considering a position from overseas, minimum wage is only one check. Confirm the employer, the actual hours, whether the job is legally available to you and which work-permit route applies. Our Canada work permit requirements guide addresses the immigration side; a wage quote alone cannot authorise employment.