Minimum wage will go up to $9.50 an hour on March 31 ( Photo: Julia Johnson )
Minimum wage workers can expect a few more zeros on their paycheque this year – Ontario’s wage increase kicks in on March 31 and pay is going up to $9.50 an hour.
This is part of a gradual increase that the Ontario government started in 2003 and will end in 2010.
That means the average part-time minimum wage worker will make an extra $1,200 this year.
Alanna Elam, a sales associate at the Glebe Apothecary, said the extra income will help her pay off student loans from her bachelor and graduate degrees.
“Well I can definitely pay my bills on time,” she said with a laugh. “And hopefully, I’ll be able to pay off my debts more quickly and actually have some spending money.”
Carleton University students said they agree.
“It’s good, I guess, because everyone is making more and us students, we need more money,” said Anderson Ly, a fourth-year communications student.
( Photo: Julia Johnson )
First year Global Studies student Sharrae Lyon-Moncrieffe said she agrees.
“It provides students who are going to be working in the summer or throughout the year to save much quicker to pay off their education and not rely on loans,” she said.
While the government said the additional funds will put money in the pockets of those who need it most, some economists and business owners say the increase will hurt Ontario’s already faltering economy and will lead to more layoffs.