Six Canadian provinces to witness a rise in minimum hourly wages, according to the latest reports. This is an initiative taken after a timeline reported in April 2023. The following Canadian provinces have witnessed a rise in minimum hourly wages, along with the increased numbers (as of October 1, 2023):
- Ontario witnessed a rise from $15.50 to $16.55.
- Manitoba observed an increase from $14.15 to $15.30.
- Saskatchewan also saw a rise from $13.00 to $14.00.
- Nova Scotia also underwent a rise from $14.50 to $15.00.
- Newfoundland and Labrador saw an increase from $14.50 to $15.00.
- Prince Edward Island had an increase from $14.50 to 15.00.
Saskatchewan has declared its intention to increase the minimum wages for hourly workers from October 2024. It will increase the wages from $14.00 to $15.00.
Six Canadian provinces to witness a rise in minimum hourly wages – understanding the Canadian labor market trends
The increase in minimum hourly wages from October 1 across several provinces is a positive indication of Canada’s immigrant population. Looking at the previous records, the Canadian immigrant population has been overrepresented in the lower-wage professions.
Notably, immigrants arriving in Canada are more prone to workplace exploitation on behalf of their employers. They could also be victims of misconduct and much more. However, newcomers in Canada must note that their immigration status doesn’t make them subject to any kind of exploitation. Further, they have complete rights to protection as a worker in Canada, regardless of their status.
According to Canada’s Labor Code, all employed individuals in Canada have the right to work safety and are subject to receive compensation for their work, if applicable.
Additionally, per the Canada Labor Code, Canadian employers have the following obligations to their workers:
- Training the employees properly for the job.
- Providing better and more effective healthcare services.
- Offering them the chance to gather information that dictates their employee rights.
- Providing the workers with an attested/signed agreement copy.
Some other obligations
Canadian workers also have certain obligations related to the code of conduct they must adhere to. According to this code of conduct, employers in Canada cannot do the following:
- Compel employees to participate in unsafe work or tasks, particularly those not included in the individual’s employment agreement. This includes overtime work that isn’t a part of the signed agreement.
- Force an employee to work if they have fallen sick or been injured.
- Prevent the employee from having his passport or work permit or threaten them of changing their immigration status or of deportation.
Knowing the details of employment rights and misconduct in Canada
Canada comprises specific standards to protect all Canadian employees, such as foreign nationals arriving in Canada.
The rights of Canadian foreign workers fall under the labor laws of federal and provincial/territorial authorities. Similarly, the Human Rights Act is prevalent to make sure that Canadian employees, along with foreign nationals, don’t face any discrimination in the workplace. This includes all factors such as gender, race, age, etc.
Those who are recipients of misconduct must also know that Canada protects employees who report such misconduct at their workplace. These employers can immediately go to the workplace health and safety office if they experience inappropriate behavior from a Canadian employer. They can select the province’s office to report the matter.
