Ontario’s minimum wage has gone up by 35 cents.
It’s now set at $17.95, making it the second-highest in the provinces and fourth-highest overall, including territories. Nunavut leads with a minimum wage of $20.17, followed by Yukon at $18.51 and British Columbia at $18.25.
Alberta has the lowest rate at $15, which hasn’t changed since 2019.
This marks the ninth increase in Ontario’s minimum wage over the last decade; back in 2016, it was just $11.40.
The provincial government believes this boost will benefit more than 700,000 workers, mainly those in retail trade and accommodation services.
The Ontario Living Wage Network (OLWN), which worked with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives on a report, advocates for ongoing increases to the wage.
Based on data from 2025, OLWN highlighted that the lowest living wage needed to cover expenses and engage with the community is $21.05 in London. Windsor was also mentioned with a living wage of $21.50.
Source link
