The projected March increase to $10.25 will put the province’s minimum wage a hefty $2.25 above B.C.’s and $1.25 above Quebec’s. Many producers of fruit and vegetables think they simply can’t afford it
by SUZANNE DEUTSCH AND NICOLAS MESLY
As of March 31, Ontario’s minimum wage will rise to $10.25 an hour and many growers of labour-intensive crops are starting to wonder if they will be able to survive the hike.
This latest jump of 75 cents an hour will bring the three-year increase to 28 per cent and makes Ontario the highest paying jurisdiction in Canada. It will create a $2.25 an hour gap with the lowest-paying province, British Columbia.