Ontario to raise minimum wage in the fall [Video]

The Ford government says it will be raising Ontario’s minimum wage by 65 cents in the fall.

Starting on Oct. 1, minimum pay in the province will be $17.20 per hour, up from the current minimum wage of $16.55.

The province said in a release Thursday that the 3.9 per cent annualized wage increase is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI) and brings Ontario’s minimum wage to the second highest in Canada.

The increase comes amid an affordability crisis in the province.

Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini said in a release that the move will help close to 1 million Ontarians earn more.

“We are providing businesses with certainty and predictability by announcing this annual wage increase six months in advance, while also helping families offset the rising cost of living, so that Ontario continues to be the best place to live, work …