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OAS Just Got Its Biggest Raise of 2026: What 1.4% Actually Pays

  Canadian Money Brief • Published October 2, 2026 Old Age Security is going up 1.4% for the October-to-December quarter, the biggest of the four quarterly adjustments in 2026. For a senior on the maximum pension, that works out to $10.53 more a month . Whether that feels like a raise or just a catch-up depends on a number most headlines skip: how much prices have risen over the past year. +$10.53 a month Maximum OAS for ages 65 to 74 goes from $751.97 to $762.50. That is about $126 more over a year, and it starts with the Oct. 28 deposit. What actually changes on October 28 The new rate applies to the Oct. 28 payment and the two after it (Nov. 26 and Dec. 22). Nothing needs to be filed. It applies to OAS, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and the Allowances automatically. Maximum monthly amount Jul–Sep 2026 Oct–Dec 2026 Change OAS, ages 65 to 74 $751.97 $762.50 +$10.53 OAS, age 75 and over $827.17 $838.75 +$11.58 GIS, single senior (approx.) $1,123.17 about $1,138.89 about +$...

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Canada’s Federal Minimum Wage Increases: What You Should Know

 

Canada’s federal minimum wage has taken a significant leap today, rising from $16.65 to $17.30 per hour. This adjustment reflects the 3.9% increase in Canada’s annual average Consumer Price Index for 2023 and is aligned with inflation.

For many Canadian workers, this wage hike is a welcome change. It means that approximately 30,000 employees in the federally regulated private sector will benefit from this raise. Whether you’re working part-time, temporarily, or in a low-wage job, this increase aims to provide a real and fair chance at success.

Employers must adjust their payroll information accordingly to ensure that all employees, including interns, receive the correct hourly wage starting today. If the provincial or territorial minimum wage rate exceeds the federal rate, employers must pay the higher of the two. So, businesses across Canada need to stay informed and comply with these new wage standards.

While some may argue that it’s not enough, this increase is a step toward creating a more equitable workforce. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that federally regulated workplaces are fair, inclusive, and safe. Initiatives like the Pay Equity Act, job protections for gig workers, and reporting salary data contribute to this ongoing effort.

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