On December 13, 2010 Esquimalt Council, at a Committee of the Whole meeting, voted to support the full implementation of a complete Living Wage Policy and Program for the Township’s operations.
A Living Wage is a term used to describe the minimum hourly wage necessary for a family of four with two parents working full-time to pay for food and shelter, support the healthy development of their children, escape financial stress, and participate in their communities. A Living Wage is different than a minimum wage in that it is not legally mandated.
Living Wage policies have been passed in many American cities and interest is growing in Canada. The Living Wage for Victoria—which is referred to as an “affordability index” —is set by the Community Social Planning Council. The Living Wage for Metro Victoria as of 2010 is $17.31 per hour.
In the case of the Township’s policy, this hourly wage would be the minimum for all employees (full-time, part-time, and casual) within the Township. In addition there would be a commitment to insert a Living Wage clause within the Township’s purchasing policy, stipulating that contract workers be paid a living wage in all future contracts
For more information on the Living Wage please visit the Community Social Planning Council of Victoria’s web site http://www.communitycouncil.ca/ and click on the Quality of Life Challenge to access Living Wage information.
At the next meeting of Council on January 17, 2011, Council will be discussing the adoption of a Living Wage Policy and Program. Esquimalt Council has requested feedback, in writing, on the implementation of a Living Wage Policy. Organizations and individuals are invited to submit their comments.
Please submit your written comments to Mayor and Council at 1229 Esquimalt Road, Esquimalt, B.C. V9A 3P1 by noon Wednesday, January 12th in order to be included in the next Council Meeting on January 17, 2011.
For more information, please contact:
Carollyne Evans, Manager of Corporate Services
Tel: 250-414-7135