Minimum wage in Canada by province in 2025
Canada remains one of the most sought after destinations for Brazilians who wish to study and work abroad. With an exceptional quality of life and a vibrant labor market, the country offers unique opportunities for exchange students. Understanding the minimum wage in each province is essential for planning your budget and making the most of your Canadian experience.
Understanding the Canadian Education and Work System
The Canadian education system is recognized worldwide for its excellence and quality. International students have the opportunity to not only enhance their knowledge but also gain valuable professional experience while studying. The program Public College in Canada offers high-level training with the possibility of working while studying.
For Brazilians, an important differential is the work permit granted to international students. During term time, you can work up to 24 hours a week, while academic vacations are allowed to work full time, with no limitations on hours. This flexibility allows you to finance part of your studies and gain international professional experience.
Minimum wage in western Canadian provinces
Western Canada is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and thriving economy, offering excellent opportunities for international students. Find out the updated minimum wage values in these provinces:
- British Columbia: As of June 1, 2025, the minimum wage will be C$17.85 per hour (approximately R$74.26 at the current rate), reflecting the annual increase based on the consumer price index. The province is famous for Vancouver, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the country.
- Alberta: Maintains the minimum wage at C$15.00 per hour (approximately R$62.40), effective since October 2018. Despite having no recent increases, Alberta offers a strong economy based on the energy sector.
- Saskatchewan: As of October 1, 2024, the minimum wage is C$15.00 per hour (approximately R$62.40), ideal for students seeking a more affordable cost of living.
The central provinces and their opportunities
Canada's central provinces combine economic development with rich cultural heritage, making them increasingly popular destinations among international students. Manitoba and Ontario offer vibrant urban settings and welcoming communities.
Manitoba established the minimum wage at C$15.80 per hour (approximately R$65.73) and plans an increase to C$16.00 (R$66.56) as of October 1, 2025. The province is renowned for its low cost of living compared to other Canadian regions, making it an attractive option for students on a budget.
Ontario, the most populous province in Canada, will have a minimum wage of C$17.20 per hour (approximately R$71.55) expected to increase to C$17.60 (R$73.22) as of October 1, 2025. Toronto, its capital, is an economic and cultural center that offers numerous employment opportunities in various sectors, especially technology and finance.
The Atlantic provinces and their quality of life
Eastern Canada, comprised of the Atlantic provinces, offers an excellent combination of quality of life, rich culture, and welcoming communities. The minimum wages in these regions are:
- New Brunswick: As of April 1, 2025, the minimum wage will be C$15.65 per hour (approximately R$65.10), in a province known for its historic cities and bilingualism.
- Nova Scotia: The province established the minimum wage at C$15.70 per hour (approximately R$65.31) as of April 1, 2025, with an expected increase to C$16.50 (R$68.64) on October 1, 2025. It is famous for its stunning coastal landscapes.
- Prince Edward Island: It offers a minimum wage of C$16.00 per hour (approximately R$66.56) since October 1, 2024, making it the smallest Canadian province in terms of territory, but large in opportunities.
- Newfoundland & Labrador: As of April 1, 2025, the minimum wage is C$16.00 per hour (approximately R$66.56), with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index, in a province known for its unique hospitality.
Quebec and its peculiarities
Quebec stands out as a unique province in Canada, with its rich French-speaking culture and distinct educational system. As of May 1, 2024, the minimum wage is C$15.75 per hour (approximately R$65.52), with an expected increase to C$16.10 (R$66.98) on May 1, 2025.
This province offers a truly European experience within Canada, with historic cities like Montreal and Quebec City. For Brazilian students, it represents a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a bilingual environment, where both English and French are widely used. The students in the program Private College in Canada - Co-op they find excellent opportunities for paid internships in various areas in Quebec.
The Canadian Northern Territories
The Canadian Northern Territories offer some of the highest minimum wage rates in the country, offsetting the high cost of living in these remote regions:
- Northwest Territories: Since September 1, 2024, the minimum wage has been C$16.70 per hour (approximately R$69.47), adjusted annually based on the variation in the Consumer Price Index and the average hourly wage in the territory.
- Yukon: As of April 1, 2025, the minimum wage will increase to C$17.94 per hour (approximately R$74.63), also adjusted annually according to the Consumer Price Index.
- Nunavut: It offers the highest minimum wage in the country, C$19.00 per hour (approximately R$79.04) as of January 1, 2024, reflecting the high cost of living in this Arctic territory.
Financial planning for exchange students
To make the most of your study and work experience in Canada, proper financial planning is essential. Consider that with the Canadian minimum wage, working the 24 hours a week allowed during term time, you can generate a significant monthly income.
For example, in Ontario, with a minimum wage of C$17.20 per hour and working 24 hours a week, you could earn approximately C$1,651.20 monthly (about R$6,868.99). This amount can cover a large part of your accommodation, food, and transportation expenses, depending on the city you choose.
During academic vacations, the possibility of working full time allows you to significantly increase your income, creating opportunities for travel or savings for the next academic term. This flexibility is one of the great differentials for international students in Canada.
How to choose the ideal province for your exchange
Choosing the ideal province for your exchange in Canada must consider several factors other than the minimum wage. Carefully review:
- Cost of living: Provinces such as Alberta and Manitoba offer a good ratio between minimum wage and cost of living.
- Academic opportunities: Ontario and British Columbia are home to many of the most renowned educational institutions.
- Clima: If you don't adapt well to extreme cold, consider milder regions like the British Columbia coast.
- Predominant language: Quebec offers immersion in a French-speaking environment, while the other provinces are predominantly Anglophone.
- Brazilian community: Cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver have large Brazilian communities, facilitating their initial adaptation.
Comparative table: Minimum wage by Canadian province in 2025
To make it easier for you to decide which Canadian province to choose for your exchange, we have prepared this comparative table with the updated minimum wage values in 2025. Compare the values in Canadian dollars and Brazilian reais (exchange rate: C$1 = R$4.16):
This table provides an overview for your initial planning. Remember that in addition to the minimum wage, it's important to consider the local cost of living, academic and professional opportunities specific to your area, as well as cultural and climatic aspects that may influence your experience in Canada.
Be Easy
A Be Easy offers full support to make your dream of studying and working in Canada a reality. Our expert advisors help you choose the ideal province based on your profile, objectives, and budget. In addition, we offer guidance for the entire visa process, documentation, and pre-boarding preparation, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience on Canadian soil. Get in touch today and discover how we can facilitate your international journey!
