Here’s the latest on Quebec’s minimum wage based on recent official updates:
Core answer
- As of May 1, 2025, Quebec’s general minimum wage rose to $16.10 per hour, an increase of $0.35 (about 2.22%). This change applied to about 217,400 workers, including 118,400 women, and was intended to raise disposable income by up to approximately $484 per year for some workers. [Cite: government release and Radio-Canada coverage from 2025][3][4]
- Prior update: On May 1, 2024, the general minimum wage increased to $15.75 per hour, a rise of $0.50 (about 3.28%). This also included adjustments for tipped workers and specific harvesting roles. [Cite: Québec government release from 2024][2][4]
- For 2026, the government announced another increase: the general minimum wage would go to $16.60 per hour on May 1, 2026, representing a $0.50 bump. There are separate per-unit (per-kilogram) adjustments for fruit-picking workers. [Cite: Québec government release from 2026][5]
What this means in practice
- Workers in Quebec who earn the general minimum wage saw gradual increases across 2024–2026, with the goal of narrowing the gap between minimum wage and average wages while considering inflation and business capacity. The 2025 increase was described as lifting disposable income but criticized by some poverty advocacy groups as still insufficient for certain cost-of-living pressures. [Cite: government announcements; media reaction][1][4][3]
- The wage for workers paid by tips or engaged in specific harvesting activities is adjusted separately, but still linked to the general rate through annual percentage changes. [Cite: 2024–2025 updates][4][6]
Context and quick references
- 2025 update: $16.10/hour from May 1, 2025; roughly 2.22% increase; 217,400 workers affected. [Cite: government release; Radio-Canada coverage][3][4]
- 2024 update: $15.75/hour from May 1, 2024; 3.28% increase; broader implications for workers paid by tips and harvesters. [Cite: government release][2][4]
- 2026 update: $16.60/hour from May 1, 2026; 0.50$ increase; special adjustments for harvesting pay. [Cite: government release][5]
Would you like a concise timeline graphic or a breakdown by sector (general vs. tipped workers vs. harvesters) with exact dates and dollar figures? I can also pull a brief summary in French if you prefer.
Sources
QUÉBEC, le 22 janv. 2026 /CNW/ - Le ministre du Travail et ministre responsable de la région de la Mauricie, M. Jean Boulet, annonce que le taux général du salaire minimum sera augmenté de 0,50 $ le 1er mai 2026 et passera à 16,60 $ l'heure.
www.quebec.caQUÉBEC, le 1er mai 2025 /CNW/ - Le ministre du Travail et ministre responsable de la région de la Mauricie, de la région de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue et de la région du Nord-du-Québec, Jean Boulet, souligne l'entrée en vigueur de la hausse de 0,35 $ du...
www.quebec.ca/CNW/ - Le Collectif pour un Québec sans pauvreté dénonce vigoureusement la hausse dérisoire du salaire minimum qui entre en vigueur aujourd'hui au Québec....
www.newswire.caQUÉBEC, le 31 janv. 2025 /CNW/ - Le 1er mai 2025, le taux général du salaire minimum sera de 16,10 $ l'heure grâce à une hausse de 0,35 $, annonce Jean Boulet, ministre du Travail et ministre responsable de la région de la Mauricie, de la région de...
www.quebec.caQUÉBEC, le 31 janv. 2024 /CNW/ - Le gouvernement du Québec annonce une hausse de 0,50 $ du taux général du salaire minimum, qui atteindra ainsi 15,75 $ l'heure le 1er mai prochain. Cette hausse de 3,28 %, plus élevée que l'inflation anticipée pour...
www.quebec.ca