Minimum Wage — Ontario
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?
The federal minimum wage only applies if your employer is in a federally regulated industry — banks, airlines, railways, telecom, interprovincial trucking, and a handful of others. The rate moves every April 1 with the Consumer Price Index. The current federal minimum wage is $18.15 per hour (effective 1 April 2026), up from $17.75/hr the prior year.
The other rule that catches most underpayment cases: if your province or territory's minimum wage is higher than the federal floor, the higher one wins. The two rates aren't an either/or — your employer has to pay whichever is bigger.
When does it apply?
- You work for a federally regulated employer — banks, airlines, telecom, railways, interprovincial transport, and Crown corporations.
- No tip exemption at the federal level. A server or bartender on federal turf gets the full minimum wage on top of tips, not a discounted "tipped" rate.
- Independent contractors aren't covered — but if your employer calls you a contractor while treating you like an employee, that's misclassification and the rights still attach.
What to Do If Your Canadian Employer Is Paying You Below Minimum Wage
Underpayment cases live or die on documents. Build the file early.
- Keep every pay stub and your own log of hours worked. Phone notes are fine.
- Raise it with your employer or HR first. Half the time it's a payroll glitch they'll fix once it's on paper.
- No fix? File a complaint with the Labour Program at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). You've got 24 months from the violation.
- Stuck? Call the Labour Program at 1-800-641-4049.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume you're stuck with whatever's on your stub. The minimum wage is a floor, not a suggestion.
- Don't quit before you file. Reprisal protections work better while you're still on the payroll.
- Don't roll over on the contractor label if you actually work like an employee. The Code looks at the substance of the relationship, not what your contract says it is.
How Ontario differs from federal law
Ontario sets its own minimum wage under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA). As of October 1, 2025, the general minimum wage in Ontario is $17.60 per hour (rising to $17.95 per hour on October 1, 2026). 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 ($16.60/hour as of October 2025; $16.90 from October 1, 2026).
- 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
What is the minimum wage right in Canada?
The federal minimum wage only applies if your employer is in a federally regulated industry — banks, airlines, railways, telecom, interprovincial trucking, and a handful of others. The rate moves every April 1 with the Consumer Price Index. The current federal minimum wage is $18.15 per hour (effective 1 April 2026), up from $17.75/hr the prior year.The other rule that catches most underpayment cases: if your province or territory's minimum wage is higher than the federal floor, the higher one wins. The two rates aren't an either/or — your employer has to pay whichever is bigger.
When does minimum wage apply?
You work for a federally regulated employer — banks, airlines, telecom, railways, interprovincial transport, and Crown corporations.No tip exemption at the federal level. A server or bartender on federal turf gets the full minimum wage on top of tips, not a discounted "tipped" rate.Independent contractors aren't covered — but if your employer calls you a contractor while treating you like an employee, that's misclassification and the rights still attach.
What should I do if my Canadian employer is paying me less than minimum wage?
Underpayment cases live or die on documents. Build the file early.Keep every pay stub and your own log of hours worked. Phone notes are fine.Raise it with your employer or HR first. Half the time it's a payroll glitch they'll fix once it's on paper.No fix? File a complaint with the Labour Program at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). You've got 24 months from the violation.Stuck? Call the Labour Program at 1-800-641-4049.
What mistakes should I avoid with minimum wage?
Don't assume you're stuck with whatever's on your stub. The minimum wage is a floor, not a suggestion.Don't quit before you file. Reprisal protections work better while you're still on the payroll.Don't roll over on the contractor label if you actually work like an employee. The Code looks at the substance of the relationship, not what your contract says it is.
Minimum Wage in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.