Best Practices for Implementing a Living Wage Policy in Canada: Using Community-Campus Partnerships to Further the Community's Goal

Abstract

The study explores one longitudinal case of engaged scholarship, the collaborative Best Practices for Implementing a Living Wage Policy in Canada: Using community-campus partnerships to further the community's goals presents best practices for implementing a living wage policy, based on surveys and interviews of living wage advocates across Canada. This paper is a product of the ongoing partnership between Vibrant Communities Canada and Carleton University which is conducting a seven-year, SSHRC-funded study on how community-campus relationships can use joint resources to create practice and policy changes in the battle against poverty. For eight months, a group of Master of Social Work students researched the status of the working poor and the progress of living wage campaigns in North America, and analyzed data collected through surveys and interviews with individuals engaged in living wage campaigns. Recommendations for best practices to implement a living wage policy are discussed and include (a) developing a core group of individuals, (b) engaging champions to extend the buy-in of companies, (c) establishing a positive framework for the campaign, and (d) dedicating more resources to research and knowledge. This work is intended to facilitate discussion and create real impact on minimum wage regulations and business practices, resulting in increased social inclusion for individuals who identify as living in poverty.