The Living Wage for Families Campaign has certified eight more Living Wage Employers from across British Columbia.

More than 130 BC employers have now been certified as Living Wage Employers, representing more than 19,000 staff and contractors who are earning a decent wage in their communities. 

Certifying as a Living Wage Employer is a voluntary commitment employers make to invest in their communities and local economies. Living Wage Employers in BC include non-profit organizations, small and large for-profit companies, and local governments such as the City of Vancouver.

Paying the living wage is an important step for Modo Co-operative, according to Bernice Paul, Human Resources Manager at Modo. “Since opening our door for business over two decades ago, Modo has always been committed to paying a fair wage, while offering our employees life-balance and meaningful work in a diverse and respectful environment. Getting our Living Wage certification feels like a natural step in putting people before profit.”  

Nicole Olson from Rebalance Rehab, a rehabilitation and personal care service in Chilliwack, agrees. “Rebalance Rehab believes it is important to pay a living wage because we want our team members and their family to have a better quality of life - to have enough money for transportation, food and essentials for their loved ones.”

Other newly-certified employers include: employment service providers GT Hiring Solutions, Kootenay Career Development Society, and Horton Ventures Inc.; paramedical clinic Pacific Life Chiropractic; homestay program provider Canada Homestay Network Society; and non-profit housing developer Catalyst Community Developments Society.

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 – and each parent working full-time. The Living Wage for Families Campaign calculates regional living wages annually.

Working poverty is a Canada-wide issue. Over 50 communities across the country, including 20 in BC, have active living wage campaigns and are advocating to improve quality of life for low-wage workers.