06 Sep LABOUR AND HOMELESSNESS

There are so many factors that affect vulnerable individuals and families across Canada from securing a suitable wage to support themselves.

Socio-economic hurdles are cyclical and often the “minimum wage” set by provincial authorities barely cover only a portion of one’s expenses.  So while a family of 4 may have two adults employed at minimum wage, affordable housing (for example) in Canada’s major cities is often scarce or even impossible to find.  That family is then forced to move further away from the city’s core, but where they move to doesn’t have proper access to public transport.  And they can’t afford a car.  And they can’t find employment because jobs can become more scarce the further away from the hub.  And so on…

There is a group that is calling for better accountability when it comes to income for individuals and families in Canada.  Living Wage Canada advocates “that families should earn an income sufficient for them to pay for the basic necessities of life, so they can live with dignity and  participate as active citizens in our society”.  Doesn’t seem like too much to ask does it?

So as we move through this Labour Day Weekend, which “originally gave workers the chance to campaign for better working conditions or pay”, let’s keep in mind its original intention and consider the position of groups like Living Wage Canada, and how we can support making a difference for all working Canadians.

To learn more about Living Wage Canada and their initiatives, click here:  http://www.livingwagecanada.ca/