Ontario increasing minimum wage to $11.25 per hour, says indexing to CPI provides fairness for workers, predictability for business

ONTARIO is raising the general minimum wage from $11 to $11.25 per hour, effective October 1, 2015. Minimum wage rates for jobs in special categories (liquor servers, homeworkers, students, etc.) are also increasing at the same time.

The increase is the result of recent changes to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) that tie minimum-wage increases to Ontario’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). This was recommended by the Minimum Wage Advisory Panel in its final report last year.

Increasing the minimum wage in a fair and predictable manner is part of the government’s economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.

 

QUICK FACTS

  • The government enacted legislation last fall that amended the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) to tie future annual increases to minimum wage to Ontario’s Consumer Price Index (CPI).
  • This will be the ninth minimum wage increase since 2003.
  • The primary sectors employing minimum wage earners are accommodation and food, retail trade, and agriculture.
  • Minimum wage increases are to be announced by April 1 each year, and will be effective on October 1 of the same year.