Wrapping up 2025 

As we reflect on the past year, we are proud to share the progress and impact our small but dedicated program has made. Despite our size, the collective efforts of our network of labour friends, employers and community partners have enabled us to reach significant milestones and create positive change for workers across BC. Here’s a look back at what we’ve accomplished together in 2025. 

With the dedication and backing of our incredible community, we have been able to: 

• Calculate the Living Wage rates for 27 communities this year. Every calculation involves detailed research and verification to ensure that it is comparable to other communities in BC, whilst reflecting the local situation. Find the 27 Living Wage rates for communities here.  

• Share stories and talk about poverty with low wage workers. We hosted “Kitchen Table Discussions” with 50 low wage workers. We discussed housing, food and the cost of living. The common theme that was shared was that change is needed and that we need to demand change from our government, now more than ever.  

• Release a report on food and grocery prices in BC. Our “Food for Thought” report shares the recent developments when it comes to food unaffordability in BC. 1 in 5 people in BC are going hungry and the burden falls disproportionately on Indigenous, Black, disabled and rural communities. Food Banks BC’s Hunger Count 2025 Report further reflects the extent of food unaffordability. 

• Advocate for funding for the non-profit sector with over 200 other non-profits across BC. Coordinating with BC Poverty Reduction Coalition, we wrote an open letter to funders calling for action to address the funding shortfall in BC’s non-profit sector.  

• Certify 95 new Living Wage Employers. 2000+ direct staff, and thousands more contracted workers received a pay increase this year because of their commitment to paying a Living Wage. Find out the Living Wage Employers in your community. 

We deeply appreciate everyone who partnered with us this year to make these achievements possible. Thank you for your support! 

A challenging 2025 

Looking ahead, we are determined to expand on our progress and ensure even more workers earn a Living Wage. However, we face significant obstacles. The reality is that the current high living wage poses a substantial challenge for both employers and workers alike. That’s why we need to intensify our outreach to employers and strengthen our advocacy efforts with the government to bridge the gap between minimum wage and a true living wage. 

Your support is crucial to help us move forward. Would you consider contributing the equivalent of an hour, a day, or even a week of the living wage to support fellow workers? 

If 200 people commit to donating the living wage each month, this will help us increase the number of Living Wage Employers, giving more workers in BC the opportunity to earn a living wage. Will you make a donation today? 

Thank you for your continued support, which has enabled us to achieve so much this year. We’re excited to partner with you to accomplish even greater things in 2026.