Minimum wage hike not enough to live on: United Way CEO

John DiPaolo says a living wage would address the issue of affordability.

The hike in Ontario's minimum wage maybe good in the short time but the CEO of United Way KFL&A says it's still short of what people need to live on.

The minimum wage will go up from $17.60 an hour to $17.95 an hour starting this Thursday. That would amount to approximately another $728 in gross income per year based on a 40-hour work week for 52 weeks.

John DiPaolo says while any increase that will benefit workers is welcomed, it still doesn't address the overlying issue of affordability.

He says a living wage would go a long way to help those trying to make ends meet.

DiPaolo says with the cost of housing, food, and necessities all going up, it makes it even harder for people who are making just the minimum wage.

Then there are the business owners who currently pay their employees less than the new minimum wage.

DiPaolo acknowledges it is a double-edged sword that it will make it difficult for businesses in Kingston to succeed.

DiPaolo believes increasing the housing supply in the city, especially affordable housing, would help lower rental costs.

He says it is also important to attract businesses that will have the high-paying jobs in Kingston for post-secondary graduates so they can stay and start a family here.

The Province says the 2.4 per cent increase in the minimum wage is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI) and delivers on the government’s plan to protect and support workers while keeping Ontario competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs.

Story by Ken Hashizume