We will increase minimum wage before April , says Canadian region

The Ontario region in Canada is set to announce a minimum wage increase before April 1, 2025, aimed at helping workers cope with the growing cost of living.

The provincial government intends to update the minimum wage to ensure fair pay for workers across various sectors.

As reported by Immigration News Canada (INC), Ontario’s minimum wage differs by category, such as general labour, students, remote workers, and guides.

As of October 1, 2024, the general minimum wage in Ontario is $17.20 per hour, up from $16.55.

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This 3.9% hike aligns with the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI), helping workers stay in line with rising costs. Projections suggest the minimum hourly wage could reach around $17.82 by 2025, reflecting the province’s ongoing effort to adjust wages based on inflation and economic conditions.

Student Minimum Wage

Students under 18 working 28 hours or less per week during the school year or breaks now earn a minimum wage of $16.20 per hour, effective October 1, 2024.

According to INC’s projections, this rate could increase to about $16.70 per hour in 2025.

This wage rate applies to both domestic and international students under 18.

Work-from-Home Minimum Wage

Workers in Ontario who are employed from home, including those sewing garments for manufacturers, answering calls for call centers, or designing software, earn a minimum wage of $18.90 per hour, effective October 2024.

The rate for these employees is expected to rise to $19.40 per hour in 2025.

Minimum Wage for Guides

For fishing, hunting, and wilderness guides in Ontario, minimum wage is calculated by the day rather than hourly. The minimum wage for those working fewer than five consecutive hours per day is $86, up from $82.85, while those working five or more hours daily will earn at least $172.05, an increase from $166.75.

Commission-Based Employees’ Wages

For commission-based workers, employers are required to ensure that earnings meet or exceed the minimum hourly wage. For example, if an employee works 25 hours and earns $300, they would be entitled to an additional $130 to meet the minimum wage requirement.

This upcoming wage increase is seen not just as a policy change, but as a reflection of the importance of fair labor practices, workers’ dignity, and the province’s economic well-being.

Both workers and employers are encouraged to prepare for the changes, understanding their implications for living standards, business operations, and the broader economy.