"Who Benefits from April 1st Federal Minimum Wage Increase?"

Workers in federally regulated sectors earning minimum wage will see an increase in their paychecks next month. Canada is raising the federal minimum wage by 65 cents on April 1, from $16.65 to $17.30 per hour.

Since 2021, the federal minimum wage has been increasing steadily under the Liberal government's plan to schedule annual raises to match inflation. In 2021, the federal minimum wage was $15.

The adjustments to the federal minimum wage are determined by Canada's Consumer Price Index for the preceding calendar year. In 2023, the CPI experienced an average annual increase of 3.9 percent.

The raise in the federal minimum wage exclusively impacts employees within federally regulated sectors.

Federally regulated industries and workplaces encompass sectors like air transport, banking, postal services, and telecommunications, which include telephone and cable systems. You can find a comprehensive list on the federal government's website.

Your eligibility also relies on how your earnings compare to the minimum wage set by each province and territory.

Employment and Social Development Canada clarifies, "If the minimum wage established by the province or territory where you work exceeds the federal minimum wage, you will be subject to the provincial or territorial wage rate."