Canada’s federal minimum wage is set to increase to $18.15 per hour beginning April 1, according to a statement from Employment and Social Development Canada.
The new rate marks an increase from the current $17.75 hourly wage, which has been in effect since April 1, 2025.
The federal government says the adjustment is designed to keep pace with inflation and provide greater financial stability and predictability for workers across the country.
The federal minimum wage applies to employees in federally regulated sectors, including banking, telecommunications, and interprovincial and international transportation.
Officials noted that if a province or territory has a higher minimum wage, employers in federally regulated industries must pay workers the higher applicable rate.
The wage is reviewed annually on April 1 and is tied to the previous year’s average Consumer Price Index (CPI), with adjustments rounded to the nearest five cents. In 2025, Canada’s CPI rose by 2.1 per cent, contributing to the latest increase.
