Clayoquot Biosphere Living Wage Reports 

Every two years, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust collects data to determine the cost of living in the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region. The living wage is the hourly pay (working 35 hours per week) each parent must earn to cover the basic expenses of an average family of four. It considers the local costs for housing, food, transportation, child care, health care and recreation and is the “bare bones” a family needs for an adequate quality of life.

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In 2015, the CBT published the first living wage calculation to draw attention to local affordability issues faced by families and to inspire action by local employers and all levels of government. A living wage is not only influenced by employers but also by economic and social policies that increase affordability for families (such as childcare subsidies and public transit). The CBT updates the living wage every two years and presents the results to community stakeholders, inviting conversation about how factors impacting affordability and quality of life can be positively influenced across the region.