The 2023 living wage for Metro Vancouver is $25.68 per hour, a $1.60 per hour (or 6.6 per cent) increase over 2022.
As a living wage employer, we pay our employees and contracted services employees a living wage.
The City is committed to creating and sustaining the best quality of life for our community.
What's a living wage?
The living wage is what two working adults need to make hourly to meet the basic needs of a family of four. The Living Wage for Families Campaign (LFWC) calculates the annual living wage based on the regional cost of living.
Earning a living wage allows families to meet their basic needs—buy food, pay the rent and other bills—and contribute to their communities.
Who needs to pay a living wage?
- You're a service provider and sub-contractor and your estimated annual value of the contract is more than $250,000.
- The services take place on City-owned land, building, roadways, leased properties, parks and other public rights of way.
- Services are provided on a regular, ongoing basis.
Our policy came into effect on January 1, 2020. If you have an existing contract before this date, you don't have to comply immediately with living wage rates. However, at the time of contract renewal, the new rates must be in place.
Email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Do you pay a living wage?
Use LWFC's online tool for employers to calculate if you pay a living wage to your employees.
Report non-compliance
Call the Procurement Services Department at 604-294-7370 or email [email protected] with the following details:
- name of the service provider or sub-contractor
- date, time and location where the service provider or sub-contractor was working
- type of work the employee was performing
- your name and contact information
After receiving a complaint, we will audit the service provider or sub-contractor. If there's a violation, the City will take appropriate action.