Minimum Wage to Rise to $16.60 per Hour on May 1, 2026
On January 22, 2026, the Minister of Labor and the representative for the Mauricie region, Jean Boulet, announced a pivotal increase in the minimum wage. Effective May 1, 2026, the general minimum wage will rise to $16.60 per hour, reflecting a $0.50 increase. This adjustment, amounting to a 3.11% rise, will positively impact approximately 258,900 workers.
Impact on Workers
The wage increase is expected to enhance the disposable income of affected employees by as much as $687 annually. Additionally, the minimum wage for tipped workers will see a smaller increase, rising $0.40 to $13.30 per hour, which is a 3.10% hike. Specialized labor rates will also experience adjustments:
- Berry pickers will receive $4.93 per kilogram, a $0.15 increase (3.14%).
- Strawberry pickers will have their wages raised to $1.32 per kilogram, a $0.04 increase (3.13%).
Comments from the Minister
Minister Boulet emphasized the importance of balancing wage growth within the current economic context, stating, “This increase protects the purchasing power of workers while allowing our businesses to remain competitive. It also encourages unemployed individuals to enter the workforce.”
Minimum Wage Trends Since 2018
The minimum wage in Quebec has seen significant increases since May 2018, rising from $12.00 to $16.60 per hour. This cumulative increase of $4.60 represents a total spike of 38.33%, surpassing the inflation rate of 27.17% during the same period. Here’s a breakdown of the wage increases since May 2019:
| Date | Increase | Percentage Increase | Minimum Wage in Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 upcoming wage increase is designed to align with the anticipated growth of the average hourly wage in Quebec, thereby ensuring that the minimum wage continues to reflect economic conditions. The ratio between the minimum wage and the average hourly wage is projected to be nearly 50% for the period 2026-2027.
