'Living wage' would be $24.50 in N.B. capital, says anti-poverty group

A group that advocates on behalf of people living in poverty says "living wage" requirements have risen again across the province.

The Human Development Council has released its annual report on the pay rates that would be required in order to meet basic needs and maintain a reasonable quality of life in several New Brunswick cities.

The rates are calculated based on the income it would take to cover food, three-bedroom housing, child care, transportation, education and "social inclusion" activities, like extracurriculars and entertainment for a family of four, with children ages two and seven, said Heather Atcheson, a researcher with the Human Development Council, based in Saint John.

Costs are highest in Fredericton, said Atcheson, where a living wage would be $24.50 an hour.

In Saint John, a decent living would require pay of $23.35, according to the council's assessment.

Moncton's latest living wage is calculated to be $22.75.

Bathurst's is $21.65

Atcheson noted those living wage rates are a far cry — 47 per cent to 66 per cent — from the current legislated minimum wage of $14.75 an hour.

"There's a huge gap," she said. "People earning minimum wage don't have enough to get by."

As a result many are having to work multiple minimum-wage jobs and make difficult choices such as whether to pay rent or buy food, she said.

CBC News talked to several people on the streets of Fredericton Friday for their thoughts on dealing with the rising cost of living.

Darlene Munn said she favours raising the minimum wage.

"It's not enough for anybody to live on now," she said.

Munn said she does a lot of cooking and has noticed a big difference in the cost of ingredients.