The Ontario government is increasing the minimum wage from $16.55 per hour to $17.20, effective October 1st.

The 3.9 per cent annualized wage increase is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index and brings Ontario’s minimum wage to the second highest in Canada.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is helping nearly one million workers earn more money for themselves and their families,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “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.”

A worker making the general minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will see an annual pay increase of up to $1,355. There were 935,600 workers earning at or below $17.20 per hour in 2023.

In a release, the province says the increase builds on its Working for Workers Four Act, 2024, which includes strengthening wage protections for restaurant, hospitality and service workers by clarifying that employers can never deduct an employee’s wages in the event of a customer not paying a bill. The government says it also supports injured workers and bans requirements for Canadian work experience in job postings – a first in Canada.