The living wage in the Cowichan Valley has jumped to $25.71 per hour in 2024, a two per cent increase from last year when it was $25.20 per hour, according to this year’s Living Wage Update.
The living wage is the hourly wage that two parents working full-time need to earn to support a family of four.
The living wage is considered enough for families of that size to cover necessities, support the healthy development of their children, escape severe financial stress and participate in the social, civic and cultural lives of their communities.
It has steadily risen in the Cowichan region, and across the province, in recent years.
The living wage in Cowichan in 2022 was $23.53, and $19.13 in 2021. B.C.’s current minimum wage is $17.40 per hour.
The annual living wage is determined by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the Office of Living Wage for Families BC, and locally by Social Planning Cowichan. These organizations have determined that although inflation has decreased from historic highs, cost increases for essentials continue to push up the living wage in Cowichan, and across B.C.
Kate Segall, chair of the Cowichan Valley Regional District, said the release of the living wage for the Cowichan region in 2024 highlights the significant financial challenges people across the region are facing.
“As we collectively navigate the ongoing affordability and housing crises, it is clear that families and individuals are strained,” she said. “Understanding this reality informs the need for a living wage rather than a minimum wage. A living wage is a step towards a community where everyone can live with dignity and stability.”
Compared with neighbouring communities, Cowichan’s 2024 living wage falls below Victoria’s $26.89, but higher than Nanaimo’s $23.79. The living wage in Metro Vancouver in 2024 is $27.05, $24.36 in the Comox Valley and $26.49 in Powell River.
While it may seem surprising that the cost of living in the Cowichan’s smaller town centres is significantly higher than the larger, more urban Nanaimo region and almost on pace with Victoria’s highlights a key challenge workers in this region face, which is Cowichan’s limited public-transit options.
“While larger centres benefit from more robust transit systems, workers in smaller and more decentralized regions more typically must rely on vehicle
ownership to meet work and family obligations,” a press release from Social Planning Cowichan said. “This added transportation cost significantly contributes to the region’s elevated living wage, reflecting the unique economic pressures faced by smaller communities.”
As well, shelter costs for the Cowichan living wage family increased 6.2 per cent this year, which means they are paying approximately $148 more per month.
“The living wage affords a decent, but modest, standard of living without the extras many of us take for granted,” said Social Planning Cowichan. “It does not cover credit card, loan or other debt payments, savings for retirement or for children’s future education or the costs of caring for a disabled, seriously ill or elderly family member. We encourage all Cowichan businesses and organizations to become certified Living Wage Employers.”
To date, more than 450 certified living wage employers across the province, including nine in the Cowichan region, have stepped up to pay both direct and contract employees wages sufficient to support families.
