What Happened
Ontario raised its general minimum wage from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour, effective October 1, 2026. According to the provincial news release, the increase benefits more than 700,000 workers across the province and gives Ontario the second-highest rate among provinces.
The release states that the annual increase is tied to the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 1.9 per cent. A worker earning the general minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will see an annual pay increase of approximately $728.
The release also states that the specialized minimum wages for students, homeworkers and hunting and fishing guides are increasing as well, without giving the specific amounts for those categories.
What the Official Text Says
> As of today, Ontario is increasing its minimum wage from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour, benefiting more than 700,000 workers across the province. This annual increase is tied to the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 1.9 per cent and marks the second-highest rate among provinces.
Who Is Affected
The release states that the increase benefits more than 700,000 workers across the province.
In its Quick Facts section, the release states that about 35 per cent of minimum-wage workers are employed in retail trade and 24 per cent in accommodation and food services.
The release also states that the specialized minimum wages for students, homeworkers and hunting and fishing guides are increasing.
When It Starts
Effective October 1, 2026. The release states that under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), Ontario's minimum wage is adjusted each year on October 1 based on the Consumer Price Index.
The release also states that over the past eight years, Ontario's minimum wage has increased from $14 per hour in 2018 to $17.95 as of today.
Official Source
https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1008075/ontario_protecting_workers_by_raising_minimum_wage
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