The living wage is defined as an hourly wage that is high enough to allow a family to pay for the basic necessities of life. These necessities include food, clothing, shelter, health expenses, transportation and childcare. Unlike the minimum wage, which is the minimum legal wage employers must pay to ensure minimal physical subsistence, the living wage is a higher amount of pay which reflects the amount of money needed by a family, in a specific community, to live an adequate life.

The following report is a summary of information about living wage campaigns and policy implementation efforts from four different communities: Esquilmalt, BC, Kingston, ON, Waterloo, ON and New Westminster, BC. This report outlines local efforts, challenges and advice for other communities that are considering running a living wage campaign.

The full report can be downloaded HERE.