First published on Thursday, April 7, 2022
Last updated on Friday, October 10, 2025
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What is a minimum wage?
Minimum wage is the lowest hourly wage that an employer can pay their employees. This rate varies across jurisdictions in Canada, and each jurisdiction has unique exemptions.
Even if employees are paid by salary, commission, piece rate, or flat rate, their earnings must work out to at least the minimum wage for every hour worked—unless an exemption applies.
In most cases, full-time, part-time, and casual employees are entitled to at least the minimum wage in their province or territory in Canada.
The minimum wage in Ontario
As of October 2025, Ontario’s minimum wage for most employees was increased to $17.60 per hour.
Under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA), Ontario’s minimum wage increases annually based upon the Ontario CPI, a measure of inflation that indicates price changes experienced by Ontario consumers.
The minimum wage in British Columbia
As of June 2025, British Columbia’s minimum wage was increased for most employees to $17.85 per hour.
According to British Columbia’s employment standards, minimum wage in BC will go up annually by the same rate as the BC All-Items Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The minimum wage in Alberta
For most employees in Alberta, the minimum wage is $15 per hour.
According to Alberta’s employment standards, there are currently no annual increases to the minimum wage—but employers should be aware that there are calls for it to increase.
What types of jobs pay minimum wage?
Common industries for workers to receive minimum wage include:
Retail
Accommodation and food services
Agriculture and farming
Some entry level roles in other industries will also typically make minimum wage, and are usually evaluated based on experience, training and education requirements to conduct the work required.
Exemptions to the minimum wage
While most employees in Canada must be paid at least the minimum wage, each province and territory sets its own exemptions. These exemptions may allow sub-minimum wage pay, or may mandate a minimum wage above the general provincial/territory minimum wage.
These exemptions can include:
Managers and supervisors
Farm and agricultural workers
Commission-based salespeople
Students or trainees in special programs
Domestic workers or live-in caregivers
Professionals (e.g., lawyers, doctors, accountants)
Please note that exemptions are not the same across Canada. Employers must review the relevant Employment Standards legislation in their province or territory before applying an exemption to ensure compliance.
Want to know more about your provincial minimum wage rules?
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