Ontario minimum wage rises by 35 cents to $17.95 per hour, but why are students upset?

On October 1, 2026, the Ontario government increased the province’s general minimum wage from $17.60 to $17.95 per Hour, benefiting over 700,000 workers across the province. This annual increase, tied to Ontario’s Consumer Price Index of 1.9 percent, is viewed as a timely response to ensure wages reflect economic conditions while providing stability for both workers and businesses, especially amid global economic uncertainty.

“Ontario workers are the engine of this province,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labor, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development. “By raising the minimum wage to one of the highest in Canada, our government is putting more money into the pockets of Ontario workers, supporting families during economic challenges, and giving businesses the stability they need to plan and grow.”

A regular worker earning the general minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will see an annual pay increase of approximately $728. This wage hike is part of the government’s broader economic and workforce initiatives, which include a multi-year plan to invest in training, protect critical industries, and enhance workplace safety across the province.

However, not everyone is pleased with the new wage increase. Organizations like the Workers Action Center say the adjustment is meager, especially as many Canadians struggle financially. Students in Ontario, in particular, are vocal about their dissatisfaction with how the wage increase affects them.

While the general minimum wage rose by 35 cents to $17.95, the student minimum wage rose by only 30 cents, from $16.60 to $16.90. This leaves a $1.05 gap between student wages and those of other workers.

Toronto resident Wuu H. argues that everyone should earn a single wage, regardless of whether they are students. “People are already financially struggling, especially living in Toronto. So, to have a student wage that is lower than the minimum wage makes no sense,” she told a local media outlet.

Wuu expressed further frustration over the minimal increase in student wages, noting that many individuals under 18 still have expenses such as rent and phone bills, making the $1.05 difference significant.

Another Toronto resident, Alfred T., believes that students and adults should receive the same minimum wage. “They should be paid equally. Just because you’re a student doesn’t mean you’re any less worthy than an adult,” he stated. He added that regardless of one’s living situation—whether living with parents, being a single parent, or living alone, everyone is doing the same work in those jobs and deserves equal pay.