Minimum Wage Goes Up Monday - A Better Standard Of Living For Hard Working Families

TORONTO - When minimum wage earners in Ontario go to work Monday, they will be getting a raise.

Ontario is raising the minimum wage to $8.75 on March 31, 2008. This is the fifth increase since 2004. The minimum wage remained static between 1995 and 2004.

The Ontario government began implementing annual increases early in its first term. Minimum wage:

- Increased from $6.85 in 2004 to $8.00 in 2007

- Will reach $10.25 in 2010

Phasing in these increases balances the needs of hard working families with the needs of the small businesses that create jobs.

QUOTES

"Increasing the minimum wage is a key component of the McGuinty government's plan to reduce poverty in Ontario by expanding economic opportunity for hard working families," said Labour Minister Brad Duguid. <<

QUICK FACTS

- The minimum wage has risen $1.15 (17 per cent) between 2004 and 2007 - By 2010, raises will have totalled $3.40 (50 per cent) since 2004 - The major industries employing minimum wage earners are: accommodation and food, retail trade, and agriculture