Ontario Increases Minimum Wage to $17.20 per Hour

Ontario's general minimum wage has increased from $16.55 to $17.20 per hour as of October 1, 2024. This change affects nearly one million workers in the province. The increase of 3.9 percent is linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is designed to help workers keep pace with inflation. According to the government, a worker earning the minimum wage for a 40-hour work week will see an annual increase of up to $1,355 in their earnings.

The Ontario government states that this adjustment positions the province's minimum wage among the highest in Canada. The government emphasizes that minimum wage jobs should serve as a starting point for workers, not a final destination. To support this, various programs are in place to assist individuals in securing higher-paying jobs with better benefits.

Additionally, the government has recently passed the Working for Workers Four Act, 2024, which aims to address labor shortages and encourage local job creation. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development oversees these changes and initiatives.