Prince Edward Island’s minimum wage will rise from $15.40 to $16 per hour beginning October 1, following a recommendation from the Employment Standards Board. The increase comes as part of the board’s annual review of minimum wage levels, aimed at ensuring wages keep pace with living costs and labour market conditions.
The change, formalized through the province’s Minimum Wage Order, sets the minimum amount employers must pay employees for each hour worked. In addition to wage rates, the order establishes employment standards for the cost of board, lodging, and meals, which are factored into wage calculations where applicable.
The Employment Standards Board, responsible for reviewing and recommending wage rates, conducts its evaluations yearly to assess whether adjustments are needed. The new rate will affect thousands of workers across the province, particularly those in low-wage positions.
Recent minimum wage increases
| Date | Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| 1 October 2024 | $16.00 per hour |
| 1 April 2024 | $15.40 per hour |
| 1 October 2023 | $15.00 per hour |
| 1 January 2023 | $14.50 per hour |
Board and lodging
The maximum amounts that may be deducted from the wages of an employee where the employer furnishes board and lodging are as follows:
| Category | Maximum Deduction |
|---|---|
| Board and Lodging | $61.60 per week |
| Board Only | $49.50 per week |
| Lodging Only | $27.50 per week |
| Single Meals | $4.25 per meal |
No charge is to be made for a meal not received by an employee. In no case shall the employee’s pay, after board and lodging deductions, be a lesser amount than the minimum rate less the price shown in this Order.