Raise the minimum wage: Join the September 14 Day of Action

Help tell Toys "R" Us that one in seven kids in Ontario live in poverty. If the company cares about our communities, it should support a minimum wage that brings families out of poverty.

Toronto (12 Sept. 2013) -  Ontario has become a low wage economy. The number of workers earning minimum wage almost doubled between 2000 and 2009.  Almost one in 10 Ontario workers rely on minimum wage jobs. The current minimum wage has been frozen since 2010. The Liberal government has committed to have a panel review the current wage but many worry about the time wasted in studies when the answers are clear. An inadequate minimum wage keeps people in poverty and stresses our social system. The province must move now. 

Evidence is there, no need for further studies, groups tell government

In March 2013, groups across the province began working together on a campaign to raise the minimum wage to $14 per hour. Supporters of the campaign have been talking about the idea to people in communities in every region. In September, two major events will take place in the Toronto region targeting corporations who are lobbying against the increase.

Low-wage jobs are increasingly the only work many people can get. The minimum wage has been frozen at $10.25 for three years, condemning many workers and their families to a life of poverty. We need a minimum wage that brings workers and their families 10 per cent above the poverty line and is updated every year with the cost of living. 

Why Toys "R" Us?

On September 14, a Minimum Wage Carnival will take place outside Toys "R" Us at the Dufferin Mall, 900 Dufferin Street in Toronto. 

Toys "R" Us made $13.5 billion in sales last year, selling toys to children and their families. Toys "R" Us chairs the board of the Retail Council of Canada, an influential lobby group that wants to keep wages low. Help tell Toys "R" Us that one in seven kids in Ontario live in poverty. If the company cares about our communities, it should support a minimum wage that brings families out of poverty.

Street Party brings attention to issue and builds community

Also on September 14 from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m., the Jane Finch Action Against Poverty and supporters will be holding a street party at the south-east corner of Jane and Finch. 

Minimum wage supporters are focused on broadening the conversation about why this increase is so needed with the public. Events organized around the issue are focused on community building, solidarity and fun. 

You can also help build the campaign online by going to the Raise the Minimum Wage website to send a message to Premier Kathleen Wynne and for further information.