Ontario Minimum Wage to Rise to $17.95 by October 2026

The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development confirmed that the minimum wage in Ontario will increase from $17.60 to $17.95 per hour, effective October 1, 2026. This $0.35 increase represents a 1.99% year-on-year adjustment and will apply to the majority of workers in the province, including full-time, part-time, and casual employees, regardless of their payment structure.

A worker earning the new rate for 40 hours a week will take home approximately $718 weekly before deductions, totaling around $37,336 annually, compared to $36,608 under the current rate. This adjustment will add about $728 to a full-time worker's annual earnings, equating to roughly $28 more on each biweekly payslip before tax.

Additionally, special categories for students under 18, homeworkers, and those in hunting, fishing, and wilderness sectors will also see new rates from the same date. The ministry announced these changes six months in advance to allow employers to adjust their payroll systems accordingly.