Effective April 1, 2025, minimum wage for a federally regulated employee in the private sector increases by 2.4% to $17.75 per hour. This includes the following sectors:
- Air, marine, rail, road, and transportation.
- Band council operations and administration.
- Banks
- Postal and courier services.
- Telecommunications, radio and television broadcasting.
This rate is adjusted annually on April 1st based on Canada’s annual average Consumer Price Index relative to the previous calendar year. The federal government introduced this increase initiative in 2021.
Note: An employee should be paid at least the federal minimum wage. If the minimum wage of the province or territory where the employee usually works is higher than the federal minimum wage, the employer is to pay the higher minimum wage.[1] As examples:
- Nunavut’s territorial minimum wage rate is $19.00 per hour. A federally regulated employee in the private sector in Nunavut will continue to be paid $19.00, rather than $17.75 per hour.
- British Columbia’s minimum wage rate will increase to $17.85 effective June 1, 2025. A federally regulated employee in the private sector in British Columbia will be paid $17.85, rather than $17.75 per hour as of June 1st, 2025.
To learn more or for assistance contact your Sherrard Kuzz lawyer or info@sherrardkuzz.com.
The information contained in this presentation/article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice, nor does accessing this information create a lawyer-client relationship. This presentation/article is current as of March 4, 2025 and applies only to Ontario, Canada, or such other laws of Canada as expressly indicated. Information about the law is checked for legal accuracy as at the date the presentation/article is prepared but may become outdated as laws or policies change. For clarification or for legal or other professional assistance please contact Sherrard Kuzz LLP.
[1] “Current and Forthcoming General Minimum Wage Rates in Canada” Government of Canada (4 March 2025).