Why paying a Living Wage matters at Indigenous Perspectives Society

Indigenous Perspectives Society: Centre of Excellence in Community Education (IPS) is a charitable and not-for-profit social enterprise with 15 staff that offers specialized training and consulting services to help foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives, cultural differences, and the need for self-determination. 

We have been a Living Wage Employer since 2025 because our staff matters to us, as do our students, and contractors.  

Since becoming a Living Wage Employer, we’ve noticed real, positive changes in our workplace.  Regardless of the position, no position is paid less than $30 per hour, whether you are answering phones or teaching. Caring for our staff in this way is our way of showing that they, and their families, matter to us as an organization. 

Paying a Living Wage doesn’t just benefit our team, it strengthens the local economy and helps families thrive. We’re proud to be part of a movement that’s making a difference across the Westshore of the Greater Victoria Area. Community support is an important part of our work and IPS works hard to support other charities and nonprofits in many aspects including sharing resources.  

We encourage others to join us in becoming Living Wage Employers. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for everyone. 

Certifying as a Living Wage Employer is a voluntary commitment employers make to invest in their communities and local economies. There are now over 500 Living Wage Employers across BC. 

The living wage is the hourly amount someone needs to earn to pay for basic essentials like food and rent, it doesn’t include paying off debt or saving for retirement. The Living Wage for Victoria is now $27.65 an hour and at IPS, we round up to $30.00 per hour because people matter. 

Find out more about Indigenous Perspectives Society on their website: www.ipsociety.ca