The City of Quesnel is now the second municipality in Canada to receive a designation as a “Living Wage” employer.
Council unanimously approved the City of Quesnel Living Wage policy last night.
Mayor Bob Simpson says the amount is calculated by an external group called the living wage campaign for families.
He says they look at what it would take for a family of four with two income earners, both working full-time, to be able to afford to pay rent, food, transportation, the basic living needs, plus have enough disposable income to have nominal savings and be able to participate in recreational activities and take part in events in the community.
The rate for Quesnel is $16.52 per hour.
This wage will apply to city workers and contractors and sub contractors for the City.
Simpson says there are a couple of exceptions for students and social programs where the people aren’t living off of that money.