First Living Wage certified farmers market in BC

The Esquimalt Farmers Market Society is the first farmers market in BC to signify its commitment to commit to pay its direct and contracted workers a living wage by certifying as a Living Wage Employer.

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 $20.46 an hour.

"As advocates of our local food system, we know that supporting and honoring our staff is inseparable from building nourishing sustainable communities. Food justice is connected to a guaranteed livable income. Advocating for a living wage is one part of our commitment to serve as a community gathering point for relationship-building, access to healthy local food, and equitable sustainability. In the future, we hope to be a part of communities where it's possible for farmers and farm workers to also be paid a living wage." Madeline Bourette-Knowles, Executive Director, The Esquimalt Farmers Market Society

Certifying as a Living Wage Employer is a voluntary commitment employers make to invest in their communities and local economies. There are over 300 Living Wage Employers in BC, with over 40,000 employees who are guaranteed to earn a Living Wage. Since Living Wage for Families BC launched, over 1000 people have received a pay increase to be brought up to the living wage.

“We’re delighted that The Esquimalt Farmers Market Society is 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 retaining the best staff. Paying a Living Wage is good for the employer, the employee and the local community. We invite other local employers to join the Living Wage movement.” said Anastasia French, Living Wage for Families BC.

Photo credit: Dominic Hall Photography