New 'living wage' calculated for Ontario

What is a living wage?

A living wage is the hourly wage a worker needs to earn to cover basic expenses and provide a decent standard of living for their family. It takes into account the cost of housing, food, transportation, childcare, and other essential expenses.

Why is a living wage important?

A living wage is important because it helps to ensure that workers can meet their basic needs and live with dignity. It also helps to reduce poverty and inequality, and it can boost the economy by increasing consumer spending.

How was the living wage calculated?

The living wage for Ontario was calculated by the Ontario Living Wage Network (OLWN), a coalition of labour, community, and faith-based organizations. The OLWN uses a methodology developed by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) to calculate the living wage. The CCPA's methodology takes into account the cost of a basket of goods and services that are considered essential for a decent standard of living.

What is the living wage for Ontario?

The living wage for Ontario is $22.08 per hour. This is the hourly wage that a worker needs to earn to cover basic expenses and provide a decent standard of living for their family.

What does this mean for employers?

Employers who pay their workers a living wage are helping to ensure that their employees can meet their basic needs and live with dignity. A living wage can also help to attract and retain good workers, and it can boost morale.

What can you do to help?

There are a number of things you can do to help promote a living wage in Ontario:

• Talk to your employer about paying a living wage.
• Support businesses that pay a living wage.
• Volunteer with the Ontario Living Wage Network.