The 6.8 % increase is tied to inflation

Ontario’s minimum wage increased on Sunday, October 1st, from $15.50 to $16.55 per hour.

The province says more than 900,000 people will benefit from the boost.

The raise means up to $2,200 more in workers’ pockets every year and brings Ontario to one of the highest minimum wages in the country.

The special minimum wage rates will also increase for students under the age of 18, who work 28 hours a week while in school. They will get an extra dollar – to $15.60 per hour.

Those who do paid work out of their own homes for employers will now receive $18.20 an hour, up from $17.05.

David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, said in a statement: ”Our government is continuing to deliver steady and predictable annual increases, helping families offset the rising cost of living while also providing certainty to businesses by announcing this increase six months in advance.”

While the increase, tied to inflation, will be welcome for many, some critics say it isn’t big enough, arguing the province should introduce a $20.00 minimum.

In the Greater Toronto Area, the Ontario Living Wage Network says a living wage is even more than that, at around $23.00 an hour.