The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is pleased to announce that Cairnwood Homes become a certified living wage employer at the Champion level.

Cairnwood Homes, built on heritage and opportunity, has over 30 years of experience in housing and real estate development in Niagara.They currently employ 14 full time staff and two part time staff and have developed a living wage clause for all third party contractors with whom they work.

“Cairnwood Homes is thrilled to become a certified living wage employer. We believe that community can thrive when its members are fairly compensated for their hard work and efforts. We always strive to be a leader and innovator in Niagara’s real estate and construction sectors, and becoming a certified living wage employer is an essential step in that process for us. We would like to extend our gratitude to the amazing, hardworking teams at the Ontario Living Wage Network and Niagara Poverty Prevention Network for creating this opportunity, and for inspiring Niagara businesses to do their part,” says Madeleine Reyno, Cairnwood Homes.

“We’re pleased to see local employers recognizing 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 Aidan Johnson, 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 current 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.