The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is pleased to announce that the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce has become a certified living wage employer at the Champion level.

The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to growing and sustaining the economic prosperity of their community by serving, connecting and representing their members. They are a non-profit, membership-driven organization which supports and represents over 200 local businesses, civic organizations and tourism-based businesses in the Town of Lincoln. They currently have two full time employees.

“The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that we are a certified living wage employer. Our company’s vision is to be the leading enabler of business success in Lincoln and a driving force in the advancement of the local economy. The choice to become a certified living wage employer is directly in line with our vision and mission as it shows our investment towards a strong local economy. The Living Wage sets a different standard and challenges us to think about the social and economic well-being for everyone. We are proud to join the thousands of small businesses in Ontario who are committed to paying a living wage to their employees,” says Lindsey Hendriks, Executive Director, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re pleased to have on-going support from local employers who recognize the value and benefits of paying at least a living wage. Paying a living wage is direct action to address poverty and helps people afford the cost of living,” says Jennifer Gauthier, Vice Chair, Niagara Poverty Reduction Network.

A living wage reflects what earners need to be paid based on the actual costs of living and being included in the community. A living wage is not the same as the legislated minimum wage. It is a voluntary commitment that employers can make to compensate directly-employed and contract- employed full-time and part-time workers. The 2021 living wage for Niagara region has been calculated to be $18.90/hour.

Learn more about Niagara’s living wage at www.wipeoutpoverty.ca. Niagara-area employers interested in becoming living wage certified can contact the Ontario Living Wage Network for more information at www.ontariolivingwage.ca