The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is pleased to announce that Lincoln County Humane Society (LCHS) has become a certified living wage employer at the Champion level. LCHS is the first Humane Society in Ontario to become a certified living employer.

The Lincoln County Humane Society is a charitable not-for-profit organization based in St. Catharines that is dedicated to the humane treatment of all animals; to alleviate their suffering and neglect, support the human-animal bond and foster an environment in which people respect all living creatures. They provide safe refuge and compassionate care for animals. They currently employ 11 full time and 13 part time staff.

“Our team of staff members are the most important resource we have in providing the exceptional, compassionate care that our animals rely on”, said Kevin Strooband, Executive Director of LCHS. “Paying them a fair wage solidifies our commitment to our dedicated staff and the animals alike.” With unanimous support from the Board and Management, the LCHS is meeting the needs of the animals by building a strong, committed and engaged team of staff members and meeting the organization’s mission to be leaders in animal welfare excellence.

“We are pleased to see many local employers who recognize the value and benefits of paying at least a living wage. Paying a living wage takes direct action to address poverty and to help people afford their cost of living expenses,” says Aidan Johnson, Chair of the 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 2019 living wage for Niagara region has been calculated to be $18.12/hour. If an employer’s total compensation package includes benefits such as dental and prescription drugs, the living wage can be lowered by at least $1.00/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

The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is a collective of over 30 agencies and individuals working to wipe out poverty in Niagara through education, collaboration, and advocacy to address poverty’s root causes.

The Lincoln County Humane Society has served our community since 1881 and is a not-for-profit charity providing animal care and humane services to municipalities across Niagara. The LCHS also provides programs across the Region to support those experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse, Covid-19, general health or mental health concerns by providing compassionate pet care while owners seek self-care.