As of May 2021, the minimum wage in Quebec will increase by 3.1%, for a total of $13.50 hourly — but some say that's not enough. So, how does Quebec's minimum wage compare to the rest of Canada?
While many provinces in Canada hold different minimum wages for student and adult workers, Quebec establishes a minimum wage for general workers and another wage for workers who make income from tips.
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Ontario
In Quebec's neighbouring Ontario, the minimum wage is currently $14.25 an hour. The province increased wages by 25 cents in October 2020, but despite being the most populous province in Canada, Ontario's wages remain the fourth highest across the country.
Ontario's $13.40 hourly minimum wage for students applies to those under the age of 18 who work 28 hours a week or less when school is in session, or who work during a school break or summer holidays.
Yukon
Yukon's minimum wage is similar to Quebec's — it will increase to $13.85 as of April 2021.
The 2021 change represents a 1% increase based on the 2020 Consumer Price Index for Whitehorse.
Northwest Territories
In the Northwest Territories, minimum wages increased by almost a dollar in 2018 — however, the territory does not increase wages yearly.
Its current wages are $13.46 hourly and are not expected to increase in 2021.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island's minimum wages increased by 60 cents in 2020, but will only go up 15 cents in 2021 for an hourly total of $13.
Nunavut
The Canadian province or territory with the highest minimum wage as of 2021 was Nunavut, at $16 hourly for all workers.
However, it's important to note that high living costs in the northern territory make its wages proportionate to the rest of Canada.
Alberta
Alberta's minimum wage remains the second-highest in Canada at $15 hourly for the general population — however, the minimum wage for students under the age of 18 was $13 hourly as of June 2019.
British Columbia
British Columbia's minimum wage is currently $14.60 hourly, and is expected to rise to $15.20 by June 2021 — one of the highest yearly increases in Canada for 2021.
Similar to Quebec, British Columbia has not established a student wage, but rather changes its minimum wage based on 'liquor servers' and other workers.
Nova Scotia
In early January, the government of Nova Scotia announced that its minimum wage would rise as of April 2021.
Starting April 1, workers who earn minimum wage will receive $12.95 hourly. The province raised its wages by $1 in 2020.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador's minimum wage increased by 75 cents in 2020, for a current hourly wage of $12.15.
The province will raise its minimum wage twice in 2021 — in April and October, both by 25 cents bringing the minimum to $12.65 by the end of this year.
Manitoba
Manitoba's minimum wage is one of the lowest in Canada at $11.90 hourly as of October 2020 — and similar to Quebec, it applies to all workers, regardless of age.
However, the province stipulates that teenage workers are limited in the types of duties they can perform and must complete a Young Worker Readiness Certificate course to learn about workplace standards.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick's minimum wages fall behind Manitoba's, at $11.70 hourly as of April 2020.
It will go up to $11.75 hourly in April 2021.
Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan, minimum wages are even lower at $11.45 hourly — the lowest in Canada.
Some exceptions apply, such as for farming, private care providers or athletes.
Quebec
Despite the 40-cent increase, Quebec's minimum wage falls behind smaller and less populous provinces in Canada.
It's the province with the sixth-highest or eighth-lowest minimum wage in Canada — despite having Canada's second-largest population.
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