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Affordability of Hope Minor Soccer key to continued success 14
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TRAVELING EXHIBIT AT HELL’S GATE Display brings to life Chinese legacy in the Fraser Canyon
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ART GALLERY FEATURES LOCAL FAMILY Painting, pottery and drawings showcased throughout May
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BC tes
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ELECTION CANDIDATES AT A GLANCE Chilliwack-Hope contenders share their views on pressing issues
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Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Business . . . . . . . . . . 9 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Classifieds . . . . . . 17 $
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THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2013
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New ‘living wage’ calculated for Fraser Valley which starts at $10.25 in B.C. She said 43 per cent of chilBlack Press dren living in poverty come A local group says a Fra- from families where at least ser Valley family of four needs one adult has a full-time job. “A lot of families are just one both parents to be working paycheque away from living in full-time and each earning a minimum hourly wage of poverty,” Homer added. She said employees who $16.37 in order to obtain baearn a living wage tend to stay sic needs and escape “severe longer at their jobs – saving financial stress.” Living Wage Fraser Valley hiring and training costs for (LWFV), hosted by Vibrant their employers – and expeAbbotsford, has calculated the rience less stress and illness, “living wage” for the area from reducing absenteeism from Aldergrove to Hope/Boston work. While many employers Bar. might be scared The figure off by the was released $16.37 figure, this week. A livGlen Ogren, “A lot of families ing wage is calpresident of the culated based are just one Hope & Dison a budget for a healthy fampaycheque away trict Chamber of Commerce, ily of four with from living in said there are two children currently sevaged four and poverty. ” eral businesses seven, and each in the local parent workAllison Homer area providing ing 35 hours a living wage a week for 52 through either weeks a year. It takes into account basic wages or a combination of expenses such as food, hous- wages and benefits. “A living wage is a great goal ing, childcare, clothing and transportation once govern- for every business to strive for,” ment taxes, credits, deduc- he said. “However there needs to be tions and subsidies have been the ability for business owners factored in. The living wage does not to get their goods to market. consider home ownership, It is not just incumbent on debt, holidays, saving for re- business to provide all its retirement or a child’s education, sources. It also is incumbent or caring for a disabled, ill or upon government to provide a culture where business can elderly family member. LWFV coordinator Allison take place.” Ogren pointed out that Homer admits that the budget is “bare-bones.” She said it many local businesses can’t afbrings attention to the plight ford to pay that kind of wage of many families who are try- as they rely a great deal on seaing to survive on less than sonal tourism dollars. that, such as minimum wage, Continued on 3 Kerrie-Ann Schoenit and Vikki Hopes
Playground construction
BARRY STEWART / THE STANDARD
Glen Anderson (left) and Miles Bissky wield a power auger, preparing for a new playground piece at Coquihalla Elementary School on Saturday. The school received $50,000 from the province to replace the old apparatus. Almost 50 parents, school and district staff volunteered their time Friday through Saturday, allowing the bulk of the grant money to go into the equipment.
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