Manitoba Employment Standards in 2026: A Complete Guide for Employers

As of October 1, 2025, Manitoba's general minimum wage is $16.00 per hour . Under the province's indexing framework, the rate is now adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with changes taking effect each October going forward. Standard hours of work are capped at 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week . Any hours worked beyond these thresholds must be compensated at 1.5 times the employee's regular wage. Employers and employees may enter into averaging agreements spanning up to 12 weeks, permitting up to 12 hours per day and 60 hours per week, provided the average over the period does not exceed 40 hours per week. Employees whose annual wages meet or exceed the overtime exemption threshold of $59,468.24 (in effect from June 2025 through May 2026) are exempt from overtime provisions under the Employment Standards Code . Prohibited wage deductions are an area where Manitoba law is particularly protective. Employers cannot deduct from wages for property damage, cash or inventory shortages, uniforms, or personal safety equipment. These restrictions apply regardless of any agreement the employee may have signed. Vacation entitlements are straightforward: employees earn 2 weeks of vacation (4% of gross wages) after completing one year of employment, increasing to 3 weeks (6%) after five consecutive years with the same employer. Manitoba recognizes 9 statutory holidays . The 2026 dates are: New Year's Day — January 1 Louis Riel Day — February 16 Good Friday — April 3 Victoria Day — May 18 Canada Day — July 1 Labour Day — September 7 Orange Shirt Day (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) — September 30 Thanksgiving Day — October 12 Christmas Day — December 25 Eligible employees who work on a statutory holiday are entitled to premium pay or a substitute day off with pay, as prescribed by the Employment Standards Code . Key leave update: Effective November 7, 2024 , Manitoba extended its job-protected Long-Term Illness or Injury Leave from 17 weeks to 27 weeks . This leave is unpaid but guarantees the employee's right to return to the same or a comparable position. Employees must have worked for the same employer for at least 90 days to qualify. Manitoba also provides a range of other unpaid, job-protected leaves including maternity leave (up to 17 weeks), parental leave (up to 63 weeks), bereavement leave, family leave, compassionate care leave, and domestic violence leave. Employers must not penalize or terminate employees for exercising these entitlements. Under Manitoba's Employment Standards Code , employers must provide written notice of termination or pay in lieu based on the employee's length of service. The minimum notice periods are: 1 pay period — for employees with less than one year of service 2 pay periods — after one year but less than three years 4 pay periods — after three years but less than five years 6 pay periods — after five years but less than ten years 8 pay periods — after ten or more years of service Employers who choose to provide pay in lieu must calculate it based on the employee's regular wages for the applicable notice period. All outstanding wages, including accrued vacation pay, must be paid within 10 business days of the last day of employment. Compliance tips for Manitoba employers: Audit payroll systems to confirm the $16.00/hour minimum wage is applied and monitor upcoming CPI-based adjustments each October. Review all deduction practices — deductions for property damage, shortages, uniforms, or safety equipment are strictly prohibited . Update leave policies to reflect the 27-week long-term illness/injury leave . Verify overtime exemption eligibility against the current $59,468.24 threshold . Employers should consult the official Manitoba Employment Standards website at for the most current legislative text and guidance.