Why does the minimum wage vary between provinces in Canada?

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Work system for international students

The Canadian work system offers excellent conditions for international students. With the program Public College in Canada, you have the opportunity to not only improve your knowledge, but also to gain valuable professional experience during your studies.

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. This flexibility allows you to finance part of your studies and enrich your curriculum with international experience.

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Why does the minimum wage vary between Canadian provinces

Canada is a federation where each province and territory has significant legislative autonomy, including the definition of their own labor laws. This decentralized structure explains why minimum wage amounts and readjustment dates vary so much by country.

The differences in values reflect the different economic realities of each region. Provinces with a higher cost of living, such as British Columbia and Ontario, generally set higher minimum wages to ensure adequate living standards. The northern territories (Nunavut, Yukon, and Northwest Territories), on the other hand, offer the highest minimum wages to compensate for geographical isolation and the very high cost of living in these remote regions.

As for renewal dates, each province determines its own calendar based on its budget cycles and legislative processes. Some opt for increases scheduled in April or May, coinciding with the start of the Canadian fiscal year, while others prefer October to align with their specific business cycles. This variety also reflects different policy approaches to wage adjustments — some provinces favor gradual and predictable increases, while others prefer less frequent but more substantial revisions.

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British Columbia (BC)

British Columbia offers one of the highest minimum wages in the country. As of June 1, 2025, the amount will be C$17.85 per hour (approximately R$74.26 at the current price), reflecting the annual increase based on the consumer price index.

The province is home to Vancouver, a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant technology and film industry, offering diverse opportunities for international students. The mild climate compared to other Canadian regions is another attraction, especially for Brazilians who prefer less severe winters.

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Alberta

Alberta maintains the minimum wage at C$15.00 per hour (approximately R$62.40), effective since October 2018. Despite having no recent increases, the province offers a strong economy based on the energy sector, with a relatively lower cost of living than British Columbia.

Calgary and Edmonton, the province's main cities, are economic centers with ample opportunities in sectors such as oil, gas, and agribusiness. Alberta also stands out for its lack of provincial sales tax, resulting in additional savings for its residents.

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Saskatchewan

As of October 1, 2024, Saskatchewan has maintained the minimum wage at C$15.00 per hour (approximately R$62.40). This province is ideal for students seeking a more affordable cost of living and welcoming communities.

Known for its economy based on natural resources and agriculture, Saskatchewan offers a tranquil environment and growing opportunities in sectors such as technology and manufacturing. Saskatoon and Regina, its main cities, have internationally recognized universities and colleges.

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Manitoba

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.

Winnipeg, its capital, offers a vibrant cultural scene with several festivals throughout the year. Manitoba has excelled in sectors such as manufacturing, financial services, and technology, providing excellent opportunities for early-career international students.

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Ontario

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 hub that offers numerous employment opportunities in diverse sectors, especially technology, finance, and media. Although the cost of living is higher, the variety of academic and professional options makes Ontario a highly sought after destination for Brazilians.

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Quebec

Quebec stands out as a unique province with its rich French-speaking culture. 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 an opportunity to immerse themselves in a bilingual environment, ideal for those who wish to improve both English and French, significantly expanding professional opportunities.

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New Brunswick

As of April 1, 2025, New Brunswick will have a minimum wage of C$15.65 per hour (approximately R$65.10). This province is known for its historic cities and bilingual character, being the only officially bilingual province in Canada.

With a more affordable cost of living than large centers, New Brunswick offers an excellent quality of life and a welcoming environment for international students. Its principal cities, Fredericton and Saint John, are home to respected educational institutions and growing opportunities in the technology and service sectors.

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Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has a minimum wage of C$15.70 per hour (approximately R$65.31), with an increase expected to C$16.50 (R$68.64) on October 1, 2025.

The province is renowned for its stunning coastal landscapes and Halifax, its capital, combines historic charm with modernity. The technology sector is booming, creating new opportunities for international students in the program Private College in Canada - Co-op, which allows paid internships during the course.

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Prince Edward Island (PEI)

Prince Edward Island offers a minimum wage of C$16.00 per hour (approximately R$66.56) as of October 1, 2024. As the smallest Canadian province by territory, PEI pays off with charm and exceptional quality of life.

The local economy is based on tourism, agriculture and fishing, with increasing development in the technology sector. Charlottetown, its capital, offers a safe and welcoming environment, ideal for students who prefer smaller, quieter cities.

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Newfoundland & Labrador

As of April 1, 2025, Newfoundland & Labrador has had a minimum wage of C$16.00 per hour (approximately R$66.56), with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index.

This Atlantic province is renowned for its unique hospitality and stunning landscapes. St. John's, its capital, combines vibrant university environment with rich culture and opportunities in sectors such as energy, natural resources, and marine technology.

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Northwest Territories

Since September 1, 2024, Northwest Territories has maintained the minimum wage at 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.

Despite the extreme climate, the territory offers unique experiences and competitive salaries to compensate for the high cost of living. Yellowknife, its capital, has growing opportunities in the mining, tourism, and government services sectors.

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Yukon

Since April 1, 2025, Yukon increased the minimum wage to C$17.94 per hour (approximately R$74.63), also adjusted annually according to the Consumer Price Index.

With lush nature and welcoming communities, Yukon offers exceptional quality of life for those who appreciate contact with the environment. Whitehorse, its capital, has a diversified economy with opportunities in tourism, services, and public administration.

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Nunavut

Nunavut 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.

The territory provides a unique cultural experience, with a strong presence of Inuit traditions. Iqaluit, its capital, offers opportunities primarily in government services, health and education, with high salaries offsetting the cost of living and the challenging climate.

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Factors for choosing the ideal province

When deciding which Canadian province best fits your profile, consider these essential factors that go beyond the minimum wage:

• Cost of living: Provinces like Ontario and British Columbia offer more opportunities, but with higher costs. Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have the best cost-benefit ratio.
• Clima: Temperatures vary dramatically between regions. Vancouver has milder winters, while central provinces such as Manitoba can reach -40°C in winter.
• Job market: Identify where your area of study is most in demand. Toronto and Vancouver are technology hubs, Alberta stands out in energy, Quebec in aerospace and digital games.
• Bahasa: Quebec requires knowledge of French for full integration. New Brunswick is officially bilingual. In the other provinces, English is predominant.
• Brazilian community: Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver have large Brazilian communities, facilitating initial adaptation and networking.
• Educational institutions: Check where the best institutions are for your specific area of study, considering rankings and reputation in the market.
• Immigration prospects: Some provinces, such as Manitoba and Saskatchewan, have provincial immigration programs that are more affordable for international students.
• Public transport: In smaller cities, having a car may be essential, while Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver offer efficient public transportation systems.

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Financial planning for exchange students

Based on the minimum salaries presented, you can make efficient financial planning for your Canadian experience. By working 24 hours a week during term time, it is possible to generate a significant monthly income to cover essential expenses.

For example, in Ontario, with a minimum wage of C$17.20/hour, working 24 hours a week, you could earn approximately C$1,651.20 monthly (about R$6,869). During academic vacations, the possibility of working full time makes it possible to significantly increase this income.

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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 to offering guidance throughout the visa process and documentation. Get in touch today and discover how we can facilitate your international journey!

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