Many Ontario workers will see more money in their pockets as 2018 begins. As of Monday, the province's minimum wage will be $14/hr.
The increase is part of Ontario's Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, which will see minimum wage reach $15/hr in 2019.
About 55% of those working in Ontario's retail sector will see a bigger paycheck in the new year.
Ontario's Minister of Labour, Kevin Flynn, said the increase helps working families share in the province's strengthening economy.
"Our plan for fair workplaces and better jobs provides a minimum wage people can actually live on and modernises our labour laws to address today’s world," said Flynn in a statement.
Flynn said the wage hike would make it easier for Ontarians to make ends meet, and even help them get ahead.
"Too many families struggle to get by on part-time or temporary work," said Flynn. "Those working full-time can be living in poverty. This is unacceptable in Ontario. Our plan will help ensure everyone who works hard has the chance to reach their full potential and share in Ontario’s prosperity."
Other changes to Ontario's employment laws include:
- A guarantee of three weeks' paid vacation for employees with at least five years' service at the same company.
- Expanding the ten unpaid personal emergency leave days to companies with less than 50 employees, with at least two days' leave for employees who have been with the company at least one week.
- Domestic and sexual violence leave of up to ten individual days and up to 15 weeks of job-protected leave, with the first five days of the leave in each calendar year paid out
- Child death leave of up to two years regardless of reason, with crime-related child death increased from one year to two.