The proposed wage increase, if passed by the provincial legislature, would raise the general minimum wage to C$15.50 ($12.41) per hour beginning October 1, nearly four months after the Quebec election. June 2 in the province, according to a statement from the Ontario government. This would result in an annual wage increase of C$1,768 for minimum wage workers working 40 hours per week.
“For many Ontarians, wages have not kept up with the rising cost of living, making it harder than ever to make ends meet,” said the Premier of Ontario. Doug Ford, in the statement.
On January 1, the minimum hourly wage in the province went from C$14.35 to C$15.
Inflation in Canada is at its highest level in 30 years, and a Bank of Canada survey on Monday showed that businesses now expect inflation to remain above the central bank’s target range of 1% 3% over the next two years.
The government of Mr. Ford, which has every chance of being re-elected, has announced a series of measures which, according to him, are aimed at reducing the cost of living for the residents of Ontario.
On Monday, the government introduced a bill to reduce gasoline and fuel taxes which, if approved by the legislature, would come into force after the June election.
In recent weeks, Ontario has removed pages on some highways and eliminated vehicle license plate renewal fees. Mr. Ford also announced an increase in the property speculation tax for overseas buyers from 15% to 20%.
($1 = 1.2490 Canadian dollars)