TORONTO — The Ontario government has increased the general minimum wage to $17.20 an hour (from $16.55 an hour) effective today. The student minimum wage will increase to $16.20 an hour (from $15.60). This wage applies to students under the age of 18 who work 28 hours a week or fewer when school is in session or who work during a school break or summer holidays.
“Restaurants Canada has worked hard this year to help the government understand that our industry is struggling with profitability due to rising operating costs,” says Kris Barnier, VP, Central Canada, Restaurants Canada. “This cannot be fully passed onto consumers who are struggling with affordability and who are spending less today per capita (in real dollars) than they did pre-pandemic.”
Earlier this year, the Ford government froze scheduled provincial tax increases on alcohol until at least 2026. At RC Show 2024, Premier Ford announced funding for an RC-sponsored program that’s helping businesses access training grants. In addition, Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy announced that the government will consult with stakeholders on a new model for wholesale pricing on alcohol purchased through the LCBO, and Restaurants Canada is responding to the opportunity.
