Everyone in Ontario is looking for a Minimum Wage Increase in Ontario and also wants to know what is the lowest hourly pay rate for employees, whether they are students, employees, housewives, etc. Therefore today this article will guide you and also keep you company. The latest updates were made regarding the Ontario Minimum Wage Rate Increase for 2024. The new effective rates will be from October 1, 2024.
According to the government update, the minimum wage rate has been set according to inflation to protect people from inflation. Now everyone will get enough income from their earning source so that they can get useful amounts to manage their expenses. If you want to know further reports on when the Ontario Minimum Wage will Increase in 2024 and what are the new wage rates in Ontario then read this entire article till the end.
Ontario Minimum Wage Increase
As of now, the Minimum Wage for General Jobs has been set at $16.55, for students, the minimum wage is $15.60, and for liquor service, the minimum wage is set at $16.55. After the implementation of the new wage rate in Ontario, people from all walks of life will benefit and they will get some increase in the fixed hourly rate. The Ontario government has decided to make some increases in the minimum wage to help low-income group people earn enough income through which they can manage their expenses. At the right time, most of the people are not able to generate much income as they work hard for their family needs. So this increase in Ontario minimum wage will provide them financial support and will give the people at the lower level a chance to make money for their needs.
After this Minimum Wage Ontario comes into effect, employees can earn more income from their employers and they have to pay their employees according to the new rules. There are many people in Ontario working daily, part-time, full-time, hourly basis and others. Some workers are also on special rate but after the new implementation, the minimum wage rate will increase and the workers will get the amount they were entitled to earn. The minimum wage rate is not enforced for all jobs, but some jobs are exempt from this norm and set their rates for their workers. If you want to know about such industries or jobs which are away from this implementation then visit the official website and get updates there. Other details can be found in the following sections.
Ontario Minimum Wage Increase for 2024 – Overview
| Country | Canada |
| Article On | Ontario Minimum Wage Increase |
| Government | Ontario Government |
| Province | Ontario |
| Previous Wage Rate | $16.55 Per Hour |
| New Wage Rate in Ontario | Approx. $17 Per Hour |
| Category | Finance |
| Ontario Minimum Wage Rate Applicable From | 1st October 2024 |
| Official Website | ontario.ca |
What is Minimum Wage & How to Decide Wage Rates?
If you are an employee in the province of Ontario, you should be aware of the Minimum Wage Rate. Because an employer pays his employees as per the wage rate decided by the concerned government. So if you want to know the minimum wage then it is the lowest pay rate that an employer can offer to an employee. Most employees are eligible for this minimum wage rate, whether they are full-time, part-time, or contingent employees, or are paid an hourly rate, commission, piece rate, flat rate, or salary.
Some people who are working under jobs are exempted from this provision of minimum wage which is prescribed as per the Employment Standards Act. If you want to get information related to job categories under minimum pay rate then you can visit the official website and know the details there. The minimum wage rate is set in line with inflation and is tied to the Ontario Consumer Price Index for 2024. You should read the following section to know more about it.
What are the Minimum Wage Rates After October 2024?
| Minimum Wage Rate | Rates from 1 October 2023 to 30th September 2024 | Rates from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025 |
| General | $16.55 Per Hour | $17.20 Per Hour |
| Student | $15.60 Per Hour | $16.20 Per Hour |
| Hunting, Fishing, and Wilderness Guides | $82.85 for Less than 5 Hours in a Day, $165.75 for More than Five Hours in a Day | $86.00 for Working Less than Five Hours in a Day, $172.05 for Working More than Five Hours in a Day |
| Homeworkers | $18.20 Per Hour | $18.90 Per Hour |
How is Ontario’s Minimum Wage Rate Increase for 2024?
As we know due to inflation the rates of goods and services are increasing and its increase affects the people of lower income groups. The government also wants to keep people connected with inflation. So there are some needs to increase the minimum wage rate through which they can earn more income from their working sources. Employers will also have to pay their employees at these new minimum wage rates. The Ontario provincial government has decided to increase the minimum wage rate for employees and help them earn some money to manage their needs.
Every year, the minimum wage rate increases and comes into effect with new rates. Starting in October 2024, the Ontario government will implement this minimum wage rate in its province and industries or other small businesses where workers are working will follow the new rate and will also be required to pay with the new rates. At present, the previous minimum wage rate has been implemented and now workers will get the amount accordingly. The new rate will come into effect immediately after October 1, 2024. The minimum wage rates are different for each province and if you want to know them you can follow the table below.
Current Minimum Wage Rates Across Canada
| Province | Minimum Wage Rate |
| Alberta | $15.00 (Effective as of 1 October 2018) |
| British Columbia | $16.75 (It will rise to $17.40 on 1 June 2024) |
| Manitoba | $15.30 (Effective as of 1st April 2023) |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $15.60 (Effective as of 1st April 2024) |
| Northwest Territories | $16.05 (Effective as of 1st September 2023) |
| Nova Scotia | $15.20 (Effective as of 1st April 2024) |
| Nunavut | $19.00 (Effective as of 1st January 2024) |
| Ontario | $16.55 (It will increase to $17.20 on 1st October 2024) |
| Prince Edward Island | $15.40 (Effective as of 1st April 2024 & it will increase to $16.00 on 1st October 2024) |
| Quebec | $15.25 (It will increase to $15.75 on 1st May 2024) |
| Saskatchewan | $14.00 (Effective as of 1st October 2023) |
| Yukon | $17.59 (Effective as of 1st April 2024 ) |