Ontario to Raise Minimum Wage to $17.60 in October
Ontario is gearing up to implement a 2.4% increase in its minimum wage later this week, amidst concerns of economic challenges and rising inflation rates.
The Ford government revealed on Monday that the province’s minimum wage will be raised to $17.60 per hour, up from the current $17.20, starting on October 1, 2025.
Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, David Piccini, expressed the government’s commitment to supporting Ontario workers during these uncertain times. “At a time of global economic uncertainty, we are dedicated to ensuring our workforce is well taken care of with this minimum wage boost,” he stated.
This adjustment translates to an annual salary increase of over $800 for a worker on the general minimum wage, based on a 40-hour workweek. The raise is aligned with the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI), reflecting a 1.7% increase in August 2025 compared to the previous year.
Ontario’s move to increase the minimum wage comes against the backdrop of ongoing trade tensions with the United States, impacting economic growth in the region. The province is set to allocate $2.5 billion to a Skills Development Fund aimed at bolstering key industrial sectors and enhancing workforce training to address job losses.
Ontario currently boasts the highest minimum wage in the country, with Nunavut leading the way at $19.25 per hour. Meanwhile, Saskatchewan is also scheduled to raise its minimum wage to $15.35 from $15 on October 1, making Alberta’s rate the lowest in the nation at a flat $15 per hour.
Keyphrase: Ontario minimum wage increase