Single parents hardest hit by increase in Grande Prairie's living wage

It is becoming more difficult for single parents to afford to live in Grande Prairie.

A recent report shows that a lone parent with one child would need to make $17.72 an hour to remain above the poverty line.

That’s a nine per cent increase over 2012.

The living wage has also gone up for families with two parents and two children, who would need to earn $16.16 each, while a single adult needs $11.74.

Those are both around a four per cent increase, which is in line with inflation.

Of the basic needs accounted for, shelter is the largest component.

Also included is everything from food and transportation to health care and recreation.