In Canada, the hourly workers’ wages have been increased. This has been done in six provinces. 

Below is a list that represents how many hourly minimum wages are in impacted provinces/ regions.

• Newfoundland & Labrador: Up from $14.50 to $15.00
• Saskatchewan: Up from $13.00 to $14.00
• PEI: Up from $14.50 to $15.00
• Manitoba: Up from $14.15 to $15.30
• Ontario: Up from $15.50 to $16.55
• Nova Scotia: Up from $14.50 to $15.00

Well, Saskatchewan has already announced that they will be raising hourly workers’ wages again in October 2024, i.e., from $14.00 to $15.00 per hour. 

Comprehending The Canadian Labor Market 

The hourly workers’ wages increase on October 1 is a welcoming gesture/ signal for Canada’s newcomers/ immigrants because Canadians have historically been overly represented in low-wage occupations.    

Moreover, Canadian immigrants are more vulnerable to workplace exploitation by employers, misconduct from co-workers, etc. To that end, newcomers must be aware that their status in the nation doesn’t impact their rights & protection as an employee. 

In addition, Canada’s Labor Code highlights that all employed people in this nation have the right to perform their jobs safely & be compensated for their efforts. Also, employers have specific obligations to their employees under the Labor Code. 

These obligations are as follows: 

• Providing employees with job training
• Providing healthcare services 
• Giving employees access to data that outlines their rights as an employee
• Providing the employees with a signed copy of their employment agreement

Canadian employers are obligated to follow a specific code of conduct with respect to their employees. This code of conduct outlines that employers in Canada cannot:

• Force employees to perform unsafe work or tasks that are not explicitly outlined in the person’s employment agreement. 
• Mandate that an employee will work even if they are injured or sick. 
• Take away an employee’s work permit or passport, threaten to change their immigration status or with deportation. 

More On Employment Rights & Misconduct In Canada 

As discussed above, certain standards in Canada protect all workers, like international candidates who come to Canada. In fact, the rights of foreign professionals are protected under both provincial & federal labor laws. 

In addition, the Canadian Human Rights Act also exists to ensure that employees aren’t victimized by discrimination on any basis. This might include gender, age, race, etc. 

For victims of misconduct, it is vital to note that the nation protects employees from the consequences of reporting workplace misconduct. 

Moreover, inappropriate behavior from an employer can be reported at the workplace health or safety office in the affected person’s territory/ province.