Minister David Piccini during a visit to Thunder Bay - Acadia Broadcasting Files

Ontario’s hourly minimum wage is set to increase from $15.50 to $16.55 or 6.8%.

David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development issued a statement about the increase and noted ” This 6.8 percent raise means up to $2,200 more in workers’ pockets every year and brings Ontario to one of the highest minimum wages in the country.”

This marks the fourth year in a row Ontario has seen a pay increase, and it also marks the fifth increase in four years.

Ontario has the third-highest minimum wage in the country trailing the Yukon ($16.77), and British Columbia ($16.75) respectively.

Minimum wage could increase again next year according to the Ontario Government “The new rates to come into effect on October 1 will be published on or before April 1 of every year,” highlighting that before the summer of next year, citizens will know if another increase is coming.