Metro Vancouver living wage dips for first time in 11 years: CCPA

It's all about the 'living wage'. That's the hourly wage needed for a family of four, with each of two parents working full time, to pay for necessities, support the healthy development of their children, escape financial stress, and participate in the social, civic and cultural lives of their communities.

 And for the first time in 11 years, the living wage for Metro Vancouver has dropped.

 Last year, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, figured those parents would need to earn about $21 an hour.

 Now, the living wage suggested by that think-tank is $19.50. It's a good deal lower in Kamloops, where it's $14.38.

So why is this? Well, they say it's largely because of new provincial funding for childcare.

Guest: Katrina Chen

BC’s Minister of State for Child Care

It's all about the 'living wage'. That's the hourly wage needed for a family of four, with each of two parents working full time, to pay for necessities, support the healthy development of their children, escape financial stress, and participate in the social, civic and cultural lives of their communities.

 And for the first time in 11 years, the living wage for Metro Vancouver has dropped.

 Last year, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, figured those parents would need to earn about $21 an hour.

 Now, the living wage suggested by that think-tank is $19.50. It's a good deal lower in Kamloops, where it's $14.38.

So why is this? Well, they say it's largely because of new provincial funding for childcare.

Guest: Katrina Chen

BC’s Minister of State for Child Care