The Ontario Living Wage Network’s 2026 calculations show an average living wage increase across our 10 regions of 1.6 per cent, a more modest increase compared to the 5.3 per cent average increase announced in 2025. While the increases vary across the province, all 10 regions saw their living wage rates rise.

As expected, the Greater Toronto Area continues to have the highest living wage rate at $27.60 per hour, up from $27.20. Ottawa saw the largest percentage increase this year, rising three per cent from $23.40 to $24.10 per hour.

Despite the annual October 1 increase to Ontario’s minimum wage of $17.95 per hour, the gap between minimum wage and living wage remains significant. Even in the region with the lowest living wage rate, a person working full-time at minimum wage would still fall short of what they need to cover basic expenses. There is still no region in Ontario where minimum wage is enough to afford the cost of living.

Read the full report on how we determined these rates:

https://www.ontariolivingwage.ca/documentation_2026 

Applications open October 19 – November 20, 2026

The Ontario Living Wage Network (OLWN) is seeking passionate volunteers to join our Board of Directors.

As the certifier of living wage employers in Ontario, OLWN works with employers, local living wage networks and community partners to advance fair wages across Ontario and Canada.

We are looking for individuals who are excited to contribute their skills, perspectives and leadership to support our mission and strategic direction.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences.

Board member responsibilities

Board members are expected to:

• Support the vision of Living Wage Canada.

• Attend and participate in board meetings, held approximately every other month.

• Review meeting materials in advance.

• Contribute to organizational planning and budgeting discussions.

• Maintain confidentiality and uphold respectful, collaborative governance practices.

Time commitment: Approximately 3–5 hours per month. This is a volunteer position.

How to apply

Please submit the following:

• A brief expression of interest.

• Your resume or CV.

Email your application to [email protected] by November 20, 2026.

Please include “Board of Directors Application” in the subject line.

Applications will be reviewed based on the current needs and composition of the Board. Selected applicants may be invited for a conversation with current Board members.

We thank everyone interested in supporting the living wage movement and helping build a fairer economy.

Help us advance fair wages and reduce working poverty across Ontario.

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...