1. What is Minimum Wage?

Minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate that employers can legally pay their employees. In Canada, minimum wage rates are set by each province and territory, resulting in different rates across the country.

2. How Minimum Wage Works

Each Canadian province and territory sets its own minimum wage rate, which is typically adjusted annually to account for inflation and cost of living changes.

Key Points:

• Rates vary significantly between provinces
• Some provinces have different rates for certain occupations
• Rates are typically reviewed annually

3. Importance of Minimum Wage

Details: Minimum wage laws help ensure workers receive fair compensation, reduce poverty, and stimulate economic activity by increasing consumer spending power.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply select your province or territory from the dropdown menu to see the current general minimum wage rate.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Which province has the highest minimum wage?
A: As of 2023, Yukon has the highest general minimum wage at $16.77 per hour.

Q2: Are there exceptions to minimum wage?
A: Some provinces have lower rates for liquor servers, students, or other specific categories of workers.

Q3: How often do minimum wages change?
A: Most provinces review and adjust minimum wages annually, typically on October 1st or another set date.

Q4: Is minimum wage the same across all jobs?
A: No, some occupations like farm workers or commissioned salespeople may have different minimum wage rules.

Q5: Does minimum wage keep up with inflation?
A: While minimum wages are adjusted periodically, they don't always fully keep pace with inflation and cost of living increases.