The Ontario government is gearing up to introduce a few new laws and regulations in October 2024 that will affect local residents and how some businesses operate across the province. 

From minimum wage increases to alcohol sales, here are all the new rules taking effect next month that you should be aware of. 

Minimum wage increase 

Starting Oct. 1, the provincial government will be increasing the minimum wage from $16.55 per hour to $17.20. 

The 3.9 per cent annualized wage increase is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is a measure of inflation that represents changes in prices experienced by Ontario consumers. 

This increase will make Ontario's minimum wage the second highest provincial rate, after British Columbia at $17.40 per hour. If you're making minimum wage right now, you'll see an annual pay increase of up to $1,355 if you're working 40 hours a week. 

Currently, roughly 35 per cent of workers at or below the general minimum wage of $17.20 per hour are in retail trade and 24 per cent are in accommodation and food services.

The minimum wage increase builds on the provincial government's  Working for Workers Four Act, 2024, which provides added protections for workers in Ontario, including strengthening wage protections for restaurant, hospitality, and service workers by clarifying that employers can't deduct an employee's wages in the event of a dine and dash. 

Alcohol sales 

By the end of October 2024, every eligible convenience, grocery, and big-box grocery store in Ontario will be able to sell beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages (including in large pack sizes) as part of the government's plan to expand alcohol sales. 

Through the phased rollout, the government says it is hoping to create the conditions for a more "open and convenient" alcohol beverage marketplace while giving individual retailers and businesses the decision about how they participate and when. 

This expansion follows the Ontario government's announcement on Sept. 5, which permitted all licensed convenience stores across the province to sell beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages. 

Along with the rollout, the province is providing The Beer Store with up to $225 million to make the necessary investments over the next 19 months to support a stable transition to a more open marketplace, including funding to protect jobs to keep The Beer Store locations open. 

The government is also allowing the transfer of wine and spirits between locations with the same owner and/or affiliated licensees to help bars and restaurants manage inventory. 

To support the province's diverse alcohol industry, at least 20 per cent of the beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink beverages on display in grocery and convenience stores must be produced by craft producers.