Today, we released our latest report on the impact of living wage work in Calgary. The Living Wage Outcome Harvest report evaluated the effectiveness and value of Vibrant Communities Calgary's (VCC) living wage work over the last five years by examining its impacts and VCC's role in achieving those impacts. 

VCC has been a key player in calculating and promoting living wages in Calgary since 2008. In 2021, to increase the number of living wage employers and improve coordination across municipalities in Alberta, VCC led the creation of the Alberta Living Wage Network (ALWN). The ALWN aims to standardize living wage calculations and certify employers that pay a living wage. VCC continues to be involved in the ALWN's leadership while maintaining its local living wage initiatives in Calgary.  

So, what did we learn? The Living Wage Outcome Harvest report found that: 

• The establishment of the ALWN, supported by VCC, played a key role in poverty reduction. This involves recruiting employers to pay fair wages, increasing public awareness about the living wage, and helping funders and non-profit employers shift from a “race to the bottom” mentality. 
• Businesses and employees thrive with living wage salaries. Businesses that paid a living wage ultimately saw an increase in staff retention rates and business growth. Employees had more disposable income to spend locally, while customers increasingly chose to support businesses that align with their values. 
• Living wage calculations shape policy advocacy. VCC’s experience in policy and advocacy and its strategic partnerships supported the ALWN in developing a network to implement and promote the work. Many municipalities used the Alberta-wide calculation to inform policy briefs and program requirements, while funders started recognizing the value of funding organizations that paid staff a living wage. 

Check out the report summary here: