Fifteen dollars is set to be the new standard for minimum wage in Ontario.
The province will introduce legislation that, if passed, would raise the general minimum wage from $14.35 to $15.00 per hour effective January 1, 2022.
The minimum wage rate for liquor servers would be eliminated, making room for them to be eligible for the general minimum wage. Workers in those industries would see an almost 20 per cent increase to their base earnings; going from $12.45/hr to an equal $15/hr.
Students under 18, homeworkers and hunting, fishing and wilderness guides would also see an increase in their special minimum wage rates.
“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 Premier Doug Ford. “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.”
Also set to increase:
-Students under the age of 18 who work 28 hours a week or less when school is in session, or work during a school break or summer holidays would see an increase from $13.50 to $14.10 an hour
-Homeworkers (those who do paid work out of their own homes for employers) would see an increase from $15.80 an hour to $16.50 an hour
-Hunting and fishing guides currently have a minimum rate of $71.75 for working less than five consecutive hours in a day, and $143.55 for working five or more hours in a day. Their new proposed rate would be $75.00 for working less than five consecutive hours in a day, and $150.05 for working five or more hours in a day.
The Premier froze minimum wage at $14 shortly after he was elected in 2018.
Current minimum in Ontario is $14.35/hr.
Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton made the announcement Tuesday morning.
