A living wage is the hourly wage a worker needs to earn to cover their basic expenses and participate in their community.

A living wage is not the same as the minimum wage, which is the legislated minimum all employers must pay and is set by the provincial government. The living wage reflects what people need to earn to cover the actual costs of living in their community. The living wage draws on community-specific data to determine the expenses to a family with two working adults and two children. Living wage employers voluntarily decide to pay a living wage and maintain their certification as new rates are calculated for their area.

To learn more, visit the Ontario Living Wage Network website.

United Way Simcoe Muskoka is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenous, Metis and Inuit collaboration as an organizational priority. We strive to create and foster a supportive learning environment where everyone demonstrates and is accountable for diversity, decolonization, anti-racism, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to employing the best people to do the best job possible, in which all individuals realize their maximum potential within the organization.

Our organization’s success relies on the quality and skill of our employees, volunteers, and Board members, working together to reduce inequities, stigmas, and racism in our organization. By embracing across-the-board inclusiveness, we foster a stronger environment that is productive, dignified, sustainable, and ultimately beneficial to the organization and all who are involved with it. Only through diversity of participation can we bring the full range of perspectives and viewpoints to our endeavors, allowing us to make a larger difference in the communities we serve.

It is the responsibility of everyone at United Way Simcoe Muskoka to sustain a culture of respect that supports principles of diversity, equity, and inclusivity.