What to know
- Ontario’s general minimum wage will increase from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour on Oct. 1.
- Toronto landlords and property owners must maintain a minimum indoor temperature of 21ºC between Oct. 1 and May 15, subject to the city’s rules.
- New federal regulations will give pharmacy technicians and intern technicians additional responsibilities involving controlled substances starting Oct. 1.
- The next quarterly Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit payment is scheduled for Oct. 5 for eligible recipients.
- Toronto’s municipal election is Oct. 26, with advance voting running Oct. 6 to 11.
Between indoor temperature requirements and minimum wage increases, Ontario residents will see a series of changes this October.
Minimum wage increase
Some workers in Ontario will see an increase in their wages. Starting Oct. 1, the province is increasing its general minimum wage from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour.
Under the new wages, the province states those who work 40 hours a week and receive minimum wage will get an additional $728 every year.
According to the provincial government, the increase is expected to benefit over 700,000 workers and aims to help ensure wages reflect economic conditions and provide stability.
On the other hand, advocacy groups like the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and some Toronto residents say the increase is not enough to meet living wages.
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Indoor heating will kick in
This year’s summer officially came to an end on Sept. 22 with the arrival of fall, and seasonal weather is set to follow soon.
With temperatures expected to drop in October, building heating requirements are also kicking in this month.
In Toronto, the Indoor Temperature Standards Bylaw requires property owners to make sure buildings are at a minimum temperature of 21ºC between Oct. 1 and May 15.
However, landlords can also opt to turn the heat down or off in case outside weather makes indoor temperatures rise above 21ºC during this time.
New controlled substances regulations
New Health Canada regulations on prescription drugs will also take effect, making it easier for pharmacy technicians and intern technicians to manage those directly.
Starting Oct. 1, these professionals will be able to:
- Receive a prescription for controlled substances from health practitioners verbally.
- Sign receipts for controlled substances from pharmacists, health practitioners, hospitals, or licensed dealers.
- Transfer controlled substances prescriptions to a different pharmacist or pharmacy technician in Canada within two years of prescription receipt.
- Destroy or witness destruction of controlled substances at pharmacies and hospitals.
Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit to kick in
Some residents will also receive the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) this month.
Announced earlier this year, the benefit will offer support to low-income families to help them afford daily essentials. It includes a one-time payment of 50 per cent of their regular GST Credit year and an increase in the CGEB by 25 per cent during five years, starting in July.
Eligibility for the benefit varies based on family size and income. Single individuals could receive up to $950 this year and an annual amount of $700 in the next four years, while a family of four would receive up to $1,890 this year and $1,400 every year in the next four years. The benefit amount will be recalculated every July based on the previous year’s tax return.
The next quarterly tax-free payment for the CGEB will come on Oct. 5.
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Interest rate changes
New Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) interest rates will also be in effect between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31. According to the agency, these rates will apply to any amounts owed to or by the CRA to individuals or corporations. They will include:
- Interest rates on overdue taxes, employment insurance premiums, and Canada Pension Plan contributions are set to seven per cent, unchanged from last quarter.
- Rates to be paid on corporate tax overpayments is also unchanged at three per cent.
- Rates to be paid on non-corporate tax overpayments is also held at five per cent.
- Rates used to calculate taxable benefits for employees and shareholders also remained at three per cent.
- Interest rates for corporate pertinent loans or indebtedness fell 0.01 per cent to 6.29 per cent.
Municipal elections taking place
Municipal elections are also coming up in Ontario next month.
Election day is taking place on Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with information on where to cast the vote available on the city’s website.
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Other important election dates voters should know include:
- Oct. 6-11: Advance voting will be taking place between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. across voting locations.
- Oct. 10-11: Kids Vote Weekend will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at all advance voting locations.
- Oct. 11: Deadline for voters to add or update their information on the voters’ list. After that, they can only make changes at their voting location on election day.
- Oct. 14: Deadline for Toronto Elections to receive completed mail-in voting packages
