Why CPHR BC & Yukon Is Proud to Be a Living Wage Employer

At Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia and Yukon (CPHR BC & Yukon), our commitment to people extends beyond professional development and workplace excellence—it includes ensuring that work provides dignity, stability, and opportunity. That’s why we are proud to be part of the Living Wage BC program.

The topic of living wages has always been seen as a controversial and sensitive issue. Even before we arrived at our macroeconomic situation, where geo-political tensions have significantly driven up cost of living and created real affordability pressures and challenges, many employers have resisted the urge to provide living wages to their employees.

However, a living wage reflects what workers need to earn to cover basic expenses like housing, food, transportation, and childcare in their community. Unlike minimum wage, it is locally calculated and designed to help families move beyond financial stress toward stability and participation in community life. In a province where the cost of living continues to rise, paying a living wage is more important than ever.

For CPHR BC & Yukon, getting recertified as a Living Wage Employer is both a values-based and practical decision. As the professional association representing HR leaders across the province, we believe in leading by example. Compensation is one of the most tangible ways organizations demonstrate their commitment to fairness, equity, inclusion and engagement.

At a time when we face talent and skills shortages in our province and given all the numerous quiet movements we faced following the pandemic, by ensuring that all our employees—and contracted workers—earn a living wage, we are reinforcing the standards that we encourage HR professionals to champion in their own workplaces.

Participating in the Living Wage BC program also reflects our broader role in strengthening organizations and communities. When workers are paid fairly, the benefits extend far beyond the workplace.

Earning a living wage is associated with improved financial security, reduced stress, and better health outcomes for individuals and families. It also contributes to more engaged, productive teams and stronger communities overall.

From an employer’s perspective, the benefits are equally compelling. Organizations that adopt living wage practices often see higher employee morale, improved retention, and a stronger reputation as an employer of choice. These outcomes align closely with the people-first strategies HR professionals advocate for every day.

We will walk the talk by showing that HR is not just a mouthpiece of the employer; rather, Human Resources is a function that truly exists to strike a balance between employee care, wellbeing, engagement, and the growth and evolution of the organization—compensating our team members with living wages is one way to achieve that. 

Ultimately, being part of the Living Wage BC program is about aligning our actions with our purpose. As an organization dedicated to advancing the HR profession, we recognize that building better workplaces starts with creating fair and supportive conditions for workers. That’s why we’ve been certified since 2024.

We are proud to stand alongside hundreds of employers across British Columbia who are committed to making a meaningful difference—one job, one workplace, and one community at a time.

Learn more about us at cphrbc.ca