The minimum wage in Quebec has steadily been on the rise for almost 20 years.
In Quebec, the minimum wage is dependent on your occupation. In other words, certain occupations have higher minimum wages than others.
In this article, you will learn about the current minimum wage Quebec residents are entitled to, labor laws, taxes, the rate of increase from the previous year, and so much more. So, stay with us.
Minimum Wage in Quebec for 2022
The minimum hourly wage in Quebec is $14.25. Before May 1, 2021, it was $13.50 per hour.
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 specifically for tipped workers in Quebec is $11.40 per hour. It was previously $10.80 per hour before May 1, 2022.
A tipped employee’s status is confirmed by whether your clients offer you money apart from your regular salary.
You are also a tipped worker if you are employed in a restaurant, hotel, campground, restaurant, or bar where delivery service is available.
This type of worker has to earn their minimum wage (with tips included). Their employer can’t take their tips from them under any circumstance.
2. Commission-Based Workers
Workers that are employed based on commission have to earn the barest of the minimum wage at least. This is specifically for the work they carry out.
The calculation of their commission is simply made by basing the amount on sales percentage (that can possibly be merged with base wage).
Keep in mind that this type of worker may only be paid on a commission basis. The commission has to be level with the minimum wage at least (may also be paid with a base wage on commission).
3. Piece Workers
Piece workers are individuals who are paid certain amounts for each unit of their produce. An example is a textile maker or a visual artist. This type of worker has to be paid the minimum wage, at least, for the work they do.
4. Strawberry and Raspberry Pickers
The minimum wage for strawberry pickers in Quebec is $1.13 per kg. In the case of people who pick raspberries, the minimum wage is $4.23 per kg.
In the event that the state of the field where the fruit is planted lowers the output of the picker, it is a must for them to be paid the difference between minimum wage and the unit work rate.
This also applies if the fruits or other circumstances beyond the picker’s control affect output.
Rules and Exceptions for Minimum Wage in Quebec
Minimum wage rules don’t apply to the workers indicated below:
- Students who work for a nonprofit organization or community
- Employees who do work related to programs of vocational training that are legally recognized.
- Workers that are 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
The Respecting Labor Standards Act in Quebec is what sets the bar for the requirements that have to be in place if one is to be employed.
This involves standards for overtime, statutory holidays, vacation payment, minimum wage, and others. These standards are explained below:
1. Minimum Wage
An employer (or potential employer) has to pay at least the minimum wage to an employee for work done even if the employee works on a trial basis for a period of 5 hours or higher.
If there is an increase in the minimum wage, employers have to increase the amount to the new minimum wage at the barest minimum.
An employee has to be paid regularly (within a period of 16 days or less). If the employee has a role in management, the employer may pay the worker once monthly.
2. Overtime Pay
Labour laws stipulate that employees generally work for 40 hours per week.
Work hours are inclusive of breaks employers give workers, travel time needed by the employer, and the waiting time for work to be assigned to the worker.
The workers are paid overtime on the condition that they have worked for 40 full hours per week (irrespective of their regular work-week time requirements).
Workers have to be paid 1.5 times the regular wage paid per hour for each overtime hour they work.
3. Vacation Pay
Employers have to offer vacation pay in a singular payment right before a worker departs for their vacation trip.
If the worker has worked for less than three whole years of continuous service, they are entitled to 4% of their gross earnings as vacation pay.
However, If the worker has worked for more than three whole years of continuous service, they are entitled to 6% of their gross earnings as vacation pay.
4. Statutory Holidays
If a worker is not due to work on public holidays, an employer has to pay 1/20th of the wage amount the worker earned in four weeks preceding the week of the holiday period. Tips must be included, but overtime is not.
Employees working on holidays will be paid their regular wages plus an additional 1/20th of the wages. An alternative is to give the employee a day off within three weeks before/after the holiday period.
There are certain workers who do not enjoy the advantages of this act. They include managers, employees who work in federal law companies (radio stations and banks, for example), and construction workers.
Related: 25 Cheapest Places to Live in Canada
Quebec’s Minimum Wage Tax Rate
Quebec’s income tax rates for 2022 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
Several payroll deductions are calculated by employees and employers in Quebec. 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 labor 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
The minimum wage in the province of Quebec was increased from $13.50 to $14.25/hour on the 1st of May, 2022.
There is a strong likelihood that it will be bumped up to $15.00/hour soon. If this happens, it would be on par with Canada’s federal minimum wage and higher than the Ontario minimum wage.
Quebec’s Minimum Wage History
Displayed below is Quebec’s minimum wage history for the last six years:
Date of Increase | General Rate | Rate for Tipped Workers |
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 |
Conclusion on Minimum Wage in Quebec
The minimum wage in Quebec has steadily been on the rise for almost 20 years. The minimum wage is dependent on your occupation, and certain occupations have higher minimum wages than others.
Depending on the type of worker you are (commission-based, tip worker, fruit picker, or any other), your minimum wage varies in this province.
So, make sure to confirm what category you are in so you know the minimum wage you are entitled to.
FAQs on Minimum Wage in Quebec
What Are the Provincial Minimum Wage Rates in Canada?
Alberta: $15.00
British Columbia: $15.65
Manitoba: $11.95
New Brunswick: $12.75
Newfoundland & Labrador: $13.20
Northwest Territories: $15.20
Nova Scotia: $13.35
Nunavut: $16.00
Ontario: $15.00
Prince Edward Island: $13.70
Quebec: $14.25
Saskatchewan: $11.81
Yukon: $15.70
You can also read our article on the minimum wage in British Columbia and the minimum wage Alberta residents are subject to.
Hi, I'm Adeola Adegoke. I am a licensed Insurance Broker in Manitoba, and I hold a master’s degree in Mathematical Sciences (with a major in Financial Modeling) from the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), Tanzania.
Also, I have a second master's degree in Statistics from the University of Regina, and I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Statistics at the University of Manitoba.
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