Sask. people struggling to make ends meet on minimum wage
CBC
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Saskatchewan adults are struggling to get by on minimum wage, and the struggle has intensified because of the pandemic and the rising cost of living.
"It's so hard to live paycheque to paycheque," said Doris Whitedeer, who lives in Saskatoon. "A lot of people out there are struggling, the cost of living … everything is so sky high."
The 52-year-old is from Fond Du Lac Denesuline First Nation in northern Sask., but moved to the city years ago seeking more opportunities.
Whitedeer is currently between jobs. She was working as a cleaner, but lost her job due to COVID-19 layoffs. She said she's been getting by with a little bit of support from others, including her mom, and is living with roommates to cut down on costs.
She's been applying for jobs in housekeeping and hospitality, and crossing her fingers for a call back. Her biggest worry is that even when she lands a job, her situation won't improve because they all offer minimum wage and she's noticed groceries becoming more expensive.
She said she knows the challenges of trying to buy food or a bus pass, which is critical for her because she doesn't drive. Whitedeer also sees her community members and peers struggling to get by.
"If the minimum wage goes up, that would be awesome. If not, I don't know. Gotta get a second job, I guess."
Saskatchewan's government raised minimum wage from $11.45 per hour to $11.81 per hour — a 3.14 per cent increase — in October 2021.
Saskatchewan's minimum wage for one person working 40 hours per week is $22,675 annually before tax.
One Canadian making less than $22,518 after-tax is considered below the poverty line, according to data from the Canadian Census Family Low-Income Measure After-Tax that is contained in the Saskatchewan Child and Family Poverty Report 2021.
The provincial government said it calculates minimum wage based on the Consumer Price Index and average hourly wage for Saskatchewan.
"It's obviously not sufficient. People on minimum wage are living below the poverty line, they're working full time and they're not making enough to me to make ends meet," said Len Usiskin, who has an MA in economics and is executive director of Quint Saskatoon, a not-for-profit organization focused on helping people with housing, jobs and economic development.
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