Living Wages in New Brunswick 2023
Living wages increased over the last year in Saint John, Moncton, Fredericton,
and Bathurst, according to Living Wages in New Brunswick 2023, released today by the
Human Development Council. Fredericton has the highest living wage at $24.50 (up
$1.05 from last year), followed by Saint John at $23.35 (up $1.75), Moncton at $22.75
(up $1.90), and Bathurst at $21.65 (up $2.45).
The Living Wage is the hourly wage that two working parents with two young
children, aged 2 and 7, must earn to meet their basic expenses (including rent, food,
child care, and transportation) once government taxes, credits, deductions, and benefits
have been considered. The family’s basic budget is based on ten expense categories. It
does not include credit card or loan payments, savings for retirement, life insurance,
home ownership, or costs associated with caring for a child or adult family member
living with disabilities or a severe medical condition.
This year’s living wage increase is once again driven by inflation. The cost of
living, especially shelter and food costs, has climbed sharply in all four cities. Without
increased income support and programs for working families, the living wage rate will
rise as the cost of living increases. “Many families in the province earn less than a living
wage and struggle to make ends meet,” said Randy Hatfield, Executive Director of the
Human Development Council. New Brunswick’s current hourly minimum wage is $14.75
– the lowest in Atlantic Canada and second lowest in the country. “While we are not
recommending that the living wage become the minimum wage, the report provides
ample support for an increase. The living wage framework also confirms that good
public policy can make life more affordable for families.”
The report is available in English and French on the Human Development Council
website: www.sjhdc.ca.
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For more information, contact Heather Atcheson at heather@sjhdc.ca or 506-799-2317.