Workers in several parts of Canada will soon see higher pay as new minimum wage increases take effect in 2026.
Starting April 1, minimum wage rates will rise in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Yukon. The federal minimum wage, which applies to workers in federally regulated industries such as banking and telecommunications, is also expected to increase on the same day.
Minimum wage increases starting April 1
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Nova Scotia: The hourly minimum wage will rise from $16.50 to $16.75 on April 1, with another increase to $17.00 planned for Oct. 1.
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Prince Edward Island: The rate will increase from $16.50 to $17.00 per hour.
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New Brunswick: Minimum wage will go up from $15.65 to $15.90 per hour.
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Newfoundland and Labrador: The hourly rate will increase from $16.00 to $16.35.
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Yukon: The territory’s minimum wage is expected to rise from $17.94 to about $18.51 per hour, based on inflation.
The federal minimum wage is also expected to increase from $17.75 to about $18.10 per hour on April 1. This rate applies to industries regulated by the federal government.
Other provinces increasing wages later in 2026
Some provinces raise their minimum wage at different times of the year.
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In Quebec, the rate will increase from $16.10 to $16.60 per hour on May 1.
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British Columbia will raise its minimum wage from $17.85 to $18.25 on June 1.
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Ontario is expected to increase its rate from $17.60 to about $18.00 per hour on Oct. 1.
Minimum wage vs. living wage
Even with these increases, many workers will still earn less than what experts call a living wage. A living wage is the hourly pay needed to cover basic costs like housing, food, transportation, and child care in a specific area.
For example, living wage estimates in cities such as Vancouver and Toronto are more than $27 per hour, much higher than current minimum wage levels.
While the increases will give workers a small boost, many advocates say the gap between minimum wage and the real cost of living remains large in many parts of Canada.
