May Day! Vancouver’s living wage increases by 24%

A story published in Business in Vancouver references a report released April 29 by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives:  Working for a Living 2015. The report calculates that the cost of raising a family with two children – with both parents working full time – has jumped almost 24% since 2008 in Metro Vancouver. Vancouver’s “living wage” is defined as the hourly pay each parent must make to meet a family’s basic needs. The wage has jumped to $20.68 per hour in 2015, according to the report. This increase, up from $16.74 in 2008, was driven by increases in both shelter costs and child care expenses. “[The living wage is] the amount needed for a family of four with two parents working full-time to pay for necessities, support the healthy development of their children, escape financial stress and participate in the social, civic and cultural lives of their communities,” the report states. The wage of $20.68 per hour comes from a calculation that includes such expenses as food, clothing, shelter, transportation, child care and healthcare. It also takes into account subsidies that are available to families, such as rental assistance and the child care subsidy. United Way British Columbia is one of many organizations certified as a Living Wage employer. To get involved with the campaign or to become a Living Wage employer, contact the Metro Vancouver Living Wage for Families Campaign. You can find out the living wage in other BC and Canadian communities, by downloading the living wage calculation guide and spreadsheet on the Canadian Policy Alternatives website. Seth Klein, author of the report, was recognized by United Way at the 2013 Labour Awards Dinner.