The Ontario government has announced its intention to introduce proposed legislation, The Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017. The legislative proposals include broad ranging amendments to Ontario’s Employment Standards Act and Labour Relations Act.
While the province’s economy is strong and growing, the nature of work has changed, leaving many workers struggling to support their families on part-time, contract or minimum-wage work. Workers in Ontario have the right to strong protections at work. Fairness and decency must continue to be the defining values of our workplaces. These legislative changes seek to create more opportunity and security for workers across Ontario.
Minimum Wage Increases
Ontario is increasing its minimum wage rates – generally, the lowest rate that can be paid by employers to employees.
If passed, the government is proposing to increase the general minimum wage to:
- 14 per hour on January 1, 2018
- $15 per hour on January 1, 2019
The special minimum wage rates for liquor servers, students under 18, hunting and fishing guides, and homeworkers will be maintained, and will increase by the same percentage as the general minimum wage.
| Minimum Wage Categories | Current to Sept. 30, 2017 | Oct. 1, 2017 to Dec. 31, 2017 | Jan. 1, 2018 to Dec 31, 2018 | Jan 1 2019 to Sept. 30, 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Minimum Wage | $11.40 per hour | $11.60 | $14.00 | $15.00 |
| Students under 18 who work not more than 28 hours per weekwhen school is in session, or work during a school break or summer holidays | $10.70 per hour | $10.90 | $13.15 | $14.10 |
| Liquor Servers | $9.90 per hour | $10.10 | $12.20 | $13.05 |
| Hunting and Fishing Guides | $56.95: Rate for working less than five consecutive hours in a day | $58.00 | $70.00 | $75.00 |
| $113.95: Rate for working five or more hours in a day whether or not the hours are consecutive | $116.00 | $140.00 | $150.00 | |
| Homeworkers (employees doing paid work in their own home for an employer) | $12.55 per hour | $12.80 | $15.40 | $16.50 |