Minimum wage hikes to $17 in Nova Scotia
Posted Oct 1, 2026 05:00:15 AM.
Last Updated Oct 1, 2026 01:28:20 PM.
The minimum wage is going up in five provinces including Nova Scotia.
The bumps of between 25 and 40 cents come in Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Nova Scotia moves it to $17 an hour after recommendations from the committee.
“Raising the minimum wage means more money in the pockets of Nova Scotians who need it most,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration, said. “This increase supports workers and recognizes the valuable work they do every day. We’re also helping employers manage costs by lowering taxes and investing in programs that help businesses attract and keep skilled workers.”
Like other government announcements, Ontario has tied the increase to the rising cost of living. It’s moving its minimum wage up to $17.95 an hour, while P.E.I. is boosting it to $17.30.
In Manitoba, the wage goes up to $16.40, and in Saskatchewan to $15.70.
The changes mean all provinces and territories will have raised their rates this year with the exception of Alberta, which hasn’t increased its minimum wage since 2019.
Alberta maintains the country’s lowest minimum wage at $15 an hour.
Nunavut lifted its minimum wage at the beginning of September and leads the country at just over $20 an hour.
