United Way Centraide North East Ontario said it has taken a step to move people out of poverty.
The charity organization announced this week it is officially certified as a Living Wage Employer through the Ontario Living Wage Network.
"This commitment reflects United Way’s ongoing mission to move people from poverty to possibility and to build communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive," said a news release.
“At United Way, we believe leadership begins from within,” says Cory Roslyn, Executive Director of UWCNEO.
“By committing to pay a living wage, we are ensuring that our own team members can meet their basic needs and fully participate in community life — the same goal we work toward for everyone in Northeastern Ontario,” shed added.
The United Way announcement coincides with Living Wage Week (November 10–14), which raises awareness about the importance of fair pay and its role in reducing poverty and improving community well-being, said the news release.
The 2025 Living Wage for Northern Ontario has been calculated at $21.10 per hour, representing an increase of $0.80 (3.9 per cent) over last year and standing $3.50 above the current minimum wage. This figure represents the hourly rate a worker in Northern Ontario must earn to afford the real cost of living — including housing, childcare, transportation, and food — without falling into poverty, said the release.
According to recent research, 55 per cent of Canadians say thinking about finances makes them anxious, and 41 per cent report physical symptoms such as heart palpitations when discussing money, said the release.
A living wage helps alleviate that stress by providing families with financial stability and the ability to plan for the future, said United Way.
United Way Centraide joins a growing number of employers across Ontario who are taking steps to ensure that all employees — including direct staff and contracted workers — earn at least a living wage, said the release.
“We are proud to lead by example and to stand with our partners and supporters in advocating for fair wages across the region,” said director Roslyn.
“A living wage is about more than numbers on a paycheck — it’s about dignity, stability, and opportunity.”
UWCNEO encourages other local employers to join the movement and become certified Living Wage Employers. By doing so, businesses demonstrate leadership, improve staff retention, and help build a stronger, more resilient local economy.
“When everyone has what they need to live and participate fully, we all benefit,” says Roslyn.
“We invite employers across northeastern Ontario to join us in making our communities stronger and more equitable.”
For more information about the living wage or how to become a Living Wage Ontario employer,
supporters are invited to visit www.ontariolivingwage.ca.