A short blurb to get this one going. Here's what we're up to lately:

• We are working on the 2024 living wage updated rates, which will be released in November after an extensive review as usual
• There are 873 certified living wage workplaces in Ontario, with 84 added this year
• We have created two summer job position again this year, thanks in-part to the Canada Summer Jobs program

In this update:

SELECTED MEDIA COVERAGE

FEATURED EMPLOYER

NEW EMPLOYERS / NEW LOCATIONS

In this interview, Melissa Duggan of CityNews speaks with Maria Rio, board member of Living Wage Canada/OLWN about the difference between the Ontario minimum wage and a living wage, the upcoming raise in the Federal minimum wage, and the importance of paying employees a living wage.

This popular blog shared a list of some of the best gratuity-free restaurants in Toronto, many of which are proudly certified living wage employers. This newsletter highlights certified OLWN employers Emma’s Country Kitchen, Sarang Kitchen, Beast Pizza, and Barque Smokehouse for their amazing food and living wages.

Stratford Perth Community Foundation is recognized by The Stratford Beacon Herald as a newly certified living wage employer. The article speaks to the important work the Stratford Perth Community Foundation is doing within their community, one of which is paying their employees a living wage.

Executive director, Heidi Culliton, is quoted as saying, “...living wage certification upholds our foundation’s ongoing commitment to provide our employees with fair and competitive pay for their important work. We believe that when individuals thrive communities become more resilient and connected.”

Wintergreen Studios provides retreats and meeting facilities for individuals and groups while promoting living in balance with the natural world. Wintergreen Studios encourages guests to enjoy the land’s numerous hiking trails and stunning landscapes while staying in their environmentally friendly accommodations, made from natural and repurposed materials.

They further invite their guests to explore their connections to nature by offering educational programs focused on sustainable and mindful living, citizen science, and the arts.

Sortable Employer List

This past year, there have been several employers to become the first to be Living Wage certified in their area.

Liftsafe Engineering and Service Group Inc (AYR) is an inspection company dedicated to providing turnkey solutions for safe lifting, material handling, and fall protection systems.

Timiskaming Health Unit (NEW LISKEARD) is a public health unit that offers education, programs, and services to the community of Timiskaming and the township of Temagami.

Thomas David Law (NORTH BAY) is a full-service law firm that provides legal expertise and services to the people of North Bay, Kapuskasing, Nipissing, Cochrane, Callander, Parry Sound, Mattawa, and Sturgeon Falls.

Calhoun Super Structures (TARA) designs, engineers, and manufactures leading-edge fabric structures for agricultural, industrial, residential, retail, and commercial applications.

Hill ‘N Dale Landscaping (SHELBURNE) offers design, construction, and maintenance services to build the landscapes you dream of.

Windermere Garden Centre (UTTERSON) is Muskoka’s largest indoor garden centre, supplying fresh plants – many of which are grown in their greenhouses. In addition, they offer lawn and garden, landscaping, and snow removal services.

J-Craft Corporation (SEGUIN) developed, produces, and restores the J-Craft sports boat, which is the only low-wake outboard sport/ski boat produced in Canada.

We are always pleased to celebrate these trailblazers for their commitment to paying a living wage. Seeing the living wage movement grow throughout Ontario is a great honour and we deeply appreciate the support of all our certified employers and the difference they are making.

To find a certified living wage employer near you, visit our directory: ontariolivingwage.ca/directory