Why paying a Living Wage matters at Untapped Accessibility

In this short blog Trish Kelly, Managing Director of Untapped Accessibility explains why they became a Living Wage Employer, and the benefits they’ve found from being part of the program.

Why paying a Living Wage matters at Green Island Builders 

In this short blog, Martin Scaia, Managing Director and Owner of Green Island Builders, explains why they became a Living Wage Employer, and the benefits they’ve found from being part of the program. 

Why paying a Living Wage matters at Victoria Brain Injury Society. 

In this short blog, Sharlene Law, Executive Director of VBIS explains why they became a Living Wage Employer, and the benefits they’ve found from being part of the program.

Living Wage BC is recruiting a Managing Director to lead and spearhead the program.

As a Managing Director, Living Wage BC, you will lead the strategic and operational direction of Living Wage BC, overseeing budgeting, fundraising, governance, staffing, and stakeholder engagement. You will manage the annual Living Wage calculations and research publications, advocate for public policy change, and maintain strong relationships with certified Living Wage Employers across the province. We’re seeking a visionary leader with a passion for economic justice and the ability to build coalitions and drive systemic change.

This is a Full-time, Permanent role with hybrid/remote working arrangements, with the ability to work out of VCF offices at 312 Main as needed. The position requires on-site presence at the office for team meetings and some travel across British Columbia. The role reports directly to the Director, Solidarity Economy.

Managing Director of Living Wage BC

"After nearly ten years in Canada, I’ll be returning to the UK next February.

It’s been an incredible five years leading the Living Wage campaign, navigating Covid, the cost-of-living crisis, and major transitions. In that time, we’ve tripled the number of certified employers, launched a new strategy, doubled and diversified income, rebranded as Living Wage BC, and updated our methodology to better reflect the realities of working people.

 

Metro Vancouver Living Wage now $10 more per hour than minimum wage. The rising cost of living continues to fuel Metro Vancouver’s affordability crisis.

This year, 27 BC communities are releasing their 2025 living wage calculations at the same time. Across the province, living wages range between $21.55 in Grand Forks and $29.60 in Whistler.

Find a summary briefing for your community here. 

We have certified 13 New Living Wage Employers across BC!  

Over 300 direct employees, and countless contracted workers will now not need to worry about how they will pay rent and food for their families because their employer has guaranteed to pay them a Living Wage.  

Living Wage BC publishes a new report into food unaffordability in BC.

1 in 5 people in BC are going hungry, and the problem is getting worse. It's hitting hardest where people can least afford it, with the burden falling disproportionately on Indigenous, Black, disabled, and rural communities.

In our new Food for Thought report, we explore why food is getting more expensive, what the impact is, and what can be done about it.

We spoke with key individuals and organisations responsible for putting food on the table along every step of the food chain, from farmers to food banks and met with nearly 50 low wage workers and heard their concerns and feedback on being able to afford food for themselves and their families.

"It's really hard right now"

We recently hosted “kitchen table discussions” with 50 low wage workers. Over a shared meal, we heard their stories, what’s going on in their lives and what they need from government support.

The common theme? Life is tough, and they need more help.