The Ontario Living Wage Network (OLWN) is pleased to announce that Matthew House Ottawa, a furniture bank and refugee services charity, has become a certified living wage employer, with all employees earning at least $18.42 per hour.

With a provincial minimum wage of $14.25, Allan Reesor-McDowell, Executive Director of Matthew House Ottawa explains why they pay at least a living wage to all full-time, part-time and contracted staff:

"Our key value is respecting human dignity, and from my perspective, and the perspective of our board, a living wage is foundational to that."

A living wage is calculated by the OLWN to show how much a household—two adults working full time supporting two small children—must earn per hour in order to make ends meet and enjoy modest participation in their civic and cultural community. The living wage for Ottawa has been calculated at $18.42 per hour.

"Covering costs such as food, shelter, childcare and transportation are fundamental to human dignity. We want people working for Matthew House to be able to meet those basic needs." says Reesor-McDowell. “Furthermore, competitive pay helps us to retain quality employees.”

‘The OLWN is pleased to welcome Matthew House Ottawa to the list of over 350 certified living wage employers in Ontario. It is fantastic to see employers implement changes to ensure employees are earning a steady and reliable living wage. Paying a living wage is a tremendous expression of respect for individual workers, their families, and the communities where they live" says Anne Coleman, Program Manager of the OLWN.

"I am proud to be associated with an organization that cares about human dignity" echos Doreen Katto (pictured), Program Coordinator with Matthew House Ottawa.

Welcome to the Network to everyone at Matthew House Ottawa.