$15 minimum wage, emergency leave become law as Ontario passes labour reform legislation

The Canadian Press Posted: Nov 22, 2017 1:19 PM ET

Ontario passed sweeping labour reform legislation Wednesday, including increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour, which will form a key pillar of the governing Liberals' re-election bid next year.

Premier Kathleen Wynne has been tying the policy at nearly every opportunity to a theme of fairness that will likely carry through to the June 2018 election, along with free tuition for low- and middle-income students, more child care spaces and pharmacare for youth.

The minimum wage boost has proved largely popular in government polling and with labour advocates, though it is controversial with businesses, who say the increase is too fast and will lead to job losses.

<snip>

The government and some economists argue that the hike will have some positive impact on the economy, as minimum wage earners get more spending power.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/15-minimum-wage-ontario-legislation-passes-1.4414126

Plus it is tied to inflation, will continue to keep pace with the economy.