Should minimum wage be $15 across North America?
That’s the main question being asked at the World Social Forum on Friday at the Pavillion des Sciences de la gestion at UQAM in downtown Montreal.
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The conference attracted some high profile speakers, including Venture capitalist Alexandre Taillefer, who wants to transport his company policy across the continent.
At Taillefer’s Téo Taxi, drivers are paid $15 an hour.
He explained it’s part of his vision to treat workers in a socially responsible way, something that seemed to resonate with the audience at the 12th World Social Forum.
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Taillefer’s company, Taxelco, also offers drivers the chance to change their cars to an environmentally-friendly electric model.
Taxelco recently bought out Diamond Taxi and has intentions to continue expansion efforts in the years ahead.
The goal of the forum is to build a sustainable and inclusive world where every person has a place and can have their voice heard.
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Approximately 20 per cent of participants are from outside Quebec.
Taillefer was not the only advocate of a $15 minimum wage at the conference.
Also speaking was Daniel Boyer, president of the Quebec Federation of Labour (FTQ), one of Quebec’s strongest advocates for worker’s rights.
The organization represents over 600,000 workers across the province.
WATCH BELOW: Fight for minimum wage
Pam Franche from Ontario Fight for $15 and Alex Hand from the Service Employees International Union of Chicago also spoke out in favour of raising the minimum wage.
This is the first time the World Social Forum is held in North America; past hosts have included Brazil, India and Tunisia.
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