The City of Regina is close to making its final decision on whether or not to become a living wage employer — and it looks like the answer will be no.
The decision was presented to executive committee at city hall on Wednesday afternoon. A report from the city’s administration recommended against council voting to bring in a living wage for hourly employees.
“The vast majority of employees with the City of Regina make over living wage in any case,” Regina Mayor Michael Fougere said.
“We’re pleased that the City of Regina is standing firm to not adopt this costly living wage policy,” said Marilyn Braun-Pollon with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
A living wage balances the cost of living with an hourly rate of pay. Living Wage Canada calculated that wage to $16.95 an hour in Regina.
Ward 3 Councillor Andrew Stevens says he isn’t surprised by the result, but is glad the idea was brought forward.
“I was frankly just surprised and pleased that this was coming forward finally after two years of some deliberations, not happy with the outcome,” he said.
“The City of Regina could have taken a real leadership role, not just with the province, but with other city businesses and other municipalities,” said Peter Gilmer with the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry.
The administration says this isn’t the right time to bring in a living wage— and there are too many unknowns surrounding the policy. The mayor added it isn’t up to the city to set wage policies because they are a social issue.
“That’s not what we do as a city,” he said.
The living wage proposal will face one final vote at city council’s next meeting later this month.
Based on a report by CTV Regina's Cole Davenport
