CHAPLEAU EXPRESS
Local News Weekly
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Vol. 29, Issue 31, April 3, 2025
BUY CANADIAN MADE PRODUCTS Ontario Raising Minimum Wage to Support Workers
Increase to $17.60 an hour will take effect October 1
T
he Ontario government is increasing the minimum wage from $17.20 to $17.60 an hour effective October 1, 2025, to support workers and businesses. This annualized wage increase is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 2.4 per cent and will bring Ontario’s minimum wage to the second highest provincial rate in Canada. “Our government will continue to have the backs of Ontario workers, investing in skills training and development and helping ensure that work pays,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Long Term D e v e l o p m e n t . “ O nForecast tario’s minimum wage Thursday High 6 remains one of the Low -7 highest in the country. Friday Now more than ever, High 6 workers and businesses Low -5 need fair, balanced and Saturday High 6 Low -6 Sunday High 1 Low -11 Monday High -5 Low -13 Tuesday High -5 Low -13
predictable wages.” A worker making the general minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will see an annual pay increase of up to $835.00 as a result of these changes. Under the Employment Standards Act, Ontario’s minimum wage increases annually based on the Ontario CPI, a measure of inflation that represents changes in prices experienced by Ontario consumers. This increase is just one of the ways the government is supporting Ontario workers and helping make Ontario the best place to work, live and raise a family. Most recently, Ontario passed the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024, which is helping more workers enter the skilled trades, removing barriers to employment, protecting workers and supporting frontline heroes and women at work. About 36 per cent of workers at or below the wage of $17.60 per hour are in retail trade and 24 per cent are in accommodation and food
services. Over the past seven years, Ontario’s minimum wage has increased from $14 per hour in 2018 to $17.60 later this year.
Ontario Ready to Respond to Wildland Fire Season
O
ntario is ready to respond to this year's wildland fire season, which lasts from April 1 until October 31. This year the government has filled nearly 100 additional permanent positions to support the 2025 fire season and help ensure people and resources are in place to protect communities. “We are ready to protect people, communities and properties across Ontario from wildland fires,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “When wildland fires hit, our brave and dedicated FireRangers, pilots and support staff are prepared to battle these fires and protect Ontarians.” Cont’d on P.2
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