A living wage reflects what earners in a family need to be paid based on the actual costs of living and being included in a specific community.

The living wage is calculated as an evidence-based hourly rate at which a household (two adults working full-time, two children) can meet its basic cost of living needs, once government transfers have been added to the family’s income and deductions have been subtracted. Included in this calculation are food, shelter, clothing, transportation, child care, non-OHIP medical insurance, continuing adult education, and items that allow for fuller participation in society, such as communication, family leisure outings, and local recreation.

In Canada, a living wage is a voluntary commitment that can be made by public, private, and not-for-profit sector employers to compensate directly-employed and contract-employed full-time and part-time workers.

The hourly living wage for Niagara region has been established as $18.12 for 2019.

Published By: Niagara Poverty Reduction Network

Publication Date: November 2019

View Calculating the Living Wage in Niagara Region 2019