Article content

As of Monday, Alberta’s minimum wage — which has gone up 47 per cent since the NDP took power three years ago — will be the highest in Canada. But activists say the new $15 minimum still doesn’t come close to a “living wage,” meaning many working Calgarians will remain on the knife-edge of poverty.

A living wage, as defined by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, is a wage that allows a household to meet basic needs like food, housing, utilities, transportation and clothing. It doesn’t include credit card or loan payments, savings for retirement or a child’s education, costs associated with caring for a disabled or ill family member, or anything beyond minimal recreation, entertainment or holiday costs.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or $15 minimum still not a 'living wage' in Calgary, anti-poverty advocates say Back to video

In Calgary, the living wage for 2018 is pegged at $17.70 an hour for a family of four, with two parents working full-time. (The living wage is calculated annually, based on the actual cost of living in a specific community.)