Work in Canada
Canada Increases Federal Minimum Wage By 7% On April 1
In an effort to keep pace with inflation, Canada’s federal minimum wage increased by 7% on April 1st. The increase amounts to $1.10 per hour and comes as the Consumer Price Index rose by 6.8% in 2022. This change ensures that the cost of living is kept in check and wages remain adequate for workers. Recently, ESDC announced the change and the impacts it will have on minimum wage workers in federally-regulated private sectors such as banks, postal and courier services, and interprovincial air, rail, road, and marine transportation. Here, we will highlight the details of this minimum wage increase and how it impacts workers in different Canadian provinces.
Federal Minimum Wage Surge Details
With effect from April 1, 2023, the federal minimum wage surged to $16.65. It has increased to 7% from the previous minimum wage rate. According to Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s Minister of Labour, this increase is necessary to ensure that workers’ wages keep up with the cost of living. He emphasized that it is essential to take care of workers in order to grow the economy and create prosperity. This increase will benefit approximately 26,000 working Canadians who were earning less than $15.55 per hour, the previous federal minimum wage.
Minimum Wages Across Canada
With the update in the federal minimum wage, employers will be required to pay their workers the minimum wage rate in their province/territory of operation. Following is a list of minimum wage rates in each province/territory across Canada:
| Province/Territory | Rate | Note(s) |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | $15.65 | As of 06/01/2022 |
| Alberta | $15.00 | As of 06/26/2019 |
| Saskatchewan | $13.00 | As of 10/01/2022. Set to increase to $14.00 on 10/01/2023, then to $15.00 on 10/01/2024 |
| Manitoba | $13.50 | As of 10/01/2022. Set to increase to $14.15 on 04/01/2023, then to $15.30 on 10/01/2023 |
| Ontario | $15.50 | As of 10/01/2022 |
| Quebec | $14.25 | As of 05/01/2022 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $13.70 | As of 10/01/2022. Set to increase to $14.50 on 04/01/2023, then to $15.00 on 10/01/2023 |
| New Brunswick | $13.75 | As of 10/01/2022. Set to increase to $14.75 on 04/01/2023 |
| Prince Edward Island | $14.50 | As of 01/01/2023. Set to increase to $15.00 on 10/01/2023 |
| Nova Scotia | $13.60 | As of 10/01/2022. Set to increase to $14.50 on 04/01/2023, then to $15.00 on 10/01/2023 |
| Northwest Territories | $15.20 | As of 09/01/2021 |
| Nunavut | $16.00 | As of 04/01/2020 |
| Yukon | $15.70 | As of 04/01/2022. Set to increase to $16.77 on 04/01/2023 |
Employment Rights for Canadian Newcomers
Canada is one of the most immigrant-friendly countries in the world. To ensure that newcomers are not taken advantage of in the workplace, IRCC has laid down a few employment rights for Canadian immigrants. It is extremely important for all workers to be acquainted with their rights and what they are entitled to in their workplace.
Most often, immigrants find themselves in low-wage jobs, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. To avoid this, IRCC has established specific employment rights for all workers.
What are My Rights As a Newcomer in Canada?
Under the Canada Labour Code, all workers are entitled to compensation for their work and a safe workplace. Additionally, newcomers have certain key rights, which include:
- Information About Rights
- Employment Agreement
- Job Training
- Reasonable Healthcare Services
Mistreatment of Employees
Employers cannot mistreat their employees, including newcomers to Canada. Mistreatment, as defined by IRCC guidelines, may include forcing workers to perform unsafe work or unauthorized work (in accordance with the employment agreement), forcing employees to work if they are sick or injured, forcing overtime work on employees who do not have overtime work in their employment agreement, taking away an employee’s passport or work permit, or deporting an employee or changing their immigration status.
Duty to Accommodate
Canadian employers have a “duty to accommodate” under the Canada Labour Code. This means that they must, in certain situations, change an employee’s work environment or duties to prevent or reduce workplace discrimination and allow the worker to perform their job.
Discrimination
The Canadian Human Rights Act identifies 11 grounds of discrimination, including race, national/ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, and conviction.
Reporting Issues
Canada has different reporting measures depending on the issue being addressed. In case the employee feels that their compensation is unfair or thinks that they are being treated unfairly, they can contact the employment standards office in their province.
