Squamish Nation certified as Living Wage Employer

The Squamish Nation has been certified as a Living Wage Employer in BC through the Living Wage for Families Campaign.

A “Living Wage” is the hourly amount a family needs to cover basic expenses, including food, clothing, rental housing, child care, transportation, and small savings to cover illness or emergencies.

Currently, the minimum wage in BC is $14.60/hour, but the Living Wage in Metro Vancouver for 2019 is $19.50/hour for an employee who does not receive benefits, or $17.18/hour for an employee at the Squamish Nation who receives benefits.

The living wage calculation for each region is calculated on a two-parent family with two children — the most common family unit in BC — and each parent working full time.

By becoming a Living Wage Employer, the Squamish Nation joins over 160 Living Wage Employers in BC, including several other governments such as Huu-ay-aht First Nation, Central Saanich, the City of Port Coquitlam, and the City of Vancouver.

In total, 96 Squamish Nation employees will benefit from the Living Wage adjustment. 64% of all Squamish Nation staff (or 280 employees) are Squamish Nation members, with an additional 11% of staff identifying as Indigenous from other Nations.

“It shows that we value our employees by ensuring they have their salary needs met to take care of their families and also build a strong and healthy Squamish Nation community,” said Orene Askew, Squamish Nation Councillor and Spokesperson.