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Nunavut Minimum Wage in 2023

As the least populous of Canada’s provinces and territories, the population of Nunavut is estimated to be 39,589 in 2022.

With its limited infrastructure and restrictive supply chain, the cost of living is higher. And it is no surprise that Nunavut offers one of the highest minimum wages in Canada at a rate of $16.00 per hour.

While there are no age restrictions, there are a few other restrictions to receiving this wage, which will be covered in this article.

Nunavut Minimum Wage History

The current minimum wage in Nunavut is $16 per hour, and this has been in place since April 1, 2020. The rate is reviewed every April and, if required, is adjusted based on the cost of living.

Nunavut does not have an extensive history of minimum wage changes since it only became an independent territory in 1999.

A brief overview of the minimum hourly wage rates in Nunavut:

  • April 1, 2020: $16
  • March 2, 2016: $13
  • January 1, 2011: $11
  • September 5, 2008: $10
  • March 3, 2003: $8.50

The minimum wage of $16 an hour is the bottom line for employees in this territory. However, earning capacity can be higher.

Nunavut Minimum Wage Exceptions and Rules

While there is no age restriction to be eligible for this minimum wage, there are other restrictions to keep in mind.

Some of these restrictions pertain to trappers or workers at commercial fisheries. If lodging or boarding is provided for the employee, the employers here are allowed to deduct the cost from the employee’s salary.

Since these sectors amount to a significant portion of the territory’s economic output, this would be applicable to a large amount of the population.

A worker can also be exempt if they are a student in certain professions that are not regulated by the Labour Standards Act.

Minimum Wage Tax Rates in Nunavut

Since taxes in Canada are progressive, the amount you pay is dependent on your income threshold. Nunavut also follows a progressive structure for its territorial taxes.

Nunavut has one of the lowest tax rates in the country. Here is a list that outlines the tax rates for different incomes in 2023:

  • Up to $50,877: 4%
  • $50,878 to $101,754: 7%
  • $101,755 to $165,429: 9%
  • $165,430 and over: 11.50%

The federal taxes (paid in addition to the territorial taxes) are as follows:

Tax Bracket 2023Tax Rate 2023
Up to $53,35915%
$53,360 to $106,71720.50%
$106,718 to $165,43026%
$165,431 to $235,67529%
$235,676 and over33%

The federal basic personal amount (BPA) is $15,000, and Nunavut’s amount is $17,925.

This means you don’t pay federal taxes on the first $15,000 earned and territorial taxes on the first $17,925 earned.

Nunavut Minimum Wage Deductions

Most wage deductions are standard across the country.

The Labour Standards Act protects employees by prohibiting employers from making unwarranted deductions. The Act makes it clear that the employee must authorize this in writing if there is a need for further deductions.

Canada Pension Plan

Canadian workers are obligated to contribute to the Canada Pension Plan. The first $3,500 is exempted annually, and then 5.95% is calculated on your remaining income for the year, and this is divided across your paycheques. CPP contributions result in pension payments when you retire.

Employment Insurance

Both the employer and employee pay Employment Insurance. At 1.63%, the maximum insurable amount is $61,500. The employee makes a maximum annual contribution of $1,002.45.

Income Tax

Income Tax is one of the other deductions, as covered above.

Others

If there are court orders related to alimony, child support, insolvency, or any other valid legal deductions, these can be taken from the paycheque.

It will become the employer’s responsibility to deduct the amount according to the court order.

Nunavut Minimum Wage Increases

The minimum wage is reviewed every April and accounts for the cost of living in the territory.

Nunavut’s minimum wage was last increased in 2020, and due to the rising costs of living across the country and high inflation rates, there have been calls to increase it in 2023.

Based on news reports, the government plans to review the minimum wage later this year to ensure it can be considered a living wage.

Minimum Wage in Canada

Here is a chart for the minimum wage rates across Canada:

ProvinceMinimum Wage Rate
Alberta$15.00 general workers; $13.00 for students under 18 (less than 28 hrs/week when school is in session)
British Columbia$16.75 general workers; $16.75 for liquor servers
Saskatchewan$13.00
Manitoba$13.50
Ontario$15.50 general workers; $14.60 for students under 18 (less than 28 hrs/week)
Québec$14.25; $11.40 If gratuities apply
New Brunswick$14.75
Nova Scotia$14.50
Prince Edward Island$14.50
Newfoundland & Labrador$14.50
Yukon$16.77
Northwest Territories$15.20
Nunavut$16.00

Nunavut Minimum Wage FAQs

Which province has the highest minimum wage in Canada?

Nunavut has the third-highest minimum wage in all of Canada. In terms of provinces, Yukon currently has the highest minimum wage in Canada, with a rate of $16.77 per hour.

What is the average income in Nunavut?

The average income in Nunavut is approximately $68,250 per year or $35 per hour.

How much does a house cost in Nunavut?

The average price per unit for new housing grew to over $825,000 in 2021. This is nearly double the $450,000 that it cost in 2018.

What is the lowest minimum wage in Canada?

Currently, Saskatchewan has the lowest minimum wage in Canada, but there are plans to increase this in October 2023 to $14.00 an hour and $15.00 an hour in October 2024.

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Author

Gravatar for Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)
Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)

Enoch Omololu is a personal finance expert and a veterinarian. He has a master’s degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Aberdeen Business School (Scotland) and has completed several courses and certificates in finance, including the Canadian Securities Course. He also has an MSc. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Manitoba and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Ibadan. Enoch is passionate about helping others win with their finances and has been writing about money matters for over a decade. He has been featured or quoted in Forbes, The Globe and Mail, Winnipeg Free Press, Wealthsimple, CBC News, Financial Post, Toronto Star, CTV News, Canadian Securities Exchange, Credit Canada, National Post, and many other personal finance publications. You can learn more about him on the About Page.

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