Engagement Summary

To better understand the needs of working people and employers, British Columbians were asked to share their views with the Fair Wages Commission on ways to close the gap between the minimum wage and a living wage.

Since being established in October 2017, the independent Fair Wages Commission has advised government on an approach to raising the provincial minimum wages with increases that are regular, measured and predictable. The commission now welcomes input on the living wage to broaden our understanding of diverse perspectives on this topic.

A living wage is defined as the hourly rate at which a household can meet its basic needs based on the actual costs of living in a specific community. A living wage is generally higher than a minimum wage because it considers what earners in a family need to bring home based on the actual costs of living in a specific community. The minimum wage is the legislated minimum set by the provincial government.
For more information visit the Fair Wages Commission website. 
 

Engagement Timeframe

April 11 to June 28, 2019

 

Input Received

• The Commission has gathered input on closing the gap between living wages and the minimum wage in B.C. and is now compiling its report.

 

Input leads to action:

Your feedback will directly inform the Fair Wages Commission’s report that will be delivered to the Minister of Labour. This report will include strategies that the provincial government could take to address the discrepancy between the minimum wage and the living wage in B.C.