New Minimum Wage in Quebec Effective May 1, 2025

Effective May 1, 2025, Quebec will implement new minimum wage rates, reflecting the province's ongoing efforts to support low-income workers while considering economic conditions.

New Minimum Wage Rates
•        General Minimum Wage: Increases from C$15.75 to C$16.10 per hour, marking a 2.22% rise . 
•        Tipped Employees: Wage rises from C$12.60 to C$12.90 per hour . 
•        Agricultural Workers:
o        Strawberry Pickers: Minimum pay increases to C$1.28 per kilogram.
o        Raspberry Pickers: Minimum pay increases to C$4.78 per kilogram .Economic Impact

This adjustment is expected to benefit approximately 217,400 workers, including 118,400 women, enhancing their annual disposable income by about C$484 . 
The modest increase reflects a balance between aiding workers and addressing challenges faced by sectors like retail and hospitality, which have experienced economic pressures and closures . 

Comparison with Other Jurisdictions
Despite the increase, Quebec's general minimum wage remains below:
•        Federal Minimum Wage: C$17.75 per hour (effective April 1, 2025) . 
•        Ontario: C$17.20, set to rise to C$17.60 on October 1, 2025 . 
•        British Columbia: C$17.40, increasing to C$17.85 on June 1, 2025 .
•        Nunavut: C$19.00 per hour, the highest in Canada . 

Policy Considerations
Quebec aims to maintain its minimum wage at 50% of the average hourly wage. The 2025 adjustment achieves a ratio of 50.52%, aligning with this target .

Implementation and Oversight
The Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) oversees labor standards in Quebec, including minimum wage regulations. Employers are mandated to comply with these new rates effective May 1, 2025 .

Source :-  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/new-minimum-wage-in-quebec-2025/