What is the minimum wage determined by in Canada?

The minimum wage in Canada is primarily determined by provincial and territorial laws. Each province and territory sets its own minimum wage laws, which can vary significantly across the country. This framework allows local governments to consider regional economic conditions, cost of living, and other factors relevant to their specific areas when establishing minimum wage rates.

While there are federal regulations that set minimum wage standards for federally regulated employees, the vast majority of workers in Canada fall under provincial or territorial jurisdiction. This decentralized approach means that workers in different provinces or territories can receive different minimum wages according to the policies set by their respective governments.

Industry standards can influence wages and negotiated union agreements may secure higher wages or additional benefits, but they do not establish the minimum wage itself, which is a baseline set by legislation.