Ontario Increases Minimum Wage
McGuinty Government Helps Hard Working Families
Ministry of Labour
Ontario is raising the minimum wage to $10.25 on March 31, 2010. This is the seventh increase since 2004.
The province of Ontario started implementing annual increases early in 2003, raising the general minimum wage from $6.85 in 2004 to $9.50 in 2009.
Phasing in these increases balances the needs of hard working families with the needs of small businesses that create jobs.
Increasing the minimum wage is part of Breaking the Cycle: Ontario's Poverty Reduction Strategy which will reduce the number of children living in poverty by 25 per cent over 5 years - lifting 90,000 kids out of poverty - by boosting benefits for low-income families and enhancing publicly-funded education.
Quick Facts
- By March 31, 2010, raises will have totalled $3.40 (50 per cent) since 2004
- The minimum wage remained static in Ontario between 1995 and 2004.
- The major industries employing minimum wage earners are: accommodation and food, retail trade, and agriculture.
Quotes
Hard-working Ontarians deserve a decent standard of living and we are helping to maintain that. A fair minimum wage is good for workers."
Peter Fonseca
This increase is another way Ontario is investing in low-income working families. Along with the Ontario Child Benefit and other initiatives that support our Poverty Reduction Strategy, our efforts are helping to improve the quality of life of all Ontarians."