The Hope
Standard
Animal rescue brings Hope with a new spay/ neuter program for dogs page 13
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015
Office: 604.869.2421 www.hopestandard.com
news@hopestandard.com
3 AFTERSHOCKS An earthquake simulator is making rounds in the Lower Mainland, in response to Nepal’s recent disaster.
10 VAGABOND FILMS The sixth annual Vagabond Film Show is slated to hit the Hope Cinema, showcasing local talent while offsetting the beauty of Hope.
16 CINEMA HEART
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Hope Volunteer Search and Rescue in the hot zone
A classic projector resides at the Hope Cinema, revealing a film culture that is thriving, where others have crumbled.
Seven members of the Hope Search and Rescue successfully complete their Swiftwater Level 3 course. Scott Bushie, Gilbert Deschenes, Barry Gannon, Troy Leech, Mario Levesque, Ryan Taylor, and Paul Blessin were the lastest to complete the intensive training, which is designed to prepare rescuers to operate in the “hot zone.”
INSIDE
Vikki Hopes
‘Living wage’ calculated at $17.27 for the Valley
1(PLUS GST)
Open for Mother’s Day
Hope Garden Centre
Sunday, May 10 • 10 am - 4 pm
Lots of Gifts for Mom & the garden this Mother's Day • Hanging Baskets, potted plants • Now's the time to plant your veggies
She said the calculation emphasizes the need for businesses, policy makers and citizens to work together to ensure communities are affordable places for all residents. Homer said this year's report highlights the need for government policies that benefit lower income families. For example, she said this year's expanded universal childcare benefit brings down the Living Wage by only 16 cents, whereas the proposed $10-aday childcare plan would reduce it by $3.33. Homer said the living wage is based on the premise that people who work full-time should never have to live in poverty.
FREE GIFT WITH PU
RCHASE ON MAY 9 & 10
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21400 TransCanada Hwy. - just across the Fraser Bridge HOURS: Monday - Friday 10am-6pm Saturday 9am-6pm
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Each parent in a family of four currently needs to make $17.27 an hour in order to obtain basic needs and "maintain a decent standard of living," says a local group. Living Wage Fraser Valley (LWFV), hosted by Vibrant Abbotsford, has calculated the 2015 "living wage" for the area from Abbotsford to Hope/Boston Bar, including Mission. The figure was released today (Wednesday, April 29th.) A living wage is calculated based on a budget for a healthy family of four with two
son Homer said childcare, transportation and food were the biggest drivers of the increase, rising by $50, $29 and $24 respectively each month since last year. Homer said the Living Wage is released annually to demonstrate how the real costs of living are changing in local communities. She said this year the trend is continuing that the cost of living is rising faster than inflation. "It is progressively harder each year for families to make ends meet, with families having to spend $308 more each month than they did three years ago to cover the same expenses," Homer said.
HAIG STATION RD
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children ages 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, housing, childcare, clothing and transportation, after 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. This year's calculation is up 1.5 per cent from the 2014 figure of $17.02. Vibrant Abbotsford director Ali-
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