Ontario Increasing Minimum Wage to $17.95 an Hour
April 1, 2026Cornwall Ontario – The minimum wage in Ontario is increasing to $17.95 an hour later this year. The change will take effect on October 1, 2026.
The current minimum wage rate in Ontario is $17.60 an hour. The change in October will result in a 1.9 % pay raise for low-income workers builds on the government’s steady and predictable increases every year to help families offset the rising cost of living.
“Ontario workers are the engine of this province,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “By raising the minimum wage to one of the highest in Canada, our government is putting more money in the pockets of Ontario workers, supporting families through economic uncertainty and giving businesses the stability and predictability they need to plan and grow.””
A worker making the general minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will see an annual pay increase of approximately$728.
Quick Facts
- Ontario’s minimum wage increases every October 1 based on the Ontario CPI, as required by the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA).
- Roughly 35 per cent of minimum-wage workers are employed in retail trade and 24 per cent in accommodation and food services.
- Ontario maintains one of the highest minimum wages in Canada.
Available Jobs in Cornwall and Area
There are open positions in Cornwall at the current time, the majority of which pay well above minimum wage.
- A list of available jobs in Cornwall can be found on the ChooseCornwall.ca Job Board.
- Jobseekers can attend the Regional Employment Expo on April 13.
Additional Resources
- New minimum wage rates starting October 1, 2026.
- Learn about rights and responsibilities under the ESA.