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INSIDE THE VILLAGE: Why minimum wage should be a lot higher

This week on the podcast: The minimum wage in Ontario just went up to $16.55 per hour, which is still nowhere near a living wage. Maybe it's time for more employers to consider raising it on their own

​Welcome back to Inside the Village, a podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.

On this week's episode: bare minimum wage.

As planned, the minimum wage in Ontario just went up from $15.50 per hour to $16.55, a 6.8 per cent increase tied to inflation. Though a slight improvement, it is still well below what is widely considered a living wage in the province (at least $20 an hour, depending on where you live).

We break down the numbers with Randy Robinson of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, who also shares some compelling data on why employers should think about being a bit more generous with their workers. 

Spoiler alert: employees spend their pay cheques, which is good for the economy.

Also on the podcast: OK Blue Jays? Not so much.

Swept out of the playoffs by the Minnesota Twins, the Jays’ postseason run lasted a whole 27 hours. Bring on hockey.

Hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media, Inside the Village is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.

Every episode is available HERE. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.

Have something to say? You can reach us at [email protected].

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