http://www.gov.on.ca/LAB/english/news/2003/03-65.html
MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT RAISES MINIMUM WAGE, HELPS LOWEST-PAID WORKERS
Minimum wage to be raised for first time in nearly nine years
TORONTO--The McGuinty government is delivering positive change to Ontario by keeping its commitment to raise Ontario's minimum wage for the first time in nearly nine years, Labour Minister Chris Bentley announced today.
"It is time for Ontario's lowest-paid and most vulnerable workers to receive a fair increase in their earnings," said Bentley. "By delivering this positive change, we are providing an opportunity for all to benefit from Ontario's economic prosperity."
The minimum wage will be raised to $7.15 per hour on February 1, 2004, and there will be increases each year thereafter until it reaches $8 per hour on February 1, 2007. Bentley said the phased-in approach is the responsible approach, giving Ontario businesses time to adjust to the increases so that they can continue to be competitive with other Canadian and American jurisdictions.
"By phasing in the Ontario's minimum wage over four years, we can help these workers benefit from Ontario's economic growth while keeping Ontario businesses competitive," Bentley added.
Other minimum wage rates will also increase on February 1, 2004. The minimum wage for:
students under 18 years old and employed for not more than 28 hours a week will rise from $6.40 to $6.70 per hour on Feb. 1, 2004.
liquor servers will increase from $5.95 to $6.20 per hour.
hunting and fishing guides currently paid a minimum of $34.25 for less than five consecutive hours in a day and $68.50 for five or more hours in a day (whether or not the hours are consecutive) will also increase to $35.75 and $71.50 respectively.
"The McGuinty government's approach is fair, responsible, and balanced. It's part of the real, positive change that Ontarians expect and deserve from their government."
-30-
Media Contacts:
Bruce Stewart
Minister's Office
416-326-7710
MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT RAISES MINIMUM WAGE, HELPS LOWEST-PAID WORKERS
Minimum wage to be raised for first time in nearly nine years
TORONTO--The McGuinty government is delivering positive change to Ontario by keeping its commitment to raise Ontario's minimum wage for the first time in nearly nine years, Labour Minister Chris Bentley announced today.
"It is time for Ontario's lowest-paid and most vulnerable workers to receive a fair increase in their earnings," said Bentley. "By delivering this positive change, we are providing an opportunity for all to benefit from Ontario's economic prosperity."
The minimum wage will be raised to $7.15 per hour on February 1, 2004, and there will be increases each year thereafter until it reaches $8 per hour on February 1, 2007. Bentley said the phased-in approach is the responsible approach, giving Ontario businesses time to adjust to the increases so that they can continue to be competitive with other Canadian and American jurisdictions.
"By phasing in the Ontario's minimum wage over four years, we can help these workers benefit from Ontario's economic growth while keeping Ontario businesses competitive," Bentley added.
Other minimum wage rates will also increase on February 1, 2004. The minimum wage for:
students under 18 years old and employed for not more than 28 hours a week will rise from $6.40 to $6.70 per hour on Feb. 1, 2004.
liquor servers will increase from $5.95 to $6.20 per hour.
hunting and fishing guides currently paid a minimum of $34.25 for less than five consecutive hours in a day and $68.50 for five or more hours in a day (whether or not the hours are consecutive) will also increase to $35.75 and $71.50 respectively.
"The McGuinty government's approach is fair, responsible, and balanced. It's part of the real, positive change that Ontarians expect and deserve from their government."
-30-
Media Contacts:
Bruce Stewart
Minister's Office
416-326-7710
