What'll It Cost Ya? The Minimum Wage in Canada
What is the minimum wage in Canada?
The federal minimum wage in Canada is $15.55 per hour. This means that all federally regulated employees must be paid at least this amount. However, each province and territory has its own minimum wage, which can be higher or lower than the federal minimum.
Minimum Wage by Province and Territory
| Province/Territory | Minimum Wage | |---|---| | Newfoundland and Labrador | $13.70 | | Prince Edward Island | $14.50 | | Nova Scotia | $13.60 | | New Brunswick | $13.75 | | Quebec | $14.25 | | Ontario | $15.50 | | Manitoba | $13.50 | | Saskatchewan | $13.00 | | Alberta | $15.00 | | British Columbia | $15.65 | | Yukon | $15.20 | | Northwest Territories | $15.20 | | Nunavut | $16.00 |
Exceptions to the Minimum Wage
There are a few exceptions to the minimum wage in Canada. These include:
- Students: Students who are employed part-time during the school year may be paid less than the minimum wage.
- Apprentices: Apprentices who are in a recognized apprenticeship program may also be paid less than the minimum wage.
- Employees with disabilities: Employees with disabilities who are unable to perform the essential duties of their job may also be paid less than the minimum wage.
Who Is Entitled to the Minimum Wage?
All employees in Canada are entitled to the minimum wage, regardless of their age, gender, or immigration status. This includes:
- Full-time employees
- Part-time employees
- Temporary employees
- Seasonal employees
What if My Employer Is Not Paying Me the Minimum Wage?
If you believe that your employer is not paying you the minimum wage, you can file a complaint with your provincial or territorial employment standards office. The office will investigate your complaint and take appropriate action.
Consequences of Not Paying the Minimum Wage
Employers who are found to be not paying their employees the minimum wage can be fined or even imprisoned.
The Importance of the Minimum Wage
The minimum wage is an important part of the Canadian labor market. It helps to ensure that all workers are paid a fair wage for their work. The minimum wage also helps to reduce poverty and inequality.
Sub-Minimum Wages
What Are Sub-Minimum Wages?
Sub-minimum wages are wages that are below the minimum wage. In Canada, sub-minimum wages are only allowed for certain groups of workers, such as students and apprentices.
Who Is Eligible for Sub-Minimum Wages?
The following groups of workers are eligible for sub-minimum wages in Canada:
- Students: Students who are employed part-time during the school year may be paid less than the minimum wage.
- Apprentices: Apprentices who are in a recognized apprenticeship program may also be paid less than the minimum wage.
- Employees with disabilities: Employees with disabilities who are unable to perform the essential duties of their job may also be paid less than the minimum wage.
How Much Are Sub-Minimum Wages?
The amount of the sub-minimum wage varies by province and territory. In general, sub-minimum wages are set at a percentage of the minimum wage. For example, in Ontario, the sub-minimum wage for students is 85% of the minimum wage.
Criticisms of Sub-Minimum Wages
Sub-minimum wages have been criticized for being unfair to workers. Critics argue that sub-minimum wages lead to poverty and inequality. They also argue that sub-minimum wages discourage workers from pursuing higher education or training.
Despite the criticisms, sub-minimum wages remain a part of the Canadian labor market. However, the use of sub-minimum wages is declining. In recent years, several provinces have raised their minimum wages and reduced the use of sub-minimum wages.
Enforcement of the Minimum Wage
Who Enforces the Minimum Wage?
The minimum wage is enforced by provincial and territorial employment standards offices. These offices investigate complaints of minimum wage violations and take appropriate action.
What Are the Penalties for Violating the Minimum Wage?
Employers who are found to be violating the minimum wage can be fined or even imprisoned. The penalties for violating the minimum wage vary by province and territory.
How to File a Complaint About a Minimum Wage Violation
If you believe that your employer is not paying you the minimum wage, you can file a complaint with your provincial or territorial employment standards office. The office will investigate your complaint and take appropriate action.
History of the Minimum Wage in Canada
When Was the Minimum Wage First Introduced in Canada?
The minimum wage was first introduced in Canada in 1918. The first minimum wage law was passed in British Columbia. The law set the minimum wage at $0.35 per hour.
How Has the Minimum Wage Changed Over Time?
The minimum wage in Canada has increased over time. The federal minimum wage was first set at $1.00 per hour in 1965. The minimum wage has been increased several times since then.
The minimum wage in Canada is set by the federal government and by each province and territory. The federal minimum wage is currently $15.55 per hour. The minimum wage in each province and territory varies, ranging from $13.00 per hour in Saskatchewan to $16.00 per hour in Nunavut.
Conclusion
The minimum wage is an important part of the Canadian labor market. It helps to ensure that all workers are paid a fair wage for their work. The minimum wage also helps to reduce poverty and inequality.
FAQs
- What is the minimum wage in Canada? The minimum wage in Canada is $15.55 per hour. However, each province and territory has its own minimum wage, which can be higher or lower than the federal minimum.
- Who is entitled to the minimum wage? All employees in Canada are entitled to the minimum wage, regardless of their age, gender, or immigration status. This includes full-time employees, part-time employees, temporary employees, and seasonal employees.
- What if my employer is not paying me the minimum wage? If you believe that your employer is not paying you the minimum wage, you can file a complaint with your provincial or territorial employment standards office. The office will investigate your complaint and take appropriate action.
- What are the penalties for violating the minimum wage? Employers who are found to be violating the minimum wage can be fined or even imprisoned. The penalties for violating the minimum wage vary by province and territory.
- How do I file a complaint about a minimum wage violation? If you believe that your employer is not paying you the minimum wage, you can file a complaint with your provincial or territorial employment standards office. The office will investigate your complaint and take appropriate action.
- What is the history of the minimum wage in Canada? The minimum wage was first introduced in Canada in 1918. The first minimum wage law was passed in British Columbia. The law set the minimum wage at $0.35 per hour.
- How has the minimum wage changed over time? The minimum wage in Canada has increased over time. The federal minimum wage was first set at $1.00 per hour in 1965. The minimum wage has been increased several times since then.
- What is the minimum wage in each province and territory? The minimum wage in each province and territory varies, ranging from $13.00 per hour in Saskatchewan to $16.00 per hour in Nunavut.
- What are the exceptions to the minimum wage? There are a few exceptions to the minimum wage in Canada. These include students, apprentices, and employees with disabilities.
- What are sub-minimum wages? Sub-minimum wages are wages that are below the minimum wage. In Canada, sub-minimum wages are only allowed for certain groups of workers, such as students and apprentices.
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