Alberta's $15 minimum wage falls further behind as five provinces raise rates
Ontario, PEI, Nova Scotia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan all increased minimum wage this week, leaving Alberta with Canada's lowest rate since 2019.
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Five provinces increased minimum wage this week, but Alberta stayed put — and the gap keeps widening.
Ontario's minimum wage jumped to $17.95/hour, Prince Edward Island to $17.30/hour, Nova Scotia to $17/hour, Manitoba to $16.40/hour, and Saskatchewan to $15.70/hour. Increases ranged from 25 to 40 cents, with Ontario tying its raise to the rising cost of living.
Alberta has not increased its minimum wage since 2019, when it was set at $15/hour. That's now Canada's lowest rate. Nunavut, by comparison, lifted its minimum wage to just over $20/hour starting in September, giving it the country's highest.
All provinces and territories except Alberta have raised minimum wage in 2026. The Alberta NDP pledged a $18 minimum wage during the spring, but the government has made no move toward it.
Why has Alberta not raised minimum wage since 2019 while all other provinces have?
Will the government act on the NDP's $18 minimum wage pledge?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
By the numbers
Which provinces raised minimum wage this week?
Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan all increased their minimum wages during the week of Thursday, October 1, 2026.
What are the new minimum wage rates?
Ontario's minimum wage is now $17.95/hour, Prince Edward Island $17.30/hour, Nova Scotia $17/hour, Manitoba $16.40/hour, and Saskatchewan $15.70/hour.
When was Alberta's minimum wage last increased?
Alberta has not raised its minimum wage since 2019, when it was set at $15/hour, making it Canada's lowest rate.
