I am one of the many Canadian struggling to meet my basic needs each month due to the outrageous continuous cost of living increases.  It is becoming increasingly difficult to afford to live and as a result, far too many of us are forced to be in survival mode instead of truly living.  Living wages in New Brunswick, for example, are reported as being $24.62 an hour while our minimum wage is currently $15.30 and will be rising by a mere $0.35 on April 1, 2025 to $15.65.  That is almost a $9 difference per hour.  I’m currently making less than the living wage and am struggling to get by. 

Sadly, my story is not unique. Current provincial minimum wages across Canada do not equate to a living wage. It is a nationwide issue that reaches beyond individuals to affect families, communities, the economy.

Approximately 3.2 million Canadians lived below the poverty line in 2017, according to Statistics Canada. This level of poverty is increasingly associated with high rates of homelessness and food insecurity. The minimum wage, adjusted for inflation, has not risen exponentially over the years, resulting in widening income gaps and deepening poverty for many working Canadians.

In this light, we urge the Government to step in and elevate minimum wages to living wages across each Canadian Province. We must assure each working individual a wage package that provides a decent standard of living, ensures their basic needs are met, and lifts families out of poverty.

Let's ensure everyone can access necessities - not luxuries - and truly live with the income they receive. Stand with us and unite for a more compassionate Canada where everyone earns a living wage. Please, sign and share this petition.