Ontario’s living wage crisis deepens as GTA costs outpace minimum pay
A new report unveils a stark reality for Ontario residents. Nowhere in the province can a full-time worker on minimum wage afford basic living expenses. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is particularly daunting, with residents shelling out the most for shelter compared to other regions.
The living wage in the GTA has climbed by just over $1, a 4.6% increase from last year, to $27.70 per hour. This is $10 more than Ontario's current minimum wage of $17.60. The rise is partly fueled by escalating food prices, with fresh vegetables and sugary foods witnessing significant cost hikes. Toronto, the heart of the GTA, has the highest living wage in Ontario at $27.20, up from $26 last year.
Across Ontario, the average living wage has risen by 5.3%. Other regions have also witnessed increases. In the Dufferin Guelph Wellington Waterloo region, the living wage rose by a similar margin to $23. In the southwest region, it jumped by over 8% to $21.50. These increases mirror the rising cost of living, with housing, food, and other essentials becoming more expensive.
The living wage in Ontario has surged, with the GTA requiring workers to earn over $27 an hour to meet basic expenses. This is more than double the province's minimum wage. While the average living wage varies by region, the trend is evident: Ontarians need to earn more to afford a basic standard of living.
