Ontario's minimum wage is going up and here's when you can expect a pay bump

Ontario is increasing the minimum wage later this year.

The Ford government announced on Thursday that the minimum wage will go up by $0.65 in the fall.

"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."

Starting on October 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Ontario will go from $16.55 per hour to $17.20.

The Ontario government says the pay increase will bring the province's minimum wage to the second highest in Canada, following British Columbia which has the highest at $17.40 per hour.

"A worker making the general minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will see an annual pay increase of up to $1,355," a press release issued on March 28 reads.

There were 935,600 workers earning at or below $17.20 per hour in 2023, according to the province.

Ontario's minimum wage annual increase is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI), which rose by 3.9 percent.

Earlier in March, the federal government announced Canada's federal minimum wage was also going up.

As of April 1, 2024, the federal minimum wage is $17.30 per hour, an increase of $0.65 from the hourly rate of $16.65.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.