Minimum wage increase on February 1

The Ontario government has raised minimum wage for the third time since taking office.

The general minimum wage was raised to $7.75 per hour on February 1, 2006, and there will be a further increase to $8 per hour on February 1, 2007. It was previously $7.45 per hour.

In addition the minimum wage for students under 18 years old and employed for not more than 28 hours a week rises from $6.95 to $7.25 per hour.

Public inquiries can be made to the Ministry of Labour by calling 1-800-531-5551 or visit www.labour.gov.on.ca