Budget 2022 Consultation Submission

The provincial government has demonstrated care for our most vulnerable neighbours and a commitment to reducing poverty and inequality during COVID-19. Budget 2022 should build on these exciting foundations and implement further initiatives to support a just recovery for low wage workers.

We have 7 recommendations for change that will both lift the wages of BC's lowest paid workers, and lower the cost of living for families with children. 

Our impact this year

We've just published our impact report highlighting what we've managed to achieve for low wage workers in 2020-2021. 

We know that this past year has been very difficult for many employers and low wage workers. Many employers have experienced challenges and uncertainties that they have never had before. And many low wage workers have been on the front line, risking their lives to keep us safe, fed and cared for.

However, for many employers, reopening again gave them an opportunity to ensure that their staff were safe and looked after – and paying a Living Wage has been key to these plans.

First certified Living Wage drinks maker in Metro-Vancouver!

MOD Beverage Ltd, owner of Spectrum Beer Co. and Getaway Hard Cider, is the first alcoholic beverage company in Metro Vancouver to certify as a Living Wage Employer.

Canada's largest concrete and cement making company becomes a certified Living Wage Employer

Lafarge Canada has committed to pay their 1,000 direct staff members and contracted service staff the Living Wage for their community in British Columbia.

Victoria's first Living Wage coffee shop

2% Jazz Coffee shop is the first coffee shop in Victoria to signify their commitment to ending working poverty, by paying all their staff and contracted workers a Living Wage

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

First certified Living Wage menstrual products manufacturer and retailer in Canada

Aisle International (formerly Lunapads) is the first menstrual product manufacturer and retailer in Canada to signify its commitment to ending working poverty, by paying all its staff and contracted workers a Living Wage. 

Kelowna business becomes BC's latest certified Living Wage Employer

Inter-Mtn. Enterprises is the premier supplier of signs and specialty products to North America’s outdoor recreation industry. As a result of conducting business where there is a higher cost of living, the company made the conscious commitment to compensate their staff and contracted workers with a living wage responsive to Kelowna’s environment.

We are Hiring!

We are hiring a Research Coordinator for our Making Ends Meet participatory action research project 

Term: 15-months at 4 days (28 hours) a week

Annual Salary: $39,000 and a full benefits package

Location: Metro-Vancouver

Canada's inaugural Living Wage first-aid provider

Elite Security and First Aid, based in Victoria, is the only First Aid provider in Canada to signify its commitment to ending working poverty, by paying all its staff and contracted workers a Living Wage