People in Ontario working in federally regulated industries and making minimum wage will soon be getting a raise.
The federal government announced on Tuesday that its minimum wage will increase from $17.75 to $18.15, starting on April 1, 2026.
This increase was based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which rose 2.1 per cent in 2025.
"Ensuring the federal minimum wage rises with inflation is a floor that protects workers, especially those in the lowest-paid jobs in federally regulated sectors," said Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.
The federal minimum wage was reintroduced in 2021. At the time, it was set at $15, but it has seen annual increases since then. This latest increase represents a 21 per cent jump from 2021.
Non-federal workers will continue to be paid based on their province or territory's minimum wage. Ontario's wage is currently $17.60.
If a province or territory's minimum wage is higher, federal employees will be paid under this rate. This currently only accounts for federal workers in British Columbia, Nunavut, and the Yukon.
