Over the last year, the living wage in several New Brunswick cities has increased, according to a new report from the Human Development Council.
The living wage in Saint John increased by 20 cents to $19.75, Bathurst’s increased by five cents to $17.50, Moncton’s rose by 30 cents to $18.65, and Fredericton’s climbed by 45 cents to $21.20.
The report outlined that a living wage is an hourly rate two working parents with two young children, aged two and seven, must earn to meet their basic expenses, including rent, and childcare, food, and transportation.
However, a living wage does not include credit card or loan payments, savings for retirement, life insurance, homeownership, or costs associated with caring for a child or adult family member living with disabilities or a medical condition.
“Many families in the province earn less than a living wage and struggle to make ends meet,” said Randy Hatfield, executive director of the Saint John-based Human Development Council, in a release.
Some of the biggest expenses families face are rising rents, increased shelter costs, along with higher food and child care costs.
The report also illustrates that a living wage is not a minimum wage, which is set at $11.75 an hour and is the lowest in Canada.
“While we are not recommending that the living wage become the minimum wage, the report provides ample support for an increase. The living wage framework also confirms that good public policy can make life more affordable for families,” added Hatfield.
To read the full report, CLICK HERE.
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