Minimum Wage in Canada
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The federal minimum wage only applies if your employer is in a federally regulated industry — banks, airlines, railways, telecom, interprovincial trucking, and a handful of others. The rate moves every April 1 with the Consumer Price Index. The current federal minimum wage is $18.15 per hour (effective 1 April 2026), up from $17.75/hr the prior year.
The other rule that catches most underpayment cases: if your province or territory's minimum wage is higher than the federal floor, the higher one wins. The two rates aren't an either/or — your employer has to pay whichever is bigger.
When does it apply?
- You work for a federally regulated employer — banks, airlines, telecom, railways, interprovincial transport, and Crown corporations.
- No tip exemption at the federal level. A server or bartender on federal turf gets the full minimum wage on top of tips, not a discounted "tipped" rate.
- Independent contractors aren't covered — but if your employer calls you a contractor while treating you like an employee, that's misclassification and the rights still attach.
What to Do If Your Canadian Employer Is Paying You Below Minimum Wage
Underpayment cases live or die on documents. Build the file early.
- Keep every pay stub and your own log of hours worked. Phone notes are fine.
- Raise it with your employer or HR first. Half the time it's a payroll glitch they'll fix once it's on paper.
- No fix? File a complaint with the Labour Program at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). You've got 24 months from the violation.
- Stuck? Call the Labour Program at 1-800-641-4049.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume you're stuck with whatever's on your stub. The minimum wage is a floor, not a suggestion.
- Don't quit before you file. Reprisal protections work better while you're still on the payroll.
- Don't roll over on the contractor label if you actually work like an employee. The Code looks at the substance of the relationship, not what your contract says it is.
Use the jurisdiction bar at the top of the page to pick your province — you'll see how provincial law differs from Canadian federal law.
6 provinces available
Common Questions
When does minimum wage apply?
You work for a federally regulated employer — banks, airlines, telecom, railways, interprovincial transport, and Crown corporations.No tip exemption at the federal level. A server or bartender on federal turf gets the full minimum wage on top of tips, not a discounted "tipped" rate.Independent contractors aren't covered — but if your employer calls you a contractor while treating you like an employee, that's misclassification and the rights still attach.
What should I do if my Canadian employer is paying me less than minimum wage?
Underpayment cases live or die on documents. Build the file early.Keep every pay stub and your own log of hours worked. Phone notes are fine.Raise it with your employer or HR first. Half the time it's a payroll glitch they'll fix once it's on paper.No fix? File a complaint with the Labour Program at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). You've got 24 months from the violation.Stuck? Call the Labour Program at 1-800-641-4049.
What mistakes should I avoid with minimum wage?
Don't assume you're stuck with whatever's on your stub. The minimum wage is a floor, not a suggestion.Don't quit before you file. Reprisal protections work better while you're still on the payroll.Don't roll over on the contractor label if you actually work like an employee. The Code looks at the substance of the relationship, not what your contract says it is.
Minimum Wage in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.