There's some good news on the horizon for Canadians, minimum wage workers can look forward to a bump in their pay next month.
As of April 1, 2023, the federal minimum wage will be increased from $15.55 to $16.65 per hour, in line with the 6.8% rise in the Consumer Price Index last year. This change will help make life more affordable for about 26,000 Canadian workers who currently earn less than the new minimum wage.
To ensure that workers and interns are paid correctly, federally regulated private-sector employers must update their payroll information with the new rate. If your province or territory has a higher minimum wage rate, your employer must apply that rate instead.
📢 Attention! The federal minimum wage will increase on April 1! It applies to federally regulated private sectors.
— Employment and Social Development Canada (@ESDC_GC) March 21, 2023
🚨 Employers: Payroll information must be updated with the new rate by then.
Learn more ➡️ https://t.co/FRXmccrMdH pic.twitter.com/FEpI31R1c1
It's worth noting that the federal minimum wage applies to a range of federally regulated private sectors, including banks, postal and courier services, and inter-provincial air, rail, road, and marine transportation.
“The cost of living is rising, so we’re making sure that wages keep going up too,” said Minister of Labour Seamus O’Regan Jr in a statement. “We’re looking after workers, because that’s how you grow the economy and create more prosperity for everyone.”
Ottawa set a federal minimum wage of $15 per hour in 2021 and increases it each year based on inflation. The changes are made every year on April 1.
For more information on the federal minimum wage increase, you can check out the government’s pay and minimum wage, deductions, and wage recovery site, or contact the Labour Program at 1-800-641-4049.
