The living wage is the hourly amount that someone needs to earn to meet their basic expenses (including rent, food and transportation) once government taxes, credits, deductions and subsidies are taken into account. It does not include debt repayment or savings for future plans.

No matter where they live, people should be able to afford a decent life. There are jobs that need to be done in every community, and therefore people need homes, services, and a good quality of life in every community. A local calculation allows communities to identify policy advocacy that would address poverty in their community.

The Living Wage is calculated in partnership with CCPA-BC and published in their annual report ''Working for a Living Wage: making paid work meet basic family needs''

“We’re delighted that Kontur Geotechnical Consultants Inc. has become a Living Wage Employer. Their commitment to accelerating positive social change is core to the success and impact of the living wage campaign. We hope it encourages other employers to join the Living Wage movement. Paying a living wage is good for workers, employers and the local community” said Anastasia French, Living Wage for Families BC.

Over the past two years, the number of Living Wage Employers in BC has more than doubled – there are now nearly 400 Living Wage Employers in BC.

Employers have found paying a living wage to be a key tool in their post-Covid economic recovery. 97% of Living Wage Employers in BC have found some benefit to being part of the program.

Being certified as a Living Wage Employer is a voluntary commitment employers make to invest in their communities and local economies.