Living Wage

At Southwestern Public Health (SWPH), we work with community members and partners to promote policies and programs that support a living wage. Our goal is to help bridge the gap between the provincial minimum wage and the actual cost of living in Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas.

What is a living wage?

In 2024, the living wage for the London-Elgin-Oxford region is $19.50 per hour.

A living wage is the hourly pay that a worker needs to cover basic living costs for themselves and their family. The calculation uses real data specific to each community and is based on a family with two working adults and two children.

A living wage is not the same as the minimum wage. The minimum wage is set by the provincial government and is the lowest amount employers must legally pay.

Find the living wage for all communities in Ontario.

Why does a living wage matter for public health?

Income is one of the most important factors affecting your health. According to Health Canada, people with higher incomes are generally healthier than those with lower incomes.

When families earn less than a living wage, they face tough choices, like whether to pay for groceries or heating. This kind of financial stress can harm physical and mental health, impacting the well-being of both individuals and communities.

Paying a living wage helps families meet basic needs and reduces the stress that comes from living in poverty. It also opens up important conversations about the need for fair incomes for everyone, no matter their job status.

What does it mean to be a living wage employer?

Living wage employers voluntarily commit to paying all employees a living wage. They also keep their certification up to date as new wage rates are calculated.

Being a living wage employer means:

• Paying both direct and contract employees the living wage for the region

• Signing a licence agreement with the Ontario Living Wage Network

• Paying an annual certification fee to support living wage calculations and employer recognition

How can your organization become a living wage employer?

The Ontario Living Wage Network handles certifications for living wage employers in Ontario.

Find out how to become a living wage employer.