The City of Saint John sign is pictured in this file photo. Image: Brad Perry

A living wage in Saint John will be the subject of a letter mailed to the provincial and federal governments.

On Monday, Councillor Barry Ogden brought forward a motion at Common Council asking city staff to send ideas to the province and the federal government on what can be done to support a Basic Income Level (living wage).

“As well, what we can do in the city of Saint John to support this,” said Ogden.

Ogden also mentioned that the average wage in Saint John is substantially lower than in communities that surround the city.

“The average wage is substantially lower than that of Quispamsis, Rothesay, Fredericton, Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview. We also have the highest child poverty rate in Canada and a very high illiteracy rate,” said Odgen.

“To alleviate Saint John’s terrible poverty rate we need higher incomes, more affordable housing, more post-secondary opportunities, a healthier population both in terms of mental and physical, and food security.”

Council unanimously approved the decision to send a letter to the federal and provincial governments.

They also referred a motion to staff to discuss and work with community partners on food security in Saint John.