Hennessy's Index: A number is never just a number

Hennessy's Index is a monthly listing of numbers, written by the CCPA's Trish Hennessy, about Canada and its place in the world. Scroll down for a PDF version.  For other months, visit: http://policyalternatives.ca/index

• $8.75

  Minimum hourly wage in B.C. Lowest in Canada, but scheduled to rise to $10.25 in May 2012. (Source)

• $18.81
  

  Hourly pay needed to make a living family wage in Vancouver. (Source)

• 25
  

  Percentage of couples with children in Greater Vancouver who earn less than the living wage income. (Source)

• Three

  Number of financial institutions in Canada that pay a living wage: VanCity Credit Union, Community Savings Credit Union and CCEC Credit Union. (Source)

• One

  Number of municipalities in Canada to adopt a living wage policy for all city staff: New Westminster, B.C. Other municipalities are considering following suit. (Source)

• $11
  

  Minimum hourly wage in Nunavut. The highest in Canada. (Source)

• $10.25

  Ontario’s minimum hourly wage. The second highest in Canada. (Source)

• $16.60

  Hourly wage needed in 2008 for couples with two young children living in the Greater Toronto Area to earn a living wage. (Source)

• 140

  Number of municipal living wage policy/bylaws passed in the U.S. since 1994. (Source)

• One

  Number of Olympic games committed to pay a living wage: the London Olympics 2012. (Source)

• One

  Number of provinces or territories that index minimum wage to inflation every year: Yukon, for the city of Whitehorse. (Source)