Minimum Wage in Ontario: Changes Introduced by Bill 148

All general minimum wage workers are now entitled to $14 per hour in Ontario, up from the previous rate of $11.60. That number is slated to climb even higher next year, with a $15 minimum wage coming into effect on Jan. 1, 2019. This change was made after Ontario introduced Bill 148.

This year’s wage increase does not mean an immediate bump if you’re making more than the new minimum.

The wage hike is expected to hit small businesses the hardest, with many owners saying they’ll have to cut staff, reduce hours or increase prices to absorb the additional cost.

Alex Lucifero, managing partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, joined CTV Morning Live to discuss the impact of the minimum wage increase on Ontario workplaces, including the decision by some employers to eliminate paid lunch breaks in an effort to find savings following the pay increases. The Ottawa employment lawyer also tackled the other areas impacted by Bill 148, including vacation, family medical leave, misclassification of employees, and equal pay for equal work.

Alex also explained that there are some changes that employers can not make to an employee’s job. Any significant change to the terms of employment can result in a constructive dismissal, meaning severance pay would be owed to the employee.

You can also watch Alex’s interview on CTV Morning Live.