Ontario Increases Minimum Wage to $17.20, Benefiting Nearly One Million Workers

TORONTO — As of today, October 1, 2024, Ontario’s minimum wage has increased from $16.55 to $17.20 per hour. This 3.9% increase, which is tied to the Consumer Price Index, is set to benefit nearly one million workers across the province. The wage hike is part of the Ontario government’s broader strategy to support workers and strengthen the province’s economy.

David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, highlighted the positive impact of the wage increase in a statement. “Today, the general minimum wage in Ontario increases from $16.55 per hour to $17.20, helping nearly one million workers earn more money for themselves and their families,” he said. Piccini emphasized that this adjustment would provide workers with an additional $1,355 per year, assuming a standard 40-hour work week.

The provincial government has positioned Ontario’s minimum wage as one of the highest in Canada. The increase is designed to create more financial stability for workers while maintaining predictability for businesses.

Piccini also pointed to the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that minimum wage positions are a stepping stone rather than a long-term endpoint. “We also know minimum wage jobs should be a starting point, not an endpoint,” he stated. The recent passage of the Working for Workers Four Act, 2024 underscores the government’s commitment to creating higher-paying opportunities for Ontarians. The Act focuses on filling labour shortages, incentivizing local job creation, and helping workers access better employment opportunities.

Premier Doug Ford’s administration continues to prioritize the workforce, ensuring that the province remains a competitive and attractive place to live and work. The government’s initiatives align with its promise to deliver a “strong Ontario with a resilient economy.”

As Ontario’s minimum wage rises, the government remains focused on helping workers progress to higher-paying roles through targeted job programs and initiatives that promote career advancement.

This minimum wage increase marks a significant step forward in the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and improving quality of life for workers across the province.