Canadian province raises minimum wage again
The previous promotion was just three months ago.
Provincial authorities Ontario have given residents a New Year present and raised the total minimum wage to $15 CAD per hour on January 1. This is part of the provincial plan to boost the economy.
"Ontario workers deserve a raise and we're raising them today," said Provincial Premier Doug Ford. — There's no better way to support hard-working residents than by raising the minimum wage."
Previously, the region had already raised the hourly wage to $14.35 CAD on October 1, 2021.
Right now the minimum rates in Ontario are as follows:
- employees with a total minimum wage of $15 CAD per hour (previously $14.35 CAD);
- Liquor vendors — $15 CAD per hour (previously $12.55 CAD);
- Students under 18 who work up to 28 hours per week — $14.10 CAD (previously $13.50 CAD);
- Home workers (who perform their duties at the employer's home) — $16.50 CAD (previously $15.80 CAD);
- Wildlife hunting and fishing guides — $75 CAD per hour if working less than 5 hours per day (previously $71.75 CAD) or $150.05 CAD per hour if working more than 5 hours per day (previously $143.55 CAD).
Thus, the total earnings of a minimum wage earner would increase by $1,350 CAD per year. Most minimum wage earners work in the hospitality, catering or retail industries. Skilled tradespeople and workers are paid more. Also $15 CAD per hour is earned by 73% of working youth aged 15 to 19.
$15 CAD per hour is one of the highest minimum rates across Canada. The same rate is paid in the province of Alberta, and higher only in British Columbia ($15.20 CAD) and Nunavut ($16 CAD).
