To better understand the needs of working people, British Columbians are invited to share their views on ways to close the gap between the minimum wage and a living wage, from April 11 to May 31, 2019.

A living wage is defined as the hourly rate at which a household can meet its basic needs based on the actual costs of living in a specific community. A living wage is generally higher than a minimum wage because it considers what earners in a family need to bring home based on the actual costs of living in a specific community. The minimum wage is the legislated minimum set by the provincial government.

The Fair Wages Commission wants to hear from people on ways to address the gap between the minimum wage and a living wage in their community.

People can submit written feedback by email to: FWC@gov.bc.ca

The commission will hold in-person presentations in eight B.C. communities. Anyone wishing to present their views in person to the commission is asked to book a time in advance, using the email address above. All meetings will be open to the public.

In-person sessions will be held in the following communities:

• April 24 - Nanaimo
• May 1 - Surrey
• May 6 - Abbotsford
• May 13 - Prince George
• May 15 - Kelowna
• May 22 - Cranbrook
• May 24 - Vancouver
• May 31 - Victoria

For anyone who would like to present to the commission but is unable to attend a hearing, a video-conference call can be arranged.

The deadline for feedback is May 31, 2019. The commission will report back to government with its findings and recommendations later this summer.

Delivering recommendations from the Fair Wages Commission regarding living wages is a shared priority between government and the BC Green Party caucus, and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.

For more information, and the most up-to-date list of in-person sessions, visit: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/fairwagescommission

For more information on living wages in Canada, visit: www.livingwagecanada.ca