The living wage in New Brunswick has risen by 15 cents per hour this year, as reported by the Human Development Council, a group based in Saint John that focuses on social issues in the province. The council has determined the living wage, which is the hourly wage needed to cover basic needs and maintain a decent quality of life, to be $24.77. In contrast, the legislated minimum wage in New Brunswick stands at $15.65 per hour.
According to a data analyst and research coordinator at the council, the $24.77 living wage figure only covers basic necessities and some additional items. The calculation does not include provisions for retirement savings, significant medical expenses, disability-related costs, or post-secondary education savings. Despite including a small amount for social inclusion, there are still unmet expenses within the $24.77 budget.
Heather Atcheson, a social researcher at the Human Development Council, explained that the living wage is determined using the “Canadian living wage framework,” which considers ten different expense categories for a reference family of four – two working parents and two children. These categories encompass childcare, food, healthcare, housing, transportation, and other essential needs. The framework assumes both parents work 35 hours per week, and the calculated living wage reflects what each parent must earn hourly to cover all expenses.
Atcheson highlighted the significant disparity between the calculated living wage and New Brunswick’s minimum wage, emphasizing the challenges faced by individuals earning minimum or low incomes. The report indicates that nearly half of workers in New Brunswick earn less than the living wage, with a substantial percentage of low-wage employees being full-time and permanent workers.
The report also reveals variations in living wage requirements across different cities in New Brunswick. For example, the living wage in Fredericton is $26.05, with higher shelter costs compared to Moncton and Saint John. The council’s analysis of data from the 2024 labor force survey indicates that a large portion of workers in New Brunswick do not earn the living wage.
Both Fisher and Atcheson emphasized the importance of using the $24.77 living wage as a tool for advocacy, whether by individuals or labor unions seeking fairer wages. While some regions in Canada have certifications for employers who pay a living wage, such certifications are not yet available in the Atlantic provinces, including New Brunswick. Atcheson noted that despite the absence of official certifications, some employers in the region voluntarily choose to pay a living wage based on the council’s reports, which is seen as a positive development.