ONTARIO — Ontario’s general minimum wage rises to $17.95 an hour Thursday, up from $17.60. The new rate applies from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.

The province adjusts its minimum wage annually using the Ontario Consumer Price Index. The increase is 35 cents an hour.

What the increase means

For someone paid the general minimum wage and working 40 hours a week, the change adds $14 in gross weekly pay. Over 52 weeks at the same hours, that is $728 before taxes and other deductions. These are calculations, not a guarantee of hours or take-home income.

Separate minimum rates

The eligible student rate rises to $16.90. It applies to students under 18 who work no more than 28 hours a week while school is in session, or who work during a school break or summer holiday. The homeworker rate rises to $19.70.

If a pay period spans the change, employers must apply the applicable minimum rate to work performed on either side of October 1. The province’s guide explains the special rates and eligibility rules.

Sources: Ontario announcement, October 1; Ontario minimum-wage guide.

Supporting image: Grocery checkout; representative workplace file photo, location unspecified, by Gerry Thomasen / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Resized.