Minimum wage rates across Canada vary by jurisdiction and are updated periodically by provincial, territorial, and federal governments.
Minimum Wage Rates Across Canada (as of October 1, 2025)
Minimum Wage and Franchise Small Businesses
Minimum wage policies across Canada continue to evolve as governments adjust labour standards and respond to changing economic conditions. Changes to minimum wage levels affect businesses immediately, particularly small businesses and franchised small businesses that employ a large share of Canada’s workforce.
Franchising operates across more than 60 industry segments in the Canadian economy and provides employment opportunities in communities across the country. Franchise small business owners are proud to provide many Canadians with their first job, helping workers gain early employment experience and develop valuable workplace skills.
Labour costs represent one of the largest operating expenses for small businesses. As a result, changes to minimum wage policy in Canada can significantly affect day to day business operations. When wage increases occur rapidly or without sufficient advance notice, small businesses may face difficult decisions related to hiring, staffing levels, operating hours, and pricing.
The Canadian Franchise Association supports minimum wage policies that are fair, predictable, and transparent. Consultation with small business stakeholders, including franchised small businesses, helps ensure that wage policies support workers while allowing businesses to remain sustainable and competitive.
Current Minimum Wage Rates across Canada
The following minimum wage rates are currently in effect across Canada.
| Province or Territory | Minimum Wage |
| Alberta | $15.00 |
| British Columbia | $17.85 |
| Manitoba | $16.00 |
| New Brunswick | $15.65 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $16.00 |
| Northwest Territories | $16.95 |
| Nova Scotia | $16.50 |
| Nunavut | $19.75 |
| Ontario | $17.60 |
| Prince Edward Island | $16.50 |
| Quebec | $16.10 |
| Saskatchewan | $15.35 |
| Yukon | $17.94 |
| Federal Minimum Wage | $17.75 |
Minimum wage rates are established by provincial, territorial, and federal governments and are updated periodically.
Our Ask
The Canadian Franchise Association encourages governments to ensure minimum wage policies support both workers and small businesses across Canada.
Governments should:
- Ensure minimum wage increases are predictable and phased in over a reasonable period of time
- Provide advance notice of at least six to twelve months before implementing significant wage increases
- Consult with small business stakeholders, including franchised businesses, when developing wage policy
- Consider the impact of minimum wage increases on small business employment, hiring, and job creation
Balanced and predictable wage policies help ensure workers receive fair compensation while allowing franchise small business owners to continue creating jobs and serving their communities.