Fourth in our new series of resources for employers: learn how to make the living wage work for your small business. 78% of Living Wage Employers in BC have 50 or fewer employees, and 48% have 10 or fewer employees - you can join them!

Third in our new series of resources for employers: if you're a business owner or service provider, see what it means for you when your local government becomes a Living Wage Employer.

Second in our new series of resources for employers: learn about the business benefits of paying the living wage to your staff and contractors.

We're announcing a new series of resources for employers! First up: learn about how the Living Wage Employer process works for local governments.

Budget 2020: Living Wage for Families Campaign Submission

The BC government held its public consultation for the 2020 Budget in June this year. The Living Wage for Families Campaign has eight recommendations, focused in three areas: higher wages and income supports that meet the cost of living, expanded affordable child care, and more investment in high-expense areas for all family types including those without children. 

"I left New York with the confidence and affirmation that the Making Ends Meet project and PAR is a way to collectively do research that is rigorous and necessary."

The provincial government's Fair Wages Commission is consulting the public on how to reduce the gap between the minimum wage and a living wage in BC. The Living Wage for Families Campaign is making 14 recommendations in this consultation. Submissions are accepted until June 28, 2019.

BC's child care investments have major impact

Living wage calculations for communities across BC decreased significantly this year, according to a new report released today from the Living Wage for Families Campaign. Even though costs are increasing steeply for rent and other basic necessities, the cost of living for families with children is lower in 2019 thanks to the provincial government’s new child care policies.

In March 2019, Campaign Organizer Halena Seiferling gave a Pecha Kucha-style presentation to attendees of the Columbia Institute's 2019 High Ground Conference. The video is now online!

BC Releases Poverty Reduction Strategy

On March 18, 2019, the BC government unveiled its Poverty Reduction Strategy, which aims to reduce overall poverty by 25 per cent and cut child poverty in half by 2024.