Municipal living wage bylaws are legally enforceable policies ensuring that workers employed by a city and those contracted using municipal funds will be paid enough to meet basic family living expenses. A living wage is not the same as the provincially legislated minimum wage. Instead, the living wage is calculated based on the amount a family requires to meet basic expenses, such as housing, child care, food and transportation. The calculation also incorporates government taxes, credits, deductions and subsidies. The benefits of living wage policies include:
Fairness and community values
Healthier, happier communities
Low cost to implement
Strengthening local economies
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