Ontario minimum wage rises to $17.95 an hour

Ontario's minimum wage increased from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour on Oct. 1, in line with the province's annual adjustment tied to inflation. The government says the change will affect more than 700,000 workers and raise the annual income of a fulltime minimumwage employee by about $728. Worker advocates said the increase does not keep pace with the cost of living. The Ontario Living Wage Network says the living wage in the Greater Toronto Area is $27.20 an hour, while the Workers' Action Centre argues that housing, food, transportation and other essentials remain out of reach for many workers. Advocates also said many people are relying more on social services, including food banks, as they juggle rising expenses and multiple parttime jobs. The province says the wage increase is part of its effort to support workers and maintain a stable economy.