Vibrant Communities Calgary

Who really gets to participate in Christmas?

Guest Blog by Karen Orser

In my house Christmas brings wonderful food, a Christmas tree with piles of presents underneath, shopping for gifts for friends and family, maybe a Christmas play or show, Christmas parties and visiting with friends and family, and general feelings of warmth and happiness. Sure life is busy, and the holidays can also be a little stressful, but this is by far one of my favourite times of the year. And yes, we all have different traditions and things we do that make the holiday season special, but overall I truly participate in the holiday season in the ways that matter to me (in the ways I choose). Many low-income Calgarians who are either earning minimum wages or wages below a Living Wage do not get to participate in the way they choose.

And it’s not just about participating in consumerism. It’s also about time and quality of life. It’s about not having paid vacation days, not being able to take time off work to be with friends and family, and not having enough time for leisure. People who earn inadequate wages have to work more hours and are less likely to have the same quality of life or work/life balance as those people who can meet their basic needs working a forty hour work week.

Not earning a Living Wage prevents many low-income people (of which 67% in Alberta are women) from fully participating in the holiday season. So this Christmas when you are making your choices, and spending the holidays in ways that are important to you, please think about the people that are not enjoying the same luxury; who do not have the same opportunities or choices. People should be earning wages that will them to fully participate in their lives, communities and even holidays that are important to them. What a great Christmas gift that would be. More information about Living Wage can be found at www.vibrantcalgary.com.

Karen Orser is a Social Worker and a member of the Living Wage Action Team