Canada’s Minimum Wage Increases Now in Effect Across the Country

As of April 1, 2025, minimum wage increases have officially come into effect across Canada, bringing welcome news for workers facing rising costs of living. Both the federal government and several provinces have raised their minimum wage rates in response to inflation and economic pressures.

Federal Minimum Wage Now $17.75/hour

The federal minimum wage has risen from $17.30 to $17.75/hour—a 2.4% increase. This change affects around 26,000 workers in federally regulated sectors such as:

• Banking
• Postal and courier services
• Telecommunications
• Interprovincial transportation (air, rail, road, and marine)

The wage hike applies to both Canadian citizens and immigrants, many of whom are employed in these sectors.

Provincial Wage Increases Also Rolled Out

Alongside the federal update, several provinces have also implemented new minimum wage rates:

• Nova Scotia: Now $15.65/hour (up from $15.30)
• Newfoundland & Labrador: Now $16.00/hour (up from $15.60)
• New Brunswick: Now $15.65/hour (up from $15.30)
• Yukon: Now $17.94/hour (up from $17.59)

These updates are part of each province's effort to help workers better manage day-to-day expenses amid ongoing inflation.