Federal minimum wage
The general hourly rate, when it started, what the official page says comes next, and where to read it.
General minimum wage
$18.15 per hour
In effect since April 1, 2026.
Source: Government of Canada: Pay and minimum wage, deductions, and wage recovery (federal labour standards) official. Last checked October 28, 2026.
Next change
The page says the federal minimum wage may increase to account for inflation, based on Canada's Consumer Price Index for the previous calendar year. No amount for April 1, 2027 is announced on the page.
canada.ca official
Other rates
Previous federal rate
$17.75 per hour, effective April 1, 2025.
canada.ca official
Exceptions and more detail
Listed only as the official page states them. The page, and the law behind it, have the full detail.
Provincial or territorial rate
The page says that where the provincial or territorial minimum wage is higher, that rate applies to the employee instead.
canada.ca official
Apprentices
The page says the employer is exempt from the minimum wage for apprentices registered under, and paid according to, a provincial apprenticeship act.
canada.ca official
Room and board
If the employee accepts room or board, the employer may reduce wages below the minimum by no more than 50 cents per meal and 60 cents per day for living quarters.
canada.ca official
Official sources
- Government of Canada: Pay and minimum wage, deductions, and wage recovery (federal labour standards)
Cross-check: the Government of Canada’s table of general minimum wage rates lists $18.15 from April 1, 2026. It is a federal page, not a separate source, so we keep the page above as the main source. minwage-salairemin.service.canada.ca official
General information only, not legal advice. If your pay is in question, the official page and the labour standards office of the federal government govern. Rates can change: see how we check.