The living wage in Lethbridge has seen a decrease according to the latest numbers from the Alberta Living Wage Network.
In 2024 the hourly wage a person would need to recieve to cover their basic expenses and have a modest standard of living in Lethbridge is $20 an hour; a $0.60 decrease from the living wage reported last year. Executive Director of United Way Lethbridge & South Western Alberta Jaci Zalesak says this shows good news for those in the commuity, because it means Lethbridge has become a more affordable place for families and individuals to live.
“With living costs decreasing, Lethbridge is better positioned to attract and retain talent, fostering a stronger local economy and improving the quality of life for its residents. Continuing to support affordability measures will ensure our community remains a great place to live and work,” Zalesak says.
The latest living wage calculation shows a $5 gap between the current unemployment rate and the projected living waste in the city. Coordinator of the Alberta Living Wage Network Ryan Lacanilao says Lethbridge has the highest number of certified living wage employers per capita across the province, making it not only an afforadable place to live but a community where “employers are committed to socially responsible practices, demonstrating notable recruitment
strategies, and prone to have less turn over.”
“Despite increasing costs on some things like rent, other costs did go down including electricity rates, clothing, expenses, and lower childcare costs which in turn put downward pressure on the living wages. Subsidized childcare and decreased electricity costs have helped families. ” Lacanilao says.
He adds despite seeing other provinces in the country increasing their minimum wage, Alberta does not seem to be taking real action towards that move.
The 2024 living wage is said to have been decided by using the needs and incomes of a family with two-parents and two children, a single parent home with one child, and a single individual. The culculation using the factors of all adults included work a job with full time hours and includes savings for unexpected costs, continuing education, child care, and some money to also participate in community activities.
