Critical action needed by Premier Doug Ford on Ontario’s minimum wage: “If a $20 minimum wage had been implemented in 2021 the October 1 minimum wage would be more than $24 an hour.”

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by Business Wire Critical action needed by Premier Doug Ford on Ontario's minimum wage: "If a $20 minimum wage had been implemented in 2021 the October 1 minimum wage would be more than $24 an hour."Author of the article:THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountToronto, ON — On October 1, Ontario’s adult minimum wage will be adjusted to $17.95. But this 35-cent hourly change only represents last year’s cost of living increase, and is a far cry from what is actually needed to help workers keep up with rising prices.“The average 2-bedroom apartment in this province still costs more than $2,100 a month,” said Deena Ladd, Executive Director of the Workers’ Action Centre. “And even with the additional 35 cents, a person working full time at that rate would not have enough money to cover it.”This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againthat show, in 2024 when the survey was conducted, almost 1 in every 4 households “lived in housing unaffordable to them” and more than 1 in every 3 renters spent over 30% of their income on rent.“Even if inflation has stabilized, that doesn’t mean prices are coming down. It means already high prices continue to rise, but not as fast,” said Ladd. “An apartment that was $2,100 last year will still cost that much–and more–next year. Food prices, as we are witnessing on a daily basis, continue to rise. Meanwhile, the Ford Government is not paying attention to how hard it is for workers to make ends meet.”“We are facing an unprecedented cost of living crisis–a crisis that is set to get even worse as the effects of tariffs ripple through the economy,” said Ladd. “There’s also the impact of war causing higher gasoline prices and shipping costs, so workers’ food and living expenses could get a lot worse in the months ahead.”“The 35-cent bump in the minimum wage is a legislated minimum, mandated by 2014 legislation,” said Ladd. “If the $20 minimum wage had been implemented in 2021, when we first called for it, the minimum wage taking effect on October 1 would be $24.10.”“At this moment, we need government action at all levels to support workers and their families, including: a higher minimum wage, limits on the cost of food, meaningful rent control for every renter, and investments in non-market, social housing,” said Ladd.“Both the provincial and federal governments must step up to stop the epidemic of wage theft underway in Ontario and across Canada. The lack of enforcement of basic employment standards means a growing number of corporations can ignore existing wage laws and profit at workers’ expense.”View source version on businesswire.com: For more information or to arrange an interview call Workers’ Action Centre organizer Pam Frache at 416-578-3472 (cell).This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.