The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is pleased to announce that Little Chief & Co. has become a certified living wage employer at the Champion level.

Little Chief & Co. is a new breed of shop focused on social responsibility. Sharing their passion for dogs and commitment to quality, they carefully curate products aimed to provide value to dogs, humans, and the environment. Their store specializes in premium and organic treats, pet apothecary products, eco- friendly toys, great clothing and gear to make each dog’s life a healthy and happy one. They work alongside their active canine community to share their passion for the education, health and holistic wellness of all dogs while servicing the growing pet population in the Niagara Region and beyond. They are based in St. Catharines and currently employ one full time employee.

“We are honoured to be recognized as the first certified living wage employer for pet retail in both Ontario and Canada. At Little Chief & Co. we truly value our employees and our customers equally. Everyone deserves a living wage, and we will always strive to meet and exceed this mandate as our business grows,” say Jen and Mike McKenna, Co-Founders, Little Chief & Co.

“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 region’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.