Minimum wage differs from country to country all over the world. But in Canada, the decision for the minimum wage to pay Canadian workers is usually left to the Provincial government by the Canadian federal government.
According to the Canadian constitution, the responsibility of enacting laws relating to the labour force such as minimum wages, rests in the hands of the ten Canadian provinces. These ten provinces belong to three territories in Canada and the labour law enforcement powers are given by the federal legislation of Canada.
Before 1996, the Federal Government always set the Canadian minimum wage amount meant for workers in the federal industries.
Meaning Of Minimum Wage In Canada
In same 1996, the meaning of Minimum wage in Canada experienced a change and the new definition has it that The minimum wage is the least amount of money to be given to a working adult depending on the province or territory where the work was done. This simply means that the duty was shifted to the provincial government to set the minimum wage for each province.
The country has 10 provinces and the provinces belong to the three Canadian territories, and the labour law enforcement powers are given by the federal legislation of Canada.
For instance, if you are in British Columbia working at a railway company, there is a certain amount of money that’s set to be paid to workers in the province, and such, you won’t be paid less than the amount that’s meant for workers in the province irrespective of your level of experience.
So, in today’s article, you will see the amount payable as minimum wage in all Canadian provinces.
Who are the People that Mostly Receive the Minimum Wage in Canada?
This amount is normally paid to people with low educational levels and youths. The other set of people that do receive this amount is the women.
Minimum Wage in Canada for each Provinces
Minimum Wage In Alberta
The jurisdiction of Alberta has a minimum wage of C$15 in one hour which has been in effect since October 2018. There are exceptions to this wage especially for children working under the age of 18.
Minimum Wage In British Columbia
The province of British Columbia has a minimum wage of C$15.20 in an hour and it has been of effect since June 1st of 2021. There are no exceptions to this minimum wage.
Minimum Wage In Manitoba
In the jurisdiction of Manitoba, the minimum wage per hour of work is C$11.90 and this has been in effect since October 2020. The minimum wage will be increased to C$11.95 by October 1st, 2021. There are exceptions to this minimum wage.
Minimum Wage In New Brunswick
In the jurisdiction of New Brunswick, the minimum wage is C$11.75 per hour. It has been in effect since April 1st, 2021. This minimum wage has exceptions.
Minimum Wage In NorthWest Territories
In the Northwest Territories jurisdiction, the minimum wage to be paid to all workers is C$13.46. This has been in effect since April 1st of 2018. There are no exceptions to this wage.
On 1st September 2021, there will be an increase in the amount to C$15.20. per hour
Also Read: MacEwan Admission Requirements For International Students
Minimum Wage In Nova Scotia Jurisdiction
In Nova Scotia jurisdiction, the minimum wage for workers is C$12.95. This has been in effect since April 1st, 2021. There are exceptions to it.
Minimum Wage In Nunavut Jurisdiction
The Nunavut jurisdiction has its hourly minimum wage for workers at C$16.00, and this has been in effect since April 1st of 2020. There are no exceptions to the wage.
Minimum Wage In Ontario
In the jurisdiction of Ontario, the minimum wage is C$14.25 and this has been in effect since 1st October of 2020. This is however, expected to increase to $14.35 on the 1st of October, 2021.
There are exceptions to this wage in Ontario. For example, students working who are under age 18.
Minimum Wage In Prince Edward Island
In the jurisdiction of Prince Edward Island, the minimum wage per hour is C$13.00 and this has been in effect since April 1st, 2021.
Minimum Wage In Quebec
In the jurisdiction of Quebec, the minimum wage is $C13.50 per hour of work. This wage has been in effect since May 1st, 2021. There are exceptions for workers receiving gratuities.
Minimum Wage In Saskatchewan
In the jurisdiction of Saskatchewan, the minimum wage per hour is $C11.45. This wage has been in effect since October 1st of 2020. The wage is expected to increase by October 1st, 2021 to the sum of $C11.81. There are exceptions to this wage.
Minimum Wage In Yukon
In the jurisdiction of Yukon, the minimum wage per hour is $C13.85. This has been in effect since April 1st, 2021.
So, above are the minimum wages that currently stand at the time of writing this article, for the 13 jurisdictions listed. There are authorities in Canada who are criticising the phenomenon of wage increment. E.g, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business has stated that the wage increment forces some employers to lay off workers, close down businesses or raise prices of goods and services.
