Wage Increases for Hourly Workers in Six Canadian Provinces
Good news for newcomers to Canada! Six Canadian provinces have increased their minimum wages to improve the economic well-being of hourly workers.
In recent years, the issues of fair wage pay and income inequality have gained a lot of attention in Canada. Though many provinces have taken steps to raise the minimum wage and implement policies, this remains to be a concern. Therefore, the hourly minimum wage rates have been increased in six Canadian provinces as of October 1, 2023, which will highly contribute to increasing the average salary in Canada.
This post discusses the increased hourly wages and highlights the positive impact it may have on workers and the broader economy.
Provinces With Increased Hourly Wages
- Ontario: From $15.50 to $16.55
- Manitoba: From $14.15 to $15.30
- Saskatchewan: From $13.00 to $14.00
- Nova Scotia: From $14.50 to $15.00
- Newfoundland and Labrador: From $14.50 to $15.00
- Prince Edward Island: From $14.50 to $15.00
These wages are applicable for now but Saskatchewan has already announced that it will increase the minimum wage from $14.00 to $15.00 per hour in October 2024.
Explore the Canadian job market as a newcomer
The recent increase in the minimum wage as announced on October 1 is good news for newcomers who are planning to apply for Canada PR Visa from India.
For many years, hourly workers were paid much less and because of this, newcomers have faced many problems at their place of work. They might also be treated badly by their superiors and co-workers. Therefore, it is vital to know that your status in Canada does not change your rights as an employee.
Canada’s government has rules to protect its workers under the Canadian Human Rights Act. These rules will make sure that each foreign national in Canada feels safe in their work environment and gets fairly paid. Not just this, employers will also have responsibilities towards their employees under said rules.
Employers’ responsibilities include:
- Giving training to their employees.
- Providing access to health and medical care.
- Sharing information about their rights as employees.
- Giving the employee a signed copy of their employment agreement.
Employers are also obligated to follow a code of conduct with respect to their employees. Under this, here is what employers in Canada cannot do:
- Putting employees’ lives at risk by assigning them work that is unsafe or not specified in the employment agreement. This will include making employees work overtime.
- Force employees to work when they are ill or injured.
- Take hold of the passport or work permit of the employee or threaten them to change their immigration status or deportation.
How does this impact the broader economy?
When workers are paid better at their Jobs in Canada, it leads to job satisfaction. Workers are more likely to spend well in their local communities, which benefits workers, employers, and the Canadian economy as a whole.
Provinces have increased the hourly wages for more stable and improved employment rates. This will also reduce income inequality, allowing a more equitable society and less financial stress for many families.
If you are planning to immigrate to Canada, you can apply through the Express Entry system or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). For a smoother PR process, seek professional advice from Nationwide Visas, one of the best Immigration Consultants in Delhi. Take advantage of our services, visa filing, documentation assistance, one-on-one counseling, post-landing services, and more. Start your process today and fulfill your dream of settling and working in Canada as soon as possible.
