Living Wage Week: Financial stability means living wages

Earlier this month Ontario’s minimum wage went up to $17.20/hour. But our neighbours and friends who work full time at that rate are still unable to make ends meet.

That’s because the real cost of living in today’s GTA is $26/hour.

According to the latest rates released this week by the Ontario Living Wage Network, that’s what it takes to actually cover the costs of things like shelter, transportation, childcare, food and internet.

With high living costs persisting, especially rental expenses – and disproportionately impacting those in low wage work – the average living wage required in Ontario has increased by 3.4% since last year. Here in the GTA, it’s been by 3.8% and we remain the highest living wage across the province. And to underscore the point – that’s an almost $9 an hour gap between the minimum wage and the real cost of living here.

At United Way, we know that the equitable neighbourhoods and communities we work towards are only achievable if people are able to enjoy financial stability along with housing stability, access to services and opportunities to engage in shaping their communities. That’s why we support the Ontario Living Wage Network as a funder and lead by example as one of 867 workplaces that pay at least a Living Wage across 636 certified employers in the province.

Learn more by following #Livingwageweek and check out the news and resources, including a list of employers and interactive map, at Ontario Living Wage Network.