PG’s Living wage spikes up nearly 4.0% in past 12 months

Soaring housing costs are mostly to blame for a sharp jump in Prince George’s living wage.

It now sits at $22.93 per hour, a spike of 3.8 when compared to the previous year.

The wage is the hourly rate that two parents working full-time must earn to support a family of four full-time based on the cost of living in the community.

The calculation made by Integris Credit Union, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, BC Office and Living Wage for Families BC who states the financial relief from government measures like affordable child care programs and income tested benefits was intended to offset rising costs but was outpaced due to a spike in rent.

Shelter costs for the PG living wage family increased nearly 5% this year, which equates to an additional $7.80 per month.

“Rent has been the most expensive item in the living wage family budget since the calculation was first produced, and this year is no exception,” says Iglika Ivanova, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, BC Office senior economist and the report’s lead author.

Here is a breakdown of the monthly living expenses in PG:

• Food $1229 (+$40)
• Clothing/Footwear $168 (-$8)
• Housing – $2012 (+$94)
• Phone/Internet – $155 (-$33)
• Transport – $967 (+$14)
• Other Expenses – $1,053 (+$24)
• Child care – $673 (+$95)
• Non-MSP Health Costs – $231 (-$48)
• Contingency Fund – $268 (+10)
• Parental Education – $124 (+$22)

In addition, a large gap exists between the 2024 Prince George’s living wage and BC’s current minimum wage of $17.40 per hour.

“Hundreds of thousands of BC workers earn less than the living wage and face impossible choices like buy groceries or heat the house, keep up with bills or pay the rent on time.” said Anastasia French, Provincial Manager of Living Wage BC.

“Racialized workers and women are disproportionately affected by low wages in a region where the cost of living keeps climbing.”  

Currently, there are over 450 certified living wage employers across the province, including Integris in north central BC that have stepped up to pay both direct and contract employees wages sufficient to support families.