The Ontario government is increasing the minimum wage from $16.55 per hour to $17.20, effective October 1, 2024. This 3.9 per cent annualized wage increase is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI) and brings Ontario’s minimum wage to the second highest in Canada.
The announcement of annual wage increase was made six months in advance. The minimum wage rates are subject to annual indexation based on the rate of inflation. If that rate is changed, the new rate will be published on or before April 1 and will come into effect on October 1.
The maximum number of hours most employees can be required to work in a week is 48 hours.
A worker in Ontario making the general minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will see an annual pay increase of up to $1,355. 935,600 workers were earning at or below $17.20 per hour in 2023.
Student minimum wage will be $16.20 per hour, effective October 1, 2024, up from $15.60 per hour till September 30. This rate applies to students under the age of 18 who work 28 hours a week or less when school is in session or work during a school break or summer holidays.
This minimum wage increase builds on the government’s Working for Workers Four Act, 2024, which provides ground-breaking protections for millions of workers in Ontario, including 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 dine and dash, supporting injured workers and banning requirements for Canadian work experience in job postings – a first in Canada.
About 35 per cent of workers at or below the current general minimum wage of $17.20 per hour are in retail trade and 24 per cent are in accommodation and food services.
Ontario’s new minimum wage will be the second highest provincial rate, after British Columbia at $17.40 per hour.
Minimum wage is the lowest wage rate an employer can pay an employee. Most employees are eligible for minimum wage, whether they are full-time, part-time, casual employees, or are paid an hourly rate, commission, piece rate, flat rate or salary. Some employees have jobs that are exempt from the minimum wage provisions of the Employment Standards Act.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is the province’s economic immigration program. It works in partnership with the Government of Canada through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Foreign workers, international students and others with the right skills, experience and education apply to the OINP for a nomination. The Government of Canada makes the final decision to approve OINP applications for permanent residence.