We have some news we’re genuinely proud to share.
In May 2026, Freiheit Care Inc. was officially certified as a Champion Level Living Wage Employer by the Ontario Living Wage Network (OLWN) — the highest tier of living wage certification available in Ontario.
This isn’t a small administrative update. It’s a statement about who we are, how we treat people, and ultimately, the quality of care your family can count on.
In this post, we’re going to explain exactly what this certification means, why it matters — and how it directly benefits three groups of people: the seniors and loved ones in our care, the families who trust us, and the PSWs and nurses who are looking for an employer worth working for in Ottawa.
What Is a Living Wage — And What Makes “Champion Level” Different?
You may have heard the term “living wage” before. But it’s worth taking a moment to understand what it actually means, because it goes far beyond the minimum wage.
Minimum wage is the legal floor — the least an employer can pay by law.
A living wage is something different. It’s calculated based on the actual cost of living in a specific region — housing, food, transportation, childcare, and necessities. In Ottawa, that number is meaningfully higher than the provincial minimum wage. A living wage means an employee can cover their real expenses without financial stress, a second job, or choosing between groceries and rent.
Champion Level is the highest tier of certification within the Ontario Living Wage Network’s framework. It signals that an employer doesn’t just meet the living wage threshold — they go above and beyond in their commitment to fair compensation as a core organizational value.
In short: not every employer paying a living wage earns Champion status. We did.
Why We Made This Commitment: A Message From Our Founders
Freiheit Care was started in 2019 by Helen and Mark Reimer — not as a franchise, and not as a corporate venture. We started it because we believe deeply that the people who care for your loved ones deserve to be treated with the same dignity and respect as the people receiving that care.
“We have always believed that if you want caregivers who show up with a full heart, you have to make sure they’re not working a second job just to survive. Paying a living wage is not charity — it’s good sense, and it’s the right thing to do.”
For Ottawa Families: What This Certification Means for the Quality of Your Parent’s Care
The Living Wage Chain of Care
We pay Living Wage (Champion Level)
Caregivers feel financially secure and professionally valued
Caregiver job satisfaction increases — burnout decreases
Our caregivers stay with us longer
Your loved one sees the same familiar face, week after week
Trust builds. Routines form. Anxiety reduces.
Better care. Better outcomes. More peace of mind for your family.
For Caregivers: Why Freiheit Care Is the Right Place to Work
“I have not had the pleasure of working with such a compassionate and caring team. From the CEO to HR to payroll, I am treated with respect and made to feel that I am much more than a number.”
Freiheit Care at a Glance
- Champion Level Living Wage Employer — certified May 2026
- Family-owned and operated — founded by Helen and Mark Reimer in 2019
- RN-led care — registered nurse oversight on all care plans
- Consistent caregivers — same familiar face for your loved one
- Fully vetted team — insured, bonded, police-checked
- Free assessment — no-obligation phone consultation
