On April 1, 2024, the federal minimum wage in Canada is set to rise from $16.65 to $17.30 per hour, a 65-cent increase aimed at keeping pace with inflation. This adjustment will benefit approximately 30,000 workers in federally regulated sectors, including banking, postal and courier services, and transportation industries.
Impact on Federally Regulated Private Sectors
All federally regulated private sectors in Canada are mandated to adhere to the federal minimum wage. Workers in these industries may receive a higher rate if their province or territory sets a minimum wage above the federal level. The annual adjustment of the federal minimum wage is determined by the Consumer Price Index on April 1st each year.
Provincial Minimum Wage Updates
In addition to the federal increase, five Canadian provinces will see changes in their minimum wage rates effective April 1, 2024:
- Yukon: From $16.77 to $17.59 per hour
- Newfoundland and Labrador: From $15.00 to $15.60 per hour
- Nova Scotia: From $15.00 to $15.20 per hour
- Prince Edward Island: From $15.00 to $15.40 per hour
- New Brunswick: From $14.75 to $15.30 per hour
Future Minimum Wage Adjustments
Various provinces have scheduled future increases in their minimum wage rates:
- British Columbia: $16.75 to $17.40 per hour effective June 1, 2024
- Ontario: Minimum wage revision on October 1, 2024
- Manitoba: From $15.30 to $15.80 per hour effective October 1, 2024
- Quebec: From $15.25 to $15.75 per hour effective May 1, 2024
- Saskatchewan: From $14.00 to $15 per hour effective October 1, 2024
Understanding Federally Regulated Private Sectors
Definition and Scope
Federally regulated private sectors in Canada encompass a range of industries that operate under federal jurisdiction. These include:
- Private aviation industry (airlines, airports, aircraft operations)
- Banks with international operating permits
- Grain elevators and feed storage facilities
- Indigenous self-government for First Nations people
- Port services, maritime shipping, ferries
- Federal Crown businesses like Canada Post Corporation
- Courier and postal services
- Cross-border highways and railroads
- Communications technologies (radio, television, internet)
- Atomic energy and uranium mining
Exclusions and Specifics
Certain activities in Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut fall under federal regulation exclusively for Section I of the Code.
Ontario’s Minimum Wage Increase in 2024
The minimum wage in Ontario is set to increase on October 1, 2024. Details regarding the specific hourly wage rate adjustments will be announced before April 1, 2024.
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