Min. Wage goes up to $10.25/hr.

News Release
Ont. Govt.

The province of Ontario started implementing annual increases early in 2003, raising the general minimum wage from $6.85 in 2004 to $9.50 in 2009.
Phasing in these increases balances the needs of hard working families with the needs of small businesses that create jobs.
Increasing the minimum wage is part of Breaking the Cycle: Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy which will reduce the number of children living in poverty by 25 per cent over 5 years - lifting 90,000 kids out of poverty - by boosting benefits for low-income families and enhancing publicly-funded education.

“Hard-working Ontarians deserve a decent standard of living and we are helping to maintain that. A fair minimum wage is good for workers," said Peter Fonseca, Minister of Labour.
“This increase is another way Ontario is investing in low-income working families. Along with the Ontario Child Benefit and other initiatives that support our Poverty Reduction Strategy, our efforts are helping to improve the quality of life of all Ontarians," said Laurel Broten, Minister of Children and Youth Services
By March 31, 2010, raises will have totalled $3.40 (50 per cent) since 2004.
The minimum wage remained static in Ontario between 1995 and 2004.
The major industries employing minimum wage earners are: accommodation and food, retail trade, and agriculture.