Federal Minimum Wage Increases to $18.15 on April 1, 2026

GATINEAU, QC, March 24, 2026 /CNW/ - In a rapidly changing world, we are focusing on what we can control: building a stronger, more resilient Canada. This calls for decisive action to protect jobs, strengthen local economies and ensure workers can adapt to changing economic realities.

Today, the Government of Canada announced that, starting April 1, 2026, the federal minimum wage will rise to $18.15 per hour. This represents a total cumulative increase of 21% since the introduction of the standalone federal minimum wage in 2021. This measure has supported thousands of workers in minimum-wage jobs across the federally regulated private sector. Regularly updating the minimum wage protects the wage floor workers rely on and strengthens the standard for fair pay.

By indexing the federal minimum wage to inflation, the government is providing greater certainty and security to more Canadians. The increase complements other new measures aimed at bringing down the cost of groceries and other essentials, such as the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and the Food Security Fund. These and other measures will help make life more affordable while building a strong economy that benefits all Canadians.

Quotes

"Ensuring the federal minimum wage rises with inflation is a floor that protects workers, especially those in the lowest paid jobs in federally regulated sectors. Keeping the minimum wage up to date helps maintain a reliable baseline that strengthens earnings and keeps workplace standards strong for all workers."

– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

Quick facts

• The federal minimum wage is adjusted annually on April 1 based on Canada's annual average Consumer Price Index of the previous calendar year, which rose 2.1% in 2025, and rounded up to the nearest $0.05.

• Employers in federally regulated private sectors are required to adjust their payrolls to ensure their employees are paid at least $18.15 per hour starting April 1, 2026. Should the provincial or territorial minimum wage rate exceed the federal rate, federally regulated employers must pay their employees the higher of the two.
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• Minister Hajdu highlights new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit
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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

Contacts: For media enquiries, please contact: Jennifer Kozelj, Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, [email protected]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]

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Employment and Social Development Canada

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