Minimum Wage in Ontario
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
If you work in a federally regulated industry — like a bank, airline, railway, telecom company, or interprovincial trucking firm — the federal minimum wage applies to you. The rate is adjusted every April 1 based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Check the current amount at canada.ca/minimum-wage.
If your province or territory has a higher minimum wage, your employer must pay you the higher amount.
When does it apply?
- You work for a federally regulated employer (banks, airlines, telecom, railways, interprovincial transport, and more).
- There is no tip exemption at the federal level — tipped workers get the same minimum wage.
- Independent contractors are not covered. If you think you've been wrongly classified as a contractor, you may still have rights.
What should you do?
- Keep every pay stub and record of hours worked.
- Talk to your employer or HR department first — the issue may be a simple payroll mistake.
- If that doesn't work, file a complaint with the Labour Program at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). You have 24 months from the date of the violation.
- Call the Labour Program at 1-800-641-4049 for help.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume you're stuck with a low wage — the law sets a floor your employer must respect.
- Don't quit your job before filing a complaint. You have stronger protections while still employed.
- Don't accept being called an independent contractor if you work like an employee. Misclassification doesn't erase your rights.
How Ontario differs from federal law
Ontario sets its own minimum wage under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA). As of October 1, 2024, the general minimum wage in Ontario is $17.20 per hour. The rate is reviewed annually and adjusted each October 1 based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index.
- Students under 18 who work 28 hours a week or less (or during school holidays) earn a lower student minimum wage ($16.20/hour as of October 2024).
- Liquor servers previously had a lower rate, but Ontario eliminated the separate liquor server minimum wage in 2022 — they now earn the general rate.
- Homeworkers (people who do paid work from their own home for an employer) earn 110% of the general minimum wage.
- There is no tip credit — employers cannot count tips toward minimum wage obligations.
- The ESA applies to most Ontario workplaces. Federally regulated workers (banks, telecom, airlines) follow the federal Canada Labour Code instead.
Additional Steps in Ontario
If your employer is paying below minimum wage, file a claim with the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. You can file online at ontario.ca/employmentstandards or call the Employment Standards Information Centre at 1-800-531-5551. Claims must be filed within 2 years of the violation. You do not need a lawyer to file.
Relevant Law: Employment Standards Act, 2000, S.O. 2000, c. 41, ss. 23–23.1; O. Reg. 285/01 (Exemptions, Special Rules and Establishment of Minimum Wage)
Common Questions
When does minimum wage apply?
You work for a federally regulated employer (banks, airlines, telecom, railways, interprovincial transport, and more).There is no tip exemption at the federal level — tipped workers get the same minimum wage.Independent contractors are not covered. If you think you've been wrongly classified as a contractor, you may still have rights.
What should I do about minimum wage?
Keep every pay stub and record of hours worked.Talk to your employer or HR department first — the issue may be a simple payroll mistake.If that doesn't work, file a complaint with the Labour Program at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). You have 24 months from the date of the violation.Call the Labour Program at 1-800-641-4049 for help.
What mistakes should I avoid with minimum wage?
Don't assume you're stuck with a low wage — the law sets a floor your employer must respect.Don't quit your job before filing a complaint. You have stronger protections while still employed.Don't accept being called an independent contractor if you work like an employee. Misclassification doesn't erase your rights.
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