Ontario is raising its general minimum wage from $11 to $11.25 per hour, effective Oct. 1. Minimum wage rates for jobs in special categories (liquor servers, students, etc.) are increasing too.
The increase is the result of recent changes to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) that tie minimum-wage increases to Ontario’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) a move recommended by the province’s minimum wage advisory panel in its final report last year.
“Increasing the minimum wage in a fair and predictable manner is part of the government’s economic plan for Ontario,” stated a press release from the Ontario labour ministry.
“Our government has taken politics out of minimum wage increases while ensuring wages for Ontario workers keep pace with inflation and businesses have time to prepare for payroll changes. This puts more money in people’s pockets, gives our businesses predictability and helps build a more prosperous economy, while ensuring a fair society for all,” said Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn.
The increase next fall will be the ninth minimum wage hike since 2003.
The primary sectors employing minimum wage earners are accommodation and food, retail trade, and agriculture.
Minimum wage increases are to be announced by April 1 each year, and will be effective on Oct. 1 of the same year.
