Five Provinces Raise Minimum Wage; Alberta Falls Behind

Five provinces in Canada have announced increases to their minimum wage, effective today, in a move aimed at addressing ongoing affordability challenges for workers. The provinces implementing these changes are Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The wage hikes are linked to the nation’s rising consumer price index, a key indicator of inflation.

In Ontario, the minimum wage has now been set at $17.60 per hour. Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island have both established their minimum wage at $16.50 per hour. Meanwhile, Manitoba has increased its minimum wage to $16 per hour, and Saskatchewan has set its new rate at $15.35 per hour.

Alberta remains the only province that has not raised its minimum wage, continuing with a rate of $15 per hour, which is currently the lowest in the country. Earlier this year, other provinces, including British Columbia, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador, also increased their minimum wages to keep pace with inflation and rising living costs.

These changes reflect a broader trend across Canada as provinces respond to the economic pressures faced by many residents. The adjustments are expected to provide some relief to workers struggling with the rising cost of living, particularly in urban centers where housing and other expenses have surged.

According to The Canadian Press, this report was initially published on October 1, 2025, highlighting the ongoing dialogue around minimum wage policies in Canada. As various provinces make these adjustments, the gap between the highest and lowest minimum wages in the country continues to draw attention, raising questions about fairness and economic equity among Canadian workers.