Apply for Living Wage Certification

The living wage is a regional calculation that looks at the amount that someone working full year, full time, need to earn to meet their expenses. 

Step 1: Determine the living wage in your region.

You can see a map of the BC communities that have calculated a living wage rate.  If you don’t see your community listed on the map or if you have any questions email us at [email protected]. We can help!

To calculate the living wage rate for each employer we take into account their employees’ total compensation package (wage + benefits). If employees receive non-mandatory benefits like extended health benefits, the living wage rate is reduced to take this into account. We have developed a calculator to work out the value of your benefits.

Step 2: Make a plan

A clear plan to bring your staff up to the Living Wage essential. Our Guide to Becoming a Living Wage Employer provides information on the criteria for certification and other information employers need to know.

Step 3: Apply for Certification

Please contact us to answer any questions you might have. All conversations are confidential, and we won’t rush you through the process.

Once you have submitted your living wage application form or implementation plan, it will be reviewed by a committee of employers. This committee will approve your plan or ask for more information to strengthen your application. This process is to help you have as strong an implementation plan as possible.

To help recover the costs required to administer the program, we have charge certification and re-certification fees for Living Wage Employers. Read our blog post to find out more why we charge fees.

 

Type of organization

Number of Staff in BC

Price of recertification

Price of certification

For profit

 

 

 

 

0 - 50 staff

$250

$300

51-250

$500

$600

251-500

$800

$1,000

501-1000

$1,000

$1,500

1000+

$1,500

$2,000

Not for profit

 

 

 

 

0 - 50 staff

$100

$150

51-250

$200

$250

251-500

$400

$500

501-1000

$500

$750

1000+

$600

$800

Public body

 

 

 

 

0 - 50 staff

$200

$250

51-250

$300

$400

251-500

$400

$500

501-1000

$500

$700

1000+

$750

$1,000

There will also be an additional charge for employers wanting to receive a Living Wage plaque. 

The plaques are made by Eclipse Awards, a Living Wage Employer based in Vancouver. 

Ready to apply?

Submit your initial application information using this form.