The 2018 living wage for Metro Vancouver is $20.91/hour. This is the amount needed for a family of four with two parents working full-time at this hourly rate to pay for necessities, support the healthy development of their children, escape severe financial stress and participate in the social, civic and cultural lives of their communities.
The Metro Vancouver living wage was first calculated in 2008 by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, First Call: BC Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition and Victoria’s Community Social Planning Council. In 2008, the living wage for families was $16.74/hour in Metro Vancouver, and $16.39/hour in Metro Victoria. That full report, detailing the principles, rationale, meth- odology, data sources and business case for the living wage, can be found at policyalternatives. ca/livingwage2018.
Since 2008, of course, the cost of living has increased significantly and government taxes and transfers have changed—so each year we update our calculation. Notably, the 2018 living wage is 29 cents/hour more than last year. Although the cost of living continues to rise, the new BC Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative and the 50 per cent cut to Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums absorb some of the higher costs (read more about this on page 5).
For more on the Metro Vancouver Living Wage for Families campaign, including information on how to become a living wage employer, visit livingwageforfamilies.ca.