Ontario's minimum wage has officially increased by 35 cents.
It's now $17.95, the second-highest among provinces and fourth-highest when including the territories. Nunavut's minimum wage is the highest at $20.17, followed by the Yukon at $18.51, and British Columbia at $18.25.
Alberta has the lowest rate at $15. The province's minimum wage hasn't changed since 2019.
This is the ninth time Ontario's minimum wage has been raised over the past 10 years, with people back in 2016 earning $11.40.
The provincial government believes the increase will support over 700,000 workers, most of whom work in retail trade, followed by accommodation and food services.
The Ontario Living Wage Network (OLWN), which co-authored a report with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, believes the wage should continue to be increased.
Using data from 2025, the OLWN explained that the lowest living wage, which identifies the amount of money needed to cover all expenses and participate in the community, in Ontario's major areas is $21.05 in London. The only other community in southwestern Ontario mentioned in the report was Windsor, which had its living wage at $21.50.
