Too many workers in Ontario are earning less than what it takes to make ends meet. And that burden isn’t shared equally; women and racialized workers are more likely to be earning below a living wage. As the minimum wage increases on October 1, we need to look at the bigger picture: the gap between the minimum wage and what workers actually need to live and support themselves and their families.

Read the full report we co-authored with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, as we explore the gap that continues to grow between Ontario’s minimum wage and living wage.

The Ontario Living Wage Network certified employer directory lists everything from small salons with a few employees to large automotive manufacturers. As their annual renewal date approaches, each employer receives a notice to pay their annual fee plus an invite to fill out a multi-part survey. 

There are currently 29 certified living wage employers in the landscape sector in Ontario. When we ask these business owners why they decided to certify, many answer with a variation of the same reason: 

More than a million workers in Ontario do not earn a living wage where they live—especially women and racialized workers. 

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives calculated this estimate using the 10 hourly living wage rates released by the Ontario Living Wage Network and applied them as a threshold  across the province. 

Our certification program started in 2016, and it has undergone several stages of growth and improvement. In 2023 we began collecting more information beyond just program compliance. We wanted to know about changes employers have noticed since becoming certified, and whether they attribute such changes to living wage certification. Here are the results of our 2024 certified employer survey...

It's Living Wage Week 2023, and as always, we lead off with the updated living wage rates. This year saw increases in all 10 regions, with the GTA as the highest at $25.05 and the Southwest (Windsor) coming in at $18.85. Use our interactive map to find your local rate.

Spring is in the air. For many, the retreat of the white stuff reveals a load of yard work and landscaping. We've put together a handy list and map of every certified living wage company that could help you prepare your grounds this season.

While many job postings in this sector begin at or near the minimum wage, these employers pay all workers at least a locally calculated living wage: