Province increasing minimum wage by 15 cents on Oct. 1

Province increasing minimum wage by 15 cents on Oct. 1

Ontario will raise the general minimum wage from $11.25 to $11.40 on October 1, 2016 – keeping Ontario’s wage the highest of any province in Canada.

Minimum wage rates for liquor servers, students under the age of 18, hunting and fishing guides, and homeworkers will also increase at the same time.

Changes to the minimum wage are announced by April 1 and come into effect on October 1 to give businesses time to plan. This increase is the result of changes to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 that tie minimum-wage increases to Ontario’s Consumer Price Index, a recommendation by the Minimum Wage Advisory Panel.

Increasing the minimum wage in a fair and predictable manner is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

“It’s important for people to know that there is a consistent, transparent and fair approach to setting the province’s minimum wage that ensures workers receive annual increases that keep up with inflation. It’s also important we provide predictability to businesses so they can prepare for annual wage increases. This helps to build a more prosperous economy and a fairer society for all.” — Kevin Flynn, Minister of Labour

QUICK FACTS

• This is the tenth minimum wage increase since 2003.

• The government enacted legislation in 2014 that amended the Employment Standards Act, 2000 to tie future annual increases to minimum wage to the Consumer Price Index for Ontario.

• The primary sectors employing minimum wage earners are accommodation and food, retail trade and agriculture.