Minimum Wage Increase Ontario: When will Minimum Wage Increase in 2024?

Boost in Earnings for Nearly One Million Workers Effective October 1, 2024

In a move aimed at supporting workers and bolstering the economy, the Ontario government has announced an increase in the minimum wage from $16.55 per hour to $17.20. Effective October 1, 2024, this adjustment, based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI), marks a 3.9 percent annualized rise, making Ontario’s minimum wage the second highest in Canada.

Under Premier Ford’s leadership, the Ontario government aims to provide financial relief to workers while ensuring stability for businesses. Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development David Piccini lauded the initiative, stating it will help families offset the rising cost of living and maintain Ontario’s reputation as an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family.

Workers currently earning the general minimum wage and working 40 hours a week can expect an annual pay increase of up to $1,355. This change comes as part of the government’s broader efforts to protect worker rights and well-being, as evidenced by the Working for Workers Four Act, 2024.

In addition to the wage increase, the Act introduces groundbreaking protections for millions of workers, including strengthened wage safeguards for restaurant and hospitality staff, support for injured workers, and the banning of Canadian work experience requirements in job postings – a first in Canada.

As Ontario gears up for this wage adjustment, workers across the province can anticipate a brighter financial future, with increased earnings providing greater stability and opportunity for growth. With Ontario’s commitment to supporting workers and businesses alike, the province is poised to thrive as a beacon of economic resilience and prosperity.

Minimum Wage Ontario New Rules 2023

Previously, the citizens of Canada were getting the wages for their services on an hourly basis at a lower rate. However, new rules have been made and the government of Canada has decided to increase the minimum wage rate. The following article will focus mainly on the Minimum Wage Increase in Ontario. The order has come into effect from 1st October 2023. According to the new rules, citizens of Canada will now be getting the increased wage rate of $16.55 on an hourly basis.

The wage rate mentioned is the general minimum rate that must be paid to employees for their services. However, the government has also released some specialized rates for particular jobs. If you are interested in the details of the Minimum Wage Increase Ontario, scroll down the page.

Minimum Wage Increase Ontario

Before reading the details regarding the Minimum Wage Rate, it is important to understand its meaning. So, the minimum wage rate is the least amount that employers must pay to their employees for the offered services. The employees will be getting the Ontario Hourly Wage Rate of 2024. No matter the type of job they are doing, like part-time employees, full-time employees or even casual employees. Please note that in case the employee is working on commission, flat rate, salary, or others, then there will be no changes in the wage rate.

As per the Employment Standard Act, employees have jobs, but they are free from the minimum wage provisions. The Minimum Wage Increase in Ontario is a necessity for the period. The government has already put the Minimum Wage Rate of Ontario into effect in 2023. Please note the general minimum wage rate working previously still applies to most of the employees. Before 1st October 2023, Ontario citizens were working on a $15.50 per hour basis.

Minimum Wage Increase Ontario: Highlights

Name of the Article	Minimum Wage Increase Ontario
Name of the Province	Ontario
Wage Rate 2022	$15.60 per hour
Wage Rate 2023	$16.55 per hour
Wage Rate 2024	$17.20 per hour
Country	Canada
Payment basis	On Hourly Basis
New Wage Applicable From	1 October 2024
New Wage Applicable Till	30 September 2025

Ontario Hourly Minimum Wage Rate 2024

The following section includes a detailed minimum wage rate for different categories:

• General:
  • The new minimum wage rate introduced by officials applies to most of the workers.
  • The minimum wage rate for the general category is $16.55 per hour
  • The rate applies between 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2024.
  • The minimum wage was $15.50 per hour from 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2023, $15 per hour from 1 January to 30 September 2022, and $14.35 from 1 October to 31 December 2021.
• Hunting, fishing, and wilderness guides:
  • The current minimum wage rate for workers in this category is $82.85 for less than 5 hours a day and $165.75 for more than five hours a day.
  • Please note that the rate of this category varies from general, liquor and student categories.
• Students:
  • Students who work part-time are bound to receive the salary available in this section.
  • The minimum wage rate in Ontario for students is $15.60 per hour,
  • The student minimum wage rate was $14.60 per hour from 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2023, $14.10 per hour from 1 January to 30 September 2022, and $13.50 per hour from 1 October to 31 December 2021.
  • The minimum wage rate for students applied till 30 September 2024.

Room Provisions Under the Minimum Wage Increase Ontario 2023

Readers who are employers can consider the provisions that are made for room and meals to know if the minimum wage has been paid to the employees. The following is the table showing the amount of provisions:

Particulars	Rate
Rooms and meals	$85.25 for a private room $69.40 for non-private rooms $53.55 for domestic workers
Meals	$2.55 for each meal $53.55 weekly
Harvest workers	$99.35 for serviced housing $73.30 for unserviced housing
Room	$31.70 for private rooms $15.85 for non-private rooms

When did the Ontario Minimum Wage Increase?

The annual indexation, which is affected by the inflation rate, is considered for making changes in the minimum wage rate. The government changes the rate, and then the new rate is published before or on 1st April. The new wage then came into effect from 1 October 2024. If the minimum wage rate is changed through the pay period of employees, then the pay period will be considered as if there are two separate periods. The new minimum wage will remain effective till the completion of the period.

Frequently Asked Questions