As of May 1, 2023, the current minimum wage in Quebec is $15.25 per hour. This increase from last year’s $14.25 reflects the province’s commitment to fair and equitable compensation.
Quebec’s minimum wage system is unique, considering various factors such as occupation type, commission-based work, piece work, and seasonal employment. Whether you’re an employee, employer, or simply interested in the minimum wage in Quebec, this guide will provide valuable insights into Quebec’s minimum wage.
Stay with us as we break down the intricacies of Quebec’s minimum wage system and equip you with the knowledge to navigate the ever-changing economic landscape.
Minimum Wage in Quebec for 2024
The minimum hourly wage in Quebec is $15.25. This rate has been in effect since May 1, 2023.
In Quebec, there are exceptions to this general minimum wage for certain occupations. These special cases are explained below:
1. Tipped Workers
The minimum wage for tipped workers in Quebec is $12.20 per hour (increased from $11.40 per hour before May 1, 2023). Tipped employee status is confirmed if clients offer money in addition to the regular salary. This category includes restaurants, hotels, campgrounds, and bar employees with delivery services. Tipped workers must earn their minimum wage, and employers cannot take their tips under any circumstances.
2. Commission-Based Workers
Commission-based workers must earn at least the minimum wage for their work. Their commission is calculated based on a sales percentage, which can possibly be merged with a base wage.
Note: Commission-based workers may only be paid on a commission basis, but it must equal the minimum wage (base wage on commission is also possible).
3. Piece Workers
Piece workers, such as textile makers or visual artists, must be paid at least the minimum wage.
4. Strawberry and Raspberry Pickers
The minimum wage for strawberry pickers in Quebec is $1.13 per kg. For raspberry pickers, it is $4.23 per kg. If the state of the field or other circumstances beyond the picker’s control affects their output, they must be paid the difference between the minimum wage and the unit work rate.
Rules and Exceptions for Minimum Wage in Quebec
Minimum wage rules don’t apply to the workers indicated below:
- Students who work for a non-profit organisation or community
- Employees who do work related to programs of vocational training that are legally recognised.
- Workers paid on commission alone (for their commercial actions outside a work environment). Also, employees whose work hours can’t be regulated.
- Sportspeople who partake in team sports are also not subject to minimum wage rules in Quebec. That is, if their membership in the team is conditional (depending on the duration of their academics).
Quebec’s Act Respecting Labor Standards
Quebec’s Act Respecting Labor Standards establishes important employment requirements covering various aspects of work, including overtime, statutory holidays, vacation pay, minimum wage, and more.
1. Minimum Wage
Employers must pay their employees at least the minimum wage, even during a trial period of 5 hours or more. Additionally, when the minimum wage increases, employers must promptly adjust the employee’s pay to meet the new minimum wage at the very least.
For employees in management positions, employers have the option to pay them monthly, while all other employees must be paid regularly, typically within a period of 16 days.
2. Overtime Pay
Employees are expected to work around 40 hours per week, including any breaks provided by the employer, travel time required by the employer, and waiting time for work assignments.
Overtime pay becomes applicable when employees have worked beyond 40 hours in a single week, irrespective of their regular work-week time requirements. Workers who have worked overtime are entitled to receive 1.5 times their regular hourly wage for each additional hour worked.
3. Vacation Pay
Employers must provide employees with their vacation pay in a lump sum payment just before the start of their vacation. The amount of vacation pay is determined based on the employee’s length of continuous service.
Employees who have worked for less than three years of continuous service are entitled to 4% of their gross earnings as vacation pay, while those who have worked for three or more years are entitled to 6% of their gross earnings as vacation pay.
4. Statutory Holidays
If a worker is not scheduled to work on a public holiday, the employer must pay them 1/20th of the total wage earned in the four weeks preceding the week the holiday occurs. This calculation includes tips but excludes overtime.
Employees who do work on statutory holidays are entitled to their regular wages for the day, plus an additional 1/20th of their wages. Alternatively, the employer may grant the employee a day off within three weeks before or after the holiday.
Related: 25 Cheapest Places to Live in Canada
Quebec’s Minimum Wage Tax Rate
Quebec’s income tax rates for 2023 are indicated below:
- $46,295 or less: 15%
- $46,295.01 – $92,580: 20%
- $92,580.1 – $112,655: 24%
- $112,655+: 25.75%
The following is the federal tax rate (in addition to the provincial rates):
- Up to $50,197: 15%
- $50,197.01 – $100,392: 20.50%
- $100,392.01 – $155,625: 26%
- $155,625.01 – $221,708: 29%
- $221,708.01+: 33%
Related: Canada Tax Brackets and Income Tax Rates for 2021-2022
Quebec Minimum Wage Deductions
Employees and employers in Quebec calculate several payroll deductions. They are as follows:
- Quebec Pension Plan (or QPP) contributions
- Source deductions of Quebec income tax
- Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (or QPIP) premiums
- Contribution to relevant labour standards by employer
- Contribution to the health services fund by the employer
- Contribution to the Workforce Skills Development and Recognition Fund (or WSDRF) by employer
Increases in Quebec’s Minimum Wage
Quebec’s minimum wage rose from $14.25 to $15.25/hour on May 1, 2023. There is a high possibility of it being further increased in 2024, aligning it with Canada’s federal minimum wage and surpassing Ontario’s minimum wage.
Quebec’s Minimum Wage History
Displayed below is Quebec’s minimum wage history for the past years:
Date of Increase General Rate Rate for Tipped Workers May 1, 2023 $15.25 $12.20 May 1, 2022 $14.25 $11.40 May 1, 2021 $13.50 $10.75 May 1, 2020 $13.10 $10.45 May 1, 2019 $12.50 $10.05 May 1, 2018 $12.00 $9.80 May 1, 2017 $11.25 $9.45 May 1, 2016 $10.75 $9.20
Source: Government of Quebec
Final Thoughts on Minimum Wage in Quebec
Exploring the topic of “Minimum Wage in Quebec” has shed light on the recent positive developments in the province’s labour standards.
As we continue monitoring these updates, employees and employers must stay informed and aware of any further changes. Remember, staying informed empowers us to make informed decisions and create a fair working environment.
Stay tuned for more updates on Quebec’s minimum wage, and remember to visit our website regularly for the latest news and insights on labour laws and regulations.
You can also read our article on the minimum wage in British Columbia and the minimum wage Alberta residents are subject to.
