Victoria eateries become the first Living Wage pasta restaurant, sandwich shop and taco stand in Canada.

La Pasta, Roast Meat and Sandwich Shop and Taco Stand al Pastor, all based in Victoria, and owned by Maryanne Carmack have signified their commitment to ending working poverty, by paying all their staff and contracted workers a Living Wage

“The pandemic has hit low wage workers the hardest. Along with providing workers a level of financial security, a living wage also benefits the local economy. It is one way to ensure vibrant citizens, strong families and healthy communities” Maryanne Carmack, La Pasta, Roast Meat and Sandwich Shop and Taco Stand al Pastor.

The living wage is the hourly amount a family needs to cover basic expenses. The calculation is based on a two-parent family with two children – the most common family unit in BC – with each parent working full-time. The Living Wage for Greater Victoria is $19.39 an hour.

“We’re delighted that La Pasta, Roast Sandwich Shop and Taco Stand have certified as a Living Wage Employer. With a labour shortage occurring across BC, many employers are finding paying a Living Wage an important tool in recruiting and maintaining the best staff. Paying a Living Wage is good for the employer, the employee and the local community. We invite other restaurants to join the Living Wage movement,” said Anastasia French, Living Wage for Families BC

Certifying as a Living Wage Employer is a voluntary commitment employers make to invest in their communities and local economies. There are over 250 Living Wage Employers in BC, with over 30,000 employees who don’t need to worry about how they will afford rent, food and other essentials for their family because they are guaranteed to earn a Living Wage.