Canada: Minimum Wage Increase and PTO: Compliance Update: Bill 148

Canada: Minimum Wage Increase and PTO: Compliance Update: Bill 148Canada’s Bill 148 Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 was passed on November 22, 2017, making numerous changes to everything from minimum wage to fairer scheduling rules and holiday pay.

The change that received the most press was an increase to minimum wage – from $11.60 to $14.00 per hour effective January 1, 2018 – with a further increase to $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2019. As a result of these two changes, the next CPI increase will not occur on October 1, 2019.

Also effective January 1, 2018, minimum employee vacation entitlement increased to three weeks annually (equivalent of 6% of annual pay) after five years of service.

This chart summarizes the updated duration for a variety of leaves that took effect January 1, 2018. The 2018 Government Benefit Update has helpful benefit rate information.

Should you need benefits assistance in Canada we’d be happy to put you in touch with our Canadian Partner Cowan Insurance Group.