From October 1, 2023, Ontario, Manitoba, and four other Canadian provinces are set to increase their minimum wage rates. The minimum wage in Canada has increased to $16.65 per hour. ESDC had reported earlier that around 26000 Canadians earned less than $15,55 per hour. The anticipated rise in minimum wage rates in October 2023 may benefit more Canadians, including new immigrants.
Six Canadian provinces are all set to experience a surge in their minimum wage rates in October 2023. The Canadian province of Ontario is planning to revise the minimum wage from $ 15.50 to $ 16.55 per hour, and Manitoba is also likely to rise the minimum wage from $14.15 to $15.30 per hour. Moreover, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island are also planning to increase the minimum wage to the following:
Saskatchewan: From $13.00 to $14.00 per hour
Nova Scotia: From $14.50 to $15.00 per hour
Newfoundland and Labrador: From $14.50 to $15.00 per hour
Prince Edward Island (PEI): From $14.50 to $15.00 per hour
According to the announcement made by the communications coordinator working at the Ontario Living Wage Network, immigrants moving to Canada belongs to one of three groups that “overwhelmingly” find themselves at “the bottom of the wage spectrum”. Thus, the surge in the minimum wage rates will benefit a significant number of immigrants.
This policy update will help and be a welcome boost for many immigrants who have moved in recently in the six provinces receiving the minimum wage increase in October. Canada’s federal government expects it will help them establish more comfortably in their new home.
Newcomers are Protected by Labour Laws
Every newcomer to Canada is safeguarded by stringent labor laws. Labor Code in Canada makes sure that all employees including permanent residents, citizens, temporary foreign workers, and international students, are working in a safe environment and are compensated, fairly.
It also requires employers to offer newcomers job training, healthcare services, and information about their rights. Furthermore, they must offer employed individuals a signed copy of their employment agreement, which should include details such as compensation rates and terms of any applicable overtime work. This agreement must be given to employees on or before their first day of work.
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