The increase was driven largely by rising housing and food costs, which are up by 13.4 per cent and 6.2 per cent respectively
That’s the hourly amount two parents working full-time with two children, ages four and seven, would need to make to pay for basic needs while living in the region.
Victoria’s living wage is just 28 cents lower than Vancouver’s at $25.68. Vancouver isn’t the highest in the province, however — that distinction goes to Daajing Giids — previously known as Queen Charlotte City — on Haida Gwaii at $26.25 and Golden at $25.78. The hourly wage works out to $46,228 in annual income per parent — for a total household income of $92,456 — based on a 35-hour work week, and allows for minimal recreation and entertainment, including visits to museums and events, some sports and arts classes for children and a modest family vacation.
The province provides subsidies of up to $900 per month to parents of children up to kindergarten who use licensed childcare providers. Subsidies are also available for preschool and before- and after-school care. But the family’s yearly rent of $34,805 would exceed 30 per cent of their pre-tax household income, classifying their housing as unaffordable by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s standards.
Ryan Hunt, executive director of the B.C. Museums Association, which committed to paying its seven staff a living wage a year ago, said the association is funded through grants and will have to be more strategic in securing those grants with the increased living wage, but it’s a small price to pay to ensure staff are paid fairly.
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