As workplaces reopen across the province, calls to change the way we work are growing.
One of the areas that many say needs to change is how much time we spend working. The Fraser Institute recently released a report calling for a four-day work week. But the Fraser Institute says that would only happen if productivity increases by two per cent every year for the next decade.
Then the average Canadian worker could make more money while having a three-day weekend.
“The approach that the Fraser Institute was to kind of take what is a very innovative idea and make it feel old and tired, said B.C. Green Party MLA Sonia Furstenau. She took some flak in May from former leader Andrew Weaver for her suggestion of a four day work week. But she says it’s the future.
“One of the things we’re really grappling with right now is talking about the recovery from COVID is people are saying, you don’t want to snap back to how things were. Because there were a lot of things that needed to be re-thought, and fixed,” Furstenau said.
And on Wednesday, Premier John Horgan waded into the debate.
“It’s a bit into the future, and I don’t want to discourage the Fraser Institute or anyone else from bringing forward good ideas. One of the advantages and opportunities that we have coming out of a pandemic is nothing should be off the table,” Horgan said.
Fraser Institute Vice President Jason Clemons said people are interested in working less, but maintaining their standard of living.
“I’m pleased that the premier is interested in productivity. Because after all when we are talking about living standards, it’s rooted in productivity,” Clemons said.
According to Statistics Canada, the number of hours Canadians are working is trending down.
Mary Griffin
