Ontario’s minimum wage increased from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour on Thursday, benefiting more than 700,000 workers across the province.
The annual increase is tied to the Ontario Consumer Price Index of 1.9 per cent and marks the second-highest minimum wage rate among provinces. A worker earning the general minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will see an annual pay increase of approximately $728.
“Ontario’s workforce is our greatest advantage, and their hard work, skill and dedication keep our province moving forward every day,” said Trevor Jones, minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development. “As families and workers face higher costs and businesses navigate changing trade environments, today’s minimum wage increase will help workers keep pace with global economic uncertainty while maintaining a predictable approach that businesses can plan for.”
Under the Employment Standards Act, 2000, Ontario’s minimum wage is adjusted each year on Oct. 1 based on the Consumer Price Index, ensuring wages keep pace with inflation while giving employers a measured, predictable framework to plan for annual increases. Specialized minimum wages for students, homeworkers and hunting and fishing guides are also increasing.
About 35 per cent of minimum-wage workers are employed in retail trade and 24 per cent in accommodation and food services. Over the past eight years, Ontario’s minimum wage has increased from $14 an hour in 2018 to $17.95 as of Thursday.
