What is the student minimum wage in Canada and how is it different from the regular minimum wage? This article will help you find the answers to these questions and more.
The minimum wage is the average hourly wage an employer must pay every worker. It is the responsibility of every province in Canada to determine the minimum wage as the federal legislation has granted them this power. Wage rates in Canada are classed depending on the region and class of work; these include special minimum student wage rates.
The minimum wage in Canada varies from province to province. There is a minimum salary specific for eligible students other than the regular workers’ minimum compensation in some regions.
Students are allowed to work in Canada, and it is essential you know your rights as a student employee. If you are a student in Canada, you will find all you need to know about the student minimum wage in Canada depending on your province in this article.
What is the Student Minimum Wage?
The student minimum wage is a special rate that applies to less than 18 years of age and works for less than 28 hours a week when school is in session. This rate also applies to students who work during the school breaks or summer holidays.
This means that students above 18 or students below 18 who work more than 28 hours a week do not qualify for the student minimum wage.
The student minimum wage is not applied in all provinces. This means that in regions where there is no student minimum wage, the general workers’ minimum compensation is applicable for student employees.
Student Minimum Wage in Canada by Province
Below is a table summarising the student minimum wage in Canada by province.
Note: All the rates are in Canadian dollars.
| Province | Student Minimum Wage |
| Alberta | $13.00 |
| British Columbia | $15.20 |
| Manitoba | $11.90 |
| New Brunswick | $11.70 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $12.15 |
| Northwest Territories | $13.46 |
| Nova Scotia | $13.10 |
| Nunavut | $16.00 |
| Ontario | $13.40 |
| Prince Edward Island | $13.00 |
| Quebec | $13.10 ($10.45 if gratuities apply) |
| Saskatchewan | $11.45 |
| Yukon | $13.71 |
Alberta Student Minimum Wage
The student minimum wage for students under-18 who work for less than 28 hours a week during the academic year in Alberta is $13.00. This also applies to students who work during school breaks and summer holidays.
British Columbia Student Minimum Wage
In British Columbia, regardless of the student’s age or work hours, the same wage rate applies. Currently, the amount is $14.60, though an increment has been announced. The new rate slated to take effect on the 1st of June, 2021, is $15.20.
Manitoba Student Minimum Wage
There is no specific minimum wage in Manitoba for students under 18 who work less than 28 hours a week and during school breaks and summer holidays. The student minimum wage is the same as the general workers’ minimum wage, which is $11.90.
New Brunswick Student Minimum Wage
Like most other provinces, the student minimum wage in New Brunswick is the same as the general workers’ minimum wage. The rate is $11.70.
Newfoundland And Labrador Student Minimum Wage
Formerly $11.65, the student minimum wage in Newfoundland And Labrador was increased to $12.15 on the 1st of October, 2020.
Northwest Territories Student Minimum Wage
The minimum wage in the North Territories for students is the same as that of regular workers and is $13.46.
Nova Scotia Student Minimum Wage
In Nova Scotia, there is no specific minimum wage for students regardless of their age. So, it is the same as the general minimum wage. Though by the 1st of April, 2021, a new rate of $13.10 will take effect. The current rate stands at $12.55.
Nunavut Student Minimum Wage
Nunavut has the highest minimum wage rate in Canada, and luckily for students (whether above 18 or below), the minimum wage is the same for all workers. The minimum wage rate in Nunavut is $16.00.
Ontario Student Minimum Wage
There is a specific minimum wage in Ontario for students below 18 who work less than 28 hours a week while school is in session and during the break or summer holidays. The student minimum wage rate in Ontario is $13.40.
Prince Edward Island Student Minimum Wage
Taking effect on the 1st of April, 2021, the minimum wage rate on Prince Edward Island will be $13.00 but currently stands at $12.85. This rate is the same for all workers on the Island.
Quebec Student Minimum Wage
There is no minimum wage set aside for students under 18 who work less than 28 hours during an academic year or school breaks and summer holidays in Quebec. The rate is the same for all and is $13.10 for general workers or $10.45 if gratuities or tips apply. E.g. waiters.
Saskatchewan Student Minimum Wage
Saskatchewan has the lowest minimum wage rate in Canada, and the rate is the same for all workers. The minimum wage rate currently stands at $11.45
Yukon Student Minimum Wage
There is no student minimum wage in Yukon. The minimum wage rate, which is at $13.17, is the same for all workers, including students.
The Three-Hour Rule
The Employment Standards Act (ESA) requires that employees be paid for at least 3 hours by their employers when called into work. This act applies even if they don’t work for the entire three hours. This rule is the three-hour rule and also applies to student minimum wage workers.
Other Entitlements for Student Minimum Wage Workers
As a minimum wage worker, you are eligible for most of the vacation and public holiday pay the regular minimum wage workers get at the same rate in Ontario. You are also entitled to a paid day off work whether you are a full-time student or a part-time student. You also get vacation pay and vacation time.
Conclusion
The student minimums wage is a special rate that applies to students under the age of 18 who work less than 28 hours a week while school is in session or during breaks and summer holidays.
However, this rate is only applied in Alberta and Ontario and not in other provinces in Canada. In those provinces, the regular workers’ minimum wage rate applies to students below or above 18 years of age.
