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A B B O T S F O R D
Alex BUTLER
Abbotsford News
Issues ranging from pipelines, a proposed incinerator, the carbon tax, health care and the economy were the focus of questions posed during an Abbotsford West all-candidates meeting on Tuesday evening. About 250 residents turned out to hear responses from five of the riding’s six candidates – Liberal can-
Monthly Fraser Valley Expenses (Family of 4) Childcare $1,097.50
Shelter
$1,035.03
Food
Transportation $426.26
(One used car, and one bus pass)
Two weeks pay (Emergency sickness contingency funds)
$190.98
Clothing/Footwear
$183.12
Non MSP (Private medical insurance premiums)
$133.00
MSP
$128.00
Parent education (Two college courses per year)
$121.25
Total monthly expenses for a Fraser Valley family of four: $4,715.40
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A local group says a Fraser Valley family of four needs both parents to be working full-time and each earning a minimum hourly wage of $16.37 in order to obtain basic needs and escape “severe financial stress.” Living Wage Fraser Valley (LWFV), hosted by Vibrant Abbotsford, has calculated the “living wage” for the area from Aldergrove to Hope/ Boston Bar. The figure was released this week. A living wage is calculated based on a budget for a healthy family of four with two children aged four and seven, and each parent working 35 hours a week for 52 weeks a year. It takes into account basic expenses such as food, hous-
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ABBOTSFORDMISSION CANDIDATES A5/7 The News continues its local election coverage with profiles of the political hopefuls in the third of three ridings
‘Living wage’ in the Valley pegged at $16.37 per hour ing, childcare, clothing and transportation once government taxes, credits, deductions and subsidies have been factored in. The living wage does not consider home ownership, debt, holidays, saving for retirement or a child’s education, or caring for a disabled, ill or elderly family member. LWFV coordinator Allison Homer admits that the budget is “bare-bones.” She said it brings attention to the plight of many families who are trying to survive on less than that, such as minimum wage, which starts at $10.25 in B.C. She said 43 per cent of children living in poverty come from families where at least one adult has a full-time job. “And a lot of families are Continued on A6
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didate, finance minister and incumbent MLA Mike de Jong, NDP candidate Sukhi Dhami, Conservative Paul Redekopp, independent Moe Gill and Green candidate Stephen O’Shea. BC Excalibur candidate Kerry-lynn Osbourne did not attend. “Democracy is alive and well in Abbotsford,” said de Jong to the crowded room at the Garden Park Tower on Clearbrook Road.
Vikki HOPES
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your community.
abbynews.com
Candidates take on the issues in Abbotsford West
(1 child in full-time daycare, 1 in kindergarten, both in before and after school care)
your life twitter.com/abbynews facebook.com/myabbynews
Online all the time. In print Tuesday & Thursday.
Incinerator, carbon tax and economy among topics
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CANNON FODDER A15 Candidates stake out their positions on the use of controversial blueberry cannons
EARTH, WATER AND SKY A26 Fraser Valley Graphic Guild explores basic elements in Kariton Gallery art exhibit
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THOUGHT OF THE DAY
A guy with money to burn may well find a gal who wants to play with fire.