Ontario’s minimum wage has increased as the month turned to October, jumping by 35 cents to $17.95 an hour.
As of Oct. 1, the minimum wage has risen from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour, affecting more than 700,000 workers across the province.
The annual increase is tied to Ontario’s Consumer Price Index, which rose by 1.9 per cent.
The province says the adjustment is intended to help wages keep pace with economic conditions while providing businesses with greater stability.
“Ontario’s workforce is our greatest advantage, and their hard work, skill and dedication keep our province moving forward every day,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
“As families and workers face higher costs and businesses navigate changing trade environments, today’s minimum wage increase will help workers keep pace with global economic uncertainty while maintaining a predictable approach that businesses can plan for.”
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According to the provincial government, a worker earning the general minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will see an annual pay increase of approximately $728.
“This balanced approach puts more money into workers’ pockets while helping businesses plan for the future, delivering on the government’s plan to protect Ontario and build a stronger, more competitive economy that can withstand global economic uncertainty,” said the province in a statement.
“Today’s announcement marks one more way the government is supporting workers while continuing to invest in skills training and employment supports that prepare people for in-demand jobs, connect businesses with the talent they need, and help workers and employers adapt to a changing economy.”
It’s one of a series of jumps ranging from 25 cents to 40 cents an hour across five provinces, including Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.
The change means that all provinces and territories will have raised their rates in 2026, with the exception of Alberta, which hasn’t increased its minimum wage since 2019.
Officials say the increases are part of a balanced approach aimed at supporting workers’ earning power while helping Ontario remain competitive amid ongoing global economic uncertainty.
While Alberta continues to maintain the country’s lowest minimum wage at $15 an hour, on the other side of the coin, Nunavut lifted its minimum wage at the beginning of September, leading the country at just over $20 an hour.
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