As of May 01, 2025, the minimum wage in Québec is officially increasing from $15.75 to $16.10 per hour. This update, announced by Québec’s Labour Minister, Jean Boulet, affects over 217,000 workers, primarily those in the retail and hospitality sectors.

Whether you’re a newcomer to Canada, an employer in Québec, or navigating the Canadian immigration process, understanding how this wage increase affects employment, compliance, and financial planning is essential.

Key Details of the 2025 Minimum Wage Increase

• New general minimum wage: $16.10/hour (increased from $15.75).
• New minimum wage for tipped employees: $12.90/hour (increased from $12.60).
• Annual increase in disposable income for full-time, general minimum wage earners: approximately $484.
• Number of workers affected: 217,400, with approximately 118,400 of them women.

Wage Growth Outpaces Inflation

Since 2019, Québec’s minimum wage has risen by 34.2%, from $12.00 to the new $16.10 rate. During the same period, inflation in the province has been around 25%. Minister Boulet emphasized that this sustained wage growth has been significantly higher than the cost-of-living increase, providing workers with more real income.

How Québec Compares to Other Provinces

In contrast, Ontario’s minimum wage is already higher. As of April 2025, Ontario workers earn $17.20/hour, with a scheduled increase to $17.60 in October 2025. Other provinces, such as British Columbia and Alberta have similarly higher wage benchmarks.

What This Means for Newcomers to Canada

For immigrants and temporary foreign workers in Québec, the minimum wage increase provides modest improvement in income, but also highlights the need for a broader understanding of the province’s employment laws, cost of living, and worker rights. For those entering Québec under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), International Mobility Program (IMP), or through Canadian permanent residency pathways, these wage standards form an important part of employment agreements and financial planning.

Understanding Québec labour law is crucial when negotiating employment terms, applying for work permits, and ensuring compliance with immigration conditions.

Employer Obligations Under Québec Employment Law

Employers in Québec must update their payroll systems and employment contracts to reflect the new minimum wage. Compliance is not optional — failure to meet wage standards can lead to penalties and put foreign worker applications at risk.

Steps employers should take include:

• Ensuring payroll adjustments are in place for all minimum wage employees.
• Communicating the wage increase clearly and effectively to affected staff.
• Reviewing employment contracts for compliance with updated standards.
• Staying informed about upcoming changes to both federal and provincial labour regulations.

Employers hiring foreign nationals under LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt programs must also ensure that wages meet both provincial minimum wage standards and any federal program-specific requirements.

Navigating the Road Ahead

This latest adjustment to Québec’s minimum wage reflects an ongoing effort to balance worker support with economic viability. For immigrants seeking to work, and for employers hiring internationally, staying informed on wage changes is not just helpful — it’s legally and financially necessary.

If you are a newcomer navigating the Canadian job market or an employer hiring foreign talent, Zohil-Morton Law can provide guidance on how these changes intersect with your immigration and employment law obligations.

Strategic Legal Support for Your Move to Québec: How Zohil-Morton Law Can Help

If you’re exploring your options to immigrate to Canada, this is the time to plan strategically and make well-informed decisions.

At Zohil-Morton Law, we provide experienced, personalized legal guidance to help you navigate Canadian immigration law. Contact us to schedule a consultation with Cristina Zohil-Morton, a trusted immigration lawyer with a strong track record of helping clients successfully relocate to Canada, or e-mail her directly at cristina@zomolaw.ca. We’re here to help you take the next step toward making Canada your home.

To further support our clients’ transitions to Canada, we’ve partnered with THE MAC Group to streamline the relocation process. Through our partnership, we can assist with:

• Short-term accommodations.
• Real estate services in Toronto, including buying, selling, or leasing.
• Destination services for individuals and families relocating to Canada.

Whether you are applying for Canadian permanent residence, a work permit, a study permit, or are looking to establish yourself in Québec, Zohil-Morton Law is here to help you avoid common pitfalls and move forward with confidence.