Minimum Wage in British Columbia
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?
If you work in a federally regulated industry — like a bank, airline, railway, telecom company, or interprovincial trucking firm — the federal minimum wage applies to you. The rate is adjusted every April 1 based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Check the current amount at canada.ca/minimum-wage.
If your province or territory has a higher minimum wage, your employer must pay you the higher amount.
When does it apply?
- You work for a federally regulated employer (banks, airlines, telecom, railways, interprovincial transport, and more).
- There is no tip exemption at the federal level — tipped workers get the same minimum wage.
- Independent contractors are not covered. If you think you've been wrongly classified as a contractor, you may still have rights.
What should you do?
- Keep every pay stub and record of hours worked.
- Talk to your employer or HR department first — the issue may be a simple payroll mistake.
- If that doesn't work, file a complaint with the Labour Program at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). You have 24 months from the date of the violation.
- Call the Labour Program at 1-800-641-4049 for help.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume you're stuck with a low wage — the law sets a floor your employer must respect.
- Don't quit your job before filing a complaint. You have stronger protections while still employed.
- Don't accept being called an independent contractor if you work like an employee. Misclassification doesn't erase your rights.
How British Columbia differs from federal law
British Columbia sets its own minimum wage under the Employment Standards Act. As of June 1, 2024, BC's general minimum wage is $17.40 per hour. The rate is adjusted annually on June 1 based on the average percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for BC.
- Liquor servers earn the same general minimum wage — BC eliminated the lower server wage in 2021.
- Live-in home support workers and resident caretakers have separate minimum rates set by regulation under the Employment Standards Act.
- The Employment Standards Branch of the BC Ministry of Labour enforces minimum wage compliance and investigates complaints.
Additional Steps in British Columbia
File a complaint with the Employment Standards Branch within 6 months of the wage violation. You can file online at the BC Government website or call the Employment Standards Branch information line. You do not need a lawyer to file a complaint.
Relevant Law: Employment Standards Act, RSBC 1996, c. 113, ss. 15–16; Employment Standards Regulation, BC Reg. 396/95
Common Questions
When does minimum wage apply?
You work for a federally regulated employer (banks, airlines, telecom, railways, interprovincial transport, and more).There is no tip exemption at the federal level — tipped workers get the same minimum wage.Independent contractors are not covered. If you think you've been wrongly classified as a contractor, you may still have rights.
What should I do about minimum wage?
Keep every pay stub and record of hours worked.Talk to your employer or HR department first — the issue may be a simple payroll mistake.If that doesn't work, file a complaint with the Labour Program at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). You have 24 months from the date of the violation.Call the Labour Program at 1-800-641-4049 for help.
What mistakes should I avoid with minimum wage?
Don't assume you're stuck with a low wage — the law sets a floor your employer must respect.Don't quit your job before filing a complaint. You have stronger protections while still employed.Don't accept being called an independent contractor if you work like an employee. Misclassification doesn't erase your rights.
Legal Resources
We may earn a commission if you use these services — at no extra cost to you. This supports our mission to make legal information free for everyone.