Minimum wage going up to $7.45/hr. in February

News Release
Ontario Government

The McGuinty government is raising Ontario’s minimum wage on February 1, 2005 for the second time since taking office, Labour Minister Chris Bentley announced today.
“We are providing Ontario’s lowest-paid and most vulnerable workers with the second increase in the minimum wage - after it had been frozen for nine years,” said Bentley. “With the increase, we are providing an opportunity for all to benefit from Ontario’s economic prosperity.”
The general minimum wage will be raised to $7.45 per hour on February 1, 2005, and there will be annual increases in each of the next two years until it reaches $8 per hour in early 2007. Last February, the rate was raised from $6.85 to $7.15, the first increase in nine years.
“By gradually increasing the minimum wage, the government is moving responsibly,” said Bentley. “A phased-in approach is part of our government’s plan to improve the quality of life for people in the province while giving Ontario businesses time to adjust so that they can remain competitive with business in other jurisdictions.”
Other minimum wage rates will also increase on February 1, 2005. The minimum wage for:
- Students under 18 years old and employed for not more than 28 hours a week will rise from $6.70 to $6.95 per hour
- Liquor servers will increase from $6.20 to $6.50 per hour
- Hunting and fishing guides currently paid a minimum of $35.75 for less than five consecutive hours in a day and $71.50 for five or more hours in a day (whether or not the hours are consecutive) will also increase to $37.25 and $74.50 respectively.
“The increase is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to strengthen our greatest competitive advantage - our people,” said Bentley. “By phasing in the minimum wage increases, we can help these workers benefit from Ontario’s economic growth while keeping Ontario businesses competitive.”