Living wage in Prince George rises to $22.09 amid soaring costs
Prince George, BC — As the cost of essentials continues to balloon, particularly for housing and food, Prince George’s living wage has climbed to $22.09 per hour for 2023, marking an increase of 4.2 per cent from last year, the 2023 Living Wage Update report shows.
The living wage, calculated by Integris Credit Union, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, BC Office and Living Wage for Families BC, is the hourly rate that each of two parents working full-time must earn to support a family of four based on the actual costs of living in a particular community.
The 2023 Living Wage report shows that the Prince George living wage family has to spend over $399.69 more than last year for the same basket of goods.
While parents with young children in licensed childcare have benefitted from large fee reductions this year, the savings are entirely consumed by soaring prices in other areas. Housing costs alone demand an added $340.54 per month from their budget—a spike of 19.3 per cent. Food, the second most expensive item in the living wage family budget, is an extra $69.05 per month, soaring by 6.1 per cent.
Many BC employers have stepped up to pay both direct and contract employees wages sufficient to support families, with nearly 400 certified Living Wage Employers across the province, and in Prince George.
About Integris Credit Union
Integris Credit Union respectfully acknowledges that we operate on beautiful and unceded Dakelh and Secwepemc Territories. Integris is a financial cooperative with $1.9 billion in assets under administration, offering banking, insurance (including ICBC Autoplan), Financial Planning, and Group Benefits to over 27,000 members in the North Central BC region. As a living wage employer, Integris continues to be a leader and community enriching organization.
For more information about Integris, visit: www.integriscu.ca
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Media Contact:
Cori Ramsay
Lead Marketing Analyst
Integris Credit Union
250-612-3464
cramsay@integriscu.ca
