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Kiljon Shukullari, HR Advisory Manager
(Last updated )
Kiljon Shukullari, HR Advisory Manager
(Last updated )
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Effective October 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Ontario will increase to $17.20 per hour from $16.55 per hour. The special minimum wages for homeworkers, students under 18, and hunting, fishing and wilderness guides will also increase.
This 3.9 per cent annualized wage increase is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI) and will bring Ontario’s minimum wage to the second highest in Canada.
Ontario's current minimum wage is $16.55 per hour and has been since the increase on October 1, 2023.
Our experts are available 24/7 to guide your through the latest minimum wage changes, updates to legislation, correct pay, and more.
If we take a look at the last 15 years, the increase in hourly pay had been a gradual progression till 2017. Below is an outline of the The rate went to $8.75 in 2008, $9.50 in 2009, $10.25 from 2010 to 2013, $11.00 in 2014, $11.25 in 2015, 11.40 in 2016; $11.60 in 2017. It changed to $14.00 in 2018 and was frozen for the next two years. It increased to $14.25 in 2020, $14.35 in 2021, $15 in January 2022, $15.50 in October 2022; $16.55 in October 2023. It will further increase to $17.20 as of October 1, 2024.
Year | Old Rate | Increase | New Rate |
2008 | $8.00 | $0.75 | $8.75 |
2009 | $8.75 | $0.75 | $9.50 |
2010-2013 | $9.50 | $0.75 | $10.25 |
2014 | $10.25 | $0.75 | $11.00 |
2015 | $11.00 | $0.25 | $11.25 |
2016 | $11.25 | $0.15 | $11.40 |
2017 | $11.40 | $0.20 | $11.60 |
2018 | $11.60 | $2.40 | $14.00 |
2019 | - | - | - |
2020 | $14.00 | $0.25 | $14.25 |
2021 | $14.25 | $0.10 | $14.35 |
2022 (Jan) | $14.35 | $0.65 | $15.00 |
2022 (Oct) | $15.00 | $0.50 | $15.50 |
2023 (Oct) | $15.50 | $1.05 | $16.55 |
2024 (Oct) | $16.55 | $0.65 | 17.20 |
The Liberal government’s Bill 148 was repealed when the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario came to power in 2018. Through Bill 47, Making Ontario Open for Business Act, the new government reversed some changes the Ontario Liberal Party had made to Ontario’s employment laws.
Bill 47 cancelled the scheduled minimum wage increase.
As of October 1, 2024, the minimum wage rates per hour will be as follows:
General minimum wage: $17.20 per hour
Student minimum wage: $16.20 per hour
Homeworkers wage: $18.90 per hour
Hunting, fishing, & wilderness guides minimum wage: $6.00 per day (less than five consecutive hours in a day); $172.05 per day (five or more hours in a day, whether or not the hours are consecutive)
The minimum wage rates may increase on October 1 every year. The new rates, applicable from October 1, would be announced on or before April 1 of every year.
In case a change to the minimum wage rate happens halfway through an employee’s pay period, their pay period will be treated as if it were two separate pay periods. The employee will be entitled to at least the minimum wage applicable in each of the periods.
Our experts can help you with any questions related to employee pay or provide any HR, health and safety or employment advice you may need.
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