Canada · Labour

Ontario’s general minimum wage rises to C$17.95 an hour

The increase takes effect on October 1; special rates still apply in some cases.

Neutral News · Documentary summary
October 1, 2026 · Updated at 06:28 AM ET · Quebec time

The CN Tower and Toronto skyline at sunset — Toronto viewed from the islands in 2018. Archive photograph. Jchmrt · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image resized; cropped for display.

An increase announced on April 1 takes effect on October 1, 2026. Amounts are in Canadian dollars.

Ontario’s general minimum wage reaches C$17.95 an hour on October 1, 2026, up from C$17.60, according to the provincial rate schedule. The difference is 35 cents an hour. [1]

Announced in the spring

Announced on April 1, the increase forms part of annual indexation. The government estimates that it affects more than 700,000 workers; that is a provincial estimate. [2]

Five provinces affected

The Canadian Press also confirms October 1 increases in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Rates continue to vary by province. [3]

Check the applicable rate

For a pay period straddling October 1, each portion is subject to its applicable rate. Special rates or exemptions apply to some categories. [1]

Perspectives compared

Effective date

Ontario

The new general rate applies on October 1. [1]

Scope

Provincial government

The number of beneficiaries is an estimate. [2]

Comparison

The Canadian Press

Four other provinces are also raising their minimum. [3]

Sources and documents

[1] Ontario — employment standards guide ↗Updated April 1, 2026; effective October 1
[2] Government of Ontario ↗April 1, 2026
[3] The Canadian Press / iNFOnews ↗October 1, 2026