Christy Clark’s Family Day

What would be better, another day off or decent minimum wage? Ward Perrin — PNG

Last week I read in the comment section of The Province that the newspaper didn’t agree with BC Liberal leader candidate, Christy Clark’s proposed Family Day in February, calling it totally “irresponsible.”

I don’t agree with the irresponsible part, as I do love holidays, but if we did receive another stat holiday that would make our total count to 10 holidays throughout the year.

The only other province and territory that offer 10 holidays are Saskatchewan and NWT. The majority of provinces and territories have 9. Some, like Newfoundland and Nova Scotia only have six, the poor suckers.

So does that make Vancouver entitled to receive an extra holiday and include us into that exclusive minority in Canada? Well I may be completely biased (as I live in Vancouver) but after moving here from Toronto and being completely thrown for a loop by the high cost of living and, paradoxically, the very low minimum wage I do believe we deserve it, but more importantly BC needs to change their wages.

Guess what British Columbia? We are currently the lowest across Canada in minimum wage at $8.00 an hour. How do people afford living here you might wonder? Well some people can’t and are currently living in squalor. Since 2001 BC hasn’t changed minimum wage and yet since 2001 the cost of living has risen by 14%.

This affects everyone, even those who are earning more than the minimum wage, because it sets the bar lower for everyone.

I hope Christy Clark recognizes this and instead of planning to give us one day of solitude, will instead raise the bar for everyone in BC.

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