Minimum Wage

The federal minimum wage is the same as the general adult minimum wage set by each province or territory. Every time a provincial or territorial government raises its minimum wage, the federal rate for that region is increased automatically.

Check the minimum wage rate for the province or territory where you work.

Employees—other than registered apprentices—must receive at least the minimum wage, which is paid at the same rate regardless of age or status as a student. It is based on an hourly rate or an equivalent calculation. Apprentices being trained on the job that are registered under and paid according to a provincial apprenticeship act are exempt from minimum wage standards.

There is another case when employees may receive less than the minimum wage. When room and/or board are provided by an employer and the arrangement is accepted by the employee, the employee’s wages may be reduced below the minimum wage, but not by more than 50 cents per meal and 60 cents per day for lodging. For example, if the employer provides three meals a day ($1.50) and lodging (60 cents), then a total of $2.10 will be deducted per day from the employee's wages.

Also an employer who calls an employee in for work must pay them at least three hours wages, regardless of whether or not they are asked to stay and do any actual work following their arrival.

For more information, refer to Pamphlet #2 – Minimum Wages.

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Date Modified:
2012-02-15