Minimum Wage to Rise to $16.60 Per Hour by May 2026
The Labour Minister, Jean Boulet, announced significant changes to the minimum wage structure in Quebec. Effective May 1, 2026, the general minimum wage will increase by $0.50, raising it to $16.60 per hour. This adjustment corresponds to a rise of 3.11% and will benefit approximately 258,900 workers across the region.
Details of the Minimum Wage Increase
This wage increase is expected to enhance the disposable income of affected workers by up to $687 annually. In addition to the general increase, specific adjustments for tipped employees and agricultural workers have also been established:
- The minimum wage for tipped workers will rise by $0.40 to $13.30 per hour, reflecting a 3.10% increase.
- The minimum pay for raspberry pickers will increase by $0.15, reaching $4.93 per kilogram, a 3.14% rise.
- The wage for strawberry harvesters will see a growth of $0.04, climbing to $1.32 per kilogram, marking a 3.13% increase.
Context and Implications of the Increase
Jean Boulet emphasized the importance of adjusting the minimum wage to maintain purchasing power for workers while ensuring business competitiveness. He indicated that this increase could also encourage more unemployed individuals to enter the job market.
Historical Wage Increases in Quebec
Since May 2018, the minimum wage has seen an increase from $12.00 to the upcoming $16.60 per hour, amounting to a total rise of $4.60, or 38.33%. This adjustment has outpaced the inflation rate, which rose by 27.17% during the same timeframe. Below is a summary of the minimum wage increases since May 2019:
| Date | Increase | Percentage | New Minimum Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2019 | $0.50 | 4.17% | $12.50 |
| May 2020 | $0.60 | 4.80% | $13.10 |
| May 2021 | $0.40 | 3.05% | $13.50 |
| May 2022 | $0.75 | 5.56% | $14.25 |
| May 2023 | $1.00 | 7.02% | $15.25 |
| May 2024 | $0.50 | 3.28% | $15.75 |
| May 2025 | $0.35 | 2.22% | $16.10 |
| May 2026 | $0.50 | 3.11% | $16.60 |
This latest increase aligns with forecasts for average hourly wage growth in Quebec and positions the minimum wage at nearly 50% of the average hourly wage from 2026 to 2027. Such strategies are essential for ensuring fair compensation and encouraging economic stability within the province.
