THUNDER BAY – Lakehead Social Planning Council says people living in Northern Ontario need to earn at least $20.30 an hour to be considered to be earning a living wage.
The calculation, released annually, factors in the cost of shelter, food, medical, internet, clothing and cell phone plans, as well as transportation and child care it its living wage breakdown. ‘
“A living wage is the hourly wage a person needs to earn to cover their basic expenses and participate in their community. The living wage calculation includes costs for food, shelter, transportation and childcare as well as a modest amount for recreation such as going out for dinner and a movie, said LSPC coordinator of poverty reduction strategy Bonnie Krysowaty, in a release issued on Monday.
“A living wage is different than the provincially mandated minimum wage as it reflects the cost of living and is not legislated, but something progressive organizations commit to implement to benefit workers, their own bottom line, and the local economy.”
According to the report, shelter, which includes insurance and utilities, costs $19,229 per year for a three-bedroom unit, down to $14,884 for a one-bedroom place.
Food is estimated at 15.1 per cent of total annual income, while medical clothing, internet and a cell phone plan takes up 26.6 per cent of total annual income. Transportation is factored in at 14.4 per cent and child care is allotted 10 per cent.
Ontario’s minimum wage is $17.20 per hour.
