Number of working poor climbing in Vancouver suburbs
The Canadian Press
Published Wednesday, June 29, 2016 12:10PM PDT
A study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives finds the number of working poor is climbing in most Vancouver municipalities.
Working poor are those who remain below the poverty line despite having a job.
Between 2006 and 2012, the study shows the largest increases in working poor occurred in suburbs such as West Vancouver, Coquitlam, White Rock, Lions Bay and the District of North Vancouver, dashing the stereotype that poverty is concentrated in Vancouver or Surrey.
An economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives says having a job is not a guaranteed path out of poverty and the centre is joining the call for a comprehensive poverty reduction plan for this province, including a higher minimum wage.