Ontario's general minimum wage is set to increase to $15.50 per hour, as of October 1, 2022.
Labour Minister and Lambton Kent Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon in Toronto.
"This eight per cent increase in one year will help workers keep up with rising inflation," said McNaughton. "It's one more way we're fighting for everyday people and delivering real positive change for over 700,000 workers in communities right across our province."
McNaughton said those earning the general minimum wage and working 40 hours per week would see their annual pay rise by around $1,700. Liquor servers who work 40 hours per week would see an annual raise of just over $5,500. Students under 18 will be capped at $14.60 per hour, a raise from $14.10 per hour.
The general minimum wage is currently at $15 per hour, after rising from $14.35 hourly on January 1, 2022.
Premier Doug Ford commented on the announcement.
"For many Ontarians, wages haven’t kept up with the increasing cost of living, making it harder than ever to make ends meet," said Ford. "Ontario’s workers are the best anywhere, and they will be at the forefront of building the province. They deserve to have more money in their pockets and the increase we’re announcing today is one more way we are delivering for our workers."
The pay hike is part of a built-in inflationary increase, tied to the Consumer Price Index, that was announced by the government this past fall.