The Ontario government has announced the province’s minimum wage will rise from $17.20 to $17.60 an hour this week.
It will take effect on Tuesday, October 1st, supporting more than 800,000 workers across the province. The 2.4% increase is tied to the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI), which reflects inflation, and is expected to provide a full-time worker with an annual pay boost of more than $800.
“At a time when many families are feeling the pressure of global economic uncertainty, our government will protect Ontario workers with a minimum wage increase that supports our world-class workforce,” says David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “We will continue to take action to build a strong, resilient workforce ready to face whatever comes our way.”
The increase applies to the general minimum wage as well as specialized rates for students, homeworkers, and hunting and fishing guides. According to the province, 36% of minimum-wage workers are in retail trade, while 23% are in accommodation and food services.
This change brings Ontario’s minimum wage to the second-highest provincial rate in Canada. Since 2018, the wage has grown from $14 per hour to $17.60.
Learn more about wage rates and worker rights under the Employment Standards Act here.
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