The District of Central Saanich is officially a certified Living Wage Employer.
Certifying as a Living Wage Employer is a voluntary commitment employers make to invest in their communities and local economies. Employers of all sizes and industries can apply for certification from the Living Wage for Families Campaign to demonstrate their dedication to paying their staff and contractors at least the regional living wage – currently at $20.50 in Greater Victoria.
Six other local governments across B.C. are certified, with Central Saanich the first in the Capital Region.
RELATED: Victoria councillors opinions mixed as living wage policy approved
The District first implemented a living wage policy in July 2017, then worked with the Living Wage for Families Campaign to apply for certification. Council approved its amended policy Monday.
“We want to ensure the employees working for our contractors are receiving a wage that reflects the real costs associated with living in the region,” said Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor.
Central Saanich joins the more than 130 employers across B.C. who are Living Wage Employers.
RELATED: Greater Victoria’s living wage now costs $20.50 an hour
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 – with 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.
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