Is the minimum wage in Newfoundland going up in 2023?

The minimum wage in Newfoundland increased twice in 2023 due to the special increase promised by the government. The hourly minimum wage increased by $0.45 on April 1st 2022 to $13.20, and again on October 1st 2022 by $0.50 to $13.70. The next change won’t happen until April 1st 2023.

Why did the minimum wage increase in Newfoundland?

Plenty of people argued that the $11.40 hourly wage in Newfoundland was hardly enough to cover basic living expenses. Fight for $15 and Fairness Newfoundland & Labrador has been fighting for years to get the government to raise the minimum wage to $15, and the government plans to do this by October 2023.

What is the cost of living in Newfoundland?

The cost of living in the capital of Newfoundland, St. John’s , is generally less expensive than many of the other big cities in Canada, like Toronto, Vancouver or Calgary. Rent varies, but can be around $879.5 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment in the City Center and $1,468.75 for a 3-bedroom apartment in the City Center, whereas outside of the City Center an estimate of the rent prices would be around $713.9 for a 1-bedroom apartment and $1,168.75 for a 3-bedroom apartment. In the rural areas, it will generally be even cheaper.

What is Minimum Wage in Newfoundland? 2023

As of October 1, 2022, the minimum wage in Newfoundland is $13.70.

Minimum Wage History in Newfoundland

For years, the minimum wage in Newfoundland has been steadily increasing.

The following table shows the 10 most recent minimum wage changes in Newfoundland:

Date	Hourly Minimum Wage
October 1, 2022	$13.70
April 1, 2022	$13.20
October 1, 2021	$12.75
April 1, 2021	$12.50
October 1, 2020	$12.15
April 1, 2020	$11.65
April 1, 2019	$11.40
April 1, 2018	$11.15
October 2, 2017	$11.00
April 1, 2017	$10.75
October 1, 2015	$10.50
October 1, 2014	$10.25

Source: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland Minimum Wage Incremental Increase

In February 2020, the government announced an incremental minimum wage increase that would come into effect in 4 parts over a two-year period.

The increase would happen every 6 months, beginning in April 2020, and be relative to the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus an additional $0.25 each time.

The final special increase was made on October 1, 2021.

Now that the final special increase has passed, the government has announced further increases to the minimum wage to bring it closer to the federal rate.

On April 1, 2023, the minimum wage will increase to $14.50 per hour.

On October 1, 2023, the minimum wage will grow to $15 per hour.

After that, it’s expected that Newfoundland will go back to having one annual minimum wage change on April 1st of every year, which will be based on changes in the CPI.

Did You Know?

Newfoundland’s minimum wage will increase to $15 by October 2023.

Exemptions to the Minimum Wage in NL

According to the Labour Standards Regulations, the minimum wage requirements apply to the following:

Hourly-rate or fixed-wage employees that are paid weekly, monthly, or in a period of less than a month.
Employees that are paid on a commission-basis, either partly or in full.

There are, however, exemptions to the minimum wage rules in Newfoundland.

These exemptions are:

Farm employees who plant, cultivate, and/or harvest farm produce, or are involved with raising livestock (you can find their wages here.)
Live-in babysitters and housekeepers with a pre-existing agreement to get paid time off for any hours worked over 40 hours a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the minimum wage in Newfoundland going up in 2023?
The minimum wage in Newfoundland increased twice in 2023 due to the special increase promised by the government. The hourly minimum wage increased by $0.45 on April 1^st 2022 to $13.20, and again on October 1^st 2022 by $0.50 to $13.70. The next change won’t happen until April 1^st 2023.
Why did the minimum wage increase in Newfoundland?
Plenty of people argued that the $11.40 hourly wage in Newfoundland was hardly enough to cover basic living expenses. Fight for $15 and Fairness Newfoundland & Labrador has been fighting for years to get the government to raise the minimum wage to $15, and the government plans to do this by October 2023.
What is the cost of living in Newfoundland?
The cost of living in the capital of Newfoundland, St. John’s, is generally less expensive than many of the other big cities in Canada, like Toronto, Vancouver or Calgary. Rent varies, but can be around $879.5 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment in the City Center and $1,468.75 for a 3-bedroom apartment in the City Center, whereas outside of the City Center an estimate of the rent prices would be around $713.9 for a 1-bedroom apartment and $1,168.75 for a 3-bedroom apartment. In the rural areas, it will generally be even cheaper.