Ontario to increase minimum wage to $15 an hour

Ontario has announced the provincial government’s plan to introduce legislation that will raise the general minimum wage from $14.35 to $15 per hour.

The increase would take effect on Jan. 1, 2022.

Premier Doug Ford made the announcement during a news conference in Milton Tuesday morning.

“Ontario’s workers have been the unsung heroes of this pandemic, as they’ve stocked shelves, kept our supply chain moving and helped so many of us enjoy a meal among family and friends at a local restaurant,” said Ford in a news release. “When we asked labour leaders what their priorities were, increasing the minimum wage was at the top of the list. As the cost of living continues to go up, our government is proud to be working for workers, putting more money into their pockets by increasing the minimum wage.”

The province also announced the minimum wage for liquor servers, such as bartenders and wait staff, who earn tips from customers will also increase by 19.5 per cent from $12.55 per hour to the harmonized $15 per hour minimum wage.

The hourly minimum wage will then go up at the rate of inflation every October.

“An incredible debt of gratitude is owed to the workers of Ontario. These dedicated men and women kept store shelves stocked and supply chains going through the pandemic,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, in a news release. “However, we also recognize that for too long workers have been falling behind, and that wages for many have not kept up with the cost of living. They had Ontario’s back, and now, our government has theirs. Ontario workers should be in a race to the top, not a race to the bottom.”

In 2017, former Liberal premier Kathleen Wynne increased the $11.40-an-hour minimum wage to $14 which took effect in 2018.

Ford had previously cancelled a planned hike to $15 an hour after his Progressive Conservatives took power three years ago.

At the time, Ford said the increase was too much for businesses to absorb.