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Wednesday, May 6, 2026

New laws and rules taking effect in Canada on April 1 - CTV News

Several major changes that could impact your wallet are on their way, some of which take effect April 1.

The federal minimum wage is set to increase by $1.10—from $15.55 per hour to $16.65—and you may end up paying more for gas and alcohol as of Saturday.

MINIMUM WAGE

The minimum wage increase is meant to keep up with inflation and is based on the consumer price index, which rose 6.8 per cent last year, according to the federal government.

This wage increase only applies to federally-regulated private sectors such as banks, postal and courier services and interprovincial air, rail, road, and marine transportation. The government says the increase will help around 26,000 Canadian workers make life more affordable.

If the minimum wage is higher in the province or territory you live in, your employer must pay the higher amount.

Here are the provinces and territories where the minimum wage is set to increase on April 1:

To learn more about minimum wage in Canada, visit the government’s website.

ALCOHOL TAX

The excise tax on alcohol was set to increase by 6.3 per cent April 1, which would have been the largest hike in more than 40 years. However, the feds instead temporarily capped it at two per cent after outcry from microbrewers and distillers.

The temporary cap will only remain in effect for a fiscal year, but...



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