The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is pleased to announce that the John Howard Society of Niagara has become a certified Living Wage Employer.

The John Howard Society of Niagara is a non-profit organization committed to the development and delivery of programs that reduce the social, economic and personal costs of crime. It provides community-based programs and services to adults and youth in the fields of justice, prevention, employment, and education throughout the Niagara region.

With offices in St. Catharines, Welland and Fort Erie, the John Howard Society of Niagara has over 70 employees and provides services to more than 15,000 people annually. Learn more about them at http://www.jhs-niagara.com/.

“We are very proud to champion the Living Wage initiative”, says Jay Gemmell, Executive Director of the John Howard Society of Niagara. “It is our hope that by championing this initiative we can help to promote positive change in Niagara.”

“A living wage reflects what earners need to be paid based on the actual costs of living and being included in the community,” says Glen Walker, Chair of the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network. 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 2018 living wage for Niagara region has been calculated to be $17.99/hour.

Niagara-area employers who are interested in becoming Living Wage certified can contact the Ontario Living Wage Network for more information at http://www.ontariolivingwage.ca/