Ontario’s minimum wage is set to increase from $17.20 to $17.60 per hour on October 1, 2025, as announced by the provincial government on April 1, 2025. This 2.4% adjustment aligns with the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI), reflecting the province’s commitment to ensuring that wages keep pace with the rising cost of living.
Historical Context:
Over the past decade, Ontario’s minimum wage has seen several adjustments:​
| Year | Minimum Wage (CAD/hour) | Increase (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $11.00 | $0.25 |
| 2016 | $11.25 | $0.15 |
| 2017 | $11.40 | $0.20 |
| 2018 | $14.00 | $2.40 |
| 2019 | $14.00 | $0.00 |
| 2020 | $14.25 | $0.25 |
| 2021 | $14.35 | $0.10 |
| 2022 | $15.00 (Jan), $15.50 (Oct) | $0.65, $0.50 |
| 2023 | $16.55 | $1.05 |
| 2024 | $17.20 | $0.65 |
| 2025 | $17.60 (Oct) | $0.40 |
Impact on Workers:
For a full-time employee working 40 hours per week, this $0.40 per hour increase translates to an additional $832 annually. This adjustment aims to enhance the financial well-being of minimum wage workers, helping them better manage daily expenses such as housing, groceries, and transportation.
omparison with Other Provinces:
With this increase, Ontario’s minimum wage will be among the highest in Canada. For context, as of April 1, 2025, the federal minimum wage is $17.75 per hour. Other provinces have the following minimum wages:
British Columbia: $17.40 per hour (effective June 1, 2024), with an increase to $17.85 scheduled for June 1, 2025.​
Alberta: $15.00 per hour (since October 1, 2018).​
Quebec: $15.75 per hour (effective May 1, 2024), with an increase to $16.10 on May 1, 2025.
Government’s Perspective:
David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, emphasized the government’s dedication to supporting workers:​
“Our government will continue to have the backs of Ontario workers, investing in skills training and development and helping ensure that work pays.”​
The upcoming increase in Ontario’s minimum wage reflects the province’s ongoing efforts to balance economic growth with the financial needs of its workforce. By tying wage adjustments to the CPI, Ontario aims to ensure that workers’ earnings maintain their purchasing power in the face of inflation.
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