Minimum Wage in Ontario Set for Another Increase in 2026

Ontario anticipates getting another minimum wage increase in 2026 as new inflation data from Statistics Canada shows the provincial Consumer Price Index rising by 2.2% over the past 12 months ending October 2025.

This CPI figure is important because Ontario's Minimum Wage increases are directly tied to inflation through annual indexation required under provincial labour laws.

With the 2026 adjustment now on the horizon, workers, employers, and businesses across Ontario are already looking ahead to what the new wage rates could be and when they will take effect in 2026. While the official announcement would traditionally arrive around April 1 each year the latest CPI data allows the projections of how much Ontario's minimum wage is likely to rise.

How Ontario’s Minimum Wage is Calculated Annually?

We are aware that Ontario adjusts its minimum hourly wages every October, based on the 12-month average change in the Ontario Consumer Price Index. When CPI increases, the minimum hourly wages also rise in order to help workers maintain their purchasing power amidst rising living costs

The government typically announces new minimum wage rates in March or April every year, giving businesses time to prepare before the change takes effect in October of the said year.

Given the newly released 2.2% increase in annual CPI, Ontario is expected to see a moderate but meaningful increment in minimum wages across all categories in 2026.

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Current Ontario Minimum Hourly Wage Rates (Data from 2024 to 2026)

1. General Minimum Wage

2. Student Minimum Wage

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3. Work from Home Minimum Wage

4. Minimum Hourly Wages for Hunting, Fishing, and Wilderness Guides

*Less than 5 consecutive hours worked in a day

*For 5 or more hours worked in a day (whether or not consecutive)

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Ontario Minimum Wage Increase for 2026

Considering the new 2.2% CPI inflation rate increase to the current minimum hourly wage levels provided, the most accurate estimate of what the 2026 minimum wage announcement could include:

Explore Your Opportunities in Ontario, Canada, With GetGIS

Ontario would release the official minimum hourly wage figures before April 1, 2026, based on finalised CPI calculations. If you are also considering opportunities to explore employment in Canada. Reach out for trusted guidance from experts like GetGIS. Our team provides end-to-end personalised assistance with your Canada PR process, job search assistance, post-landing guidance, and more.

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