The government of Doug Ford has said it would raise Ontario’s minimum wage by 65 cents in the fall.
From October 1, Ontario’s minimum wage will be $17.20 per hour, from the current minimum wage of $16.55.
The province said in a recent release that the 3.9 percent annualized wage increase is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI) and takes Ontario’s minimum wage to the second highest in Canada.
The increase came amid an affordability crisis in Ontario.
In a release, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, David Piccini, said the move will help around 1 million Ontarians earn more
Piccini said: “We are providing businesses with certainty and predictability by announcing this annual wage increase six months in advance, while also helping families offset the rising cost of living, so that Ontario continues to be the best place to live, work and raise a family.”
According to the government, a worker making the general minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will witness a yearly pay increase of up to $1,355.
The government also revealed that 935,600 workers were earning at or below $17.20 per hour in 2023, most of them in retail and accommodation and food services.
The move will make Ontario’s minimum wage the second highest in Canada after British Colombia, which pays the minimum wage of $17.40.
