Niagara Prosperity Initiative

Funded by the Niagara Prosperity Initiative through Niagara Region, the Living Wage Program aims to address poverty through corporate social responsibility. Providing a living wage is an important policy lever that can help lift Niagara residents out of poverty and provide them with basic economic security and opportunities for social inclusion.

Background

The Living Wage Program is an Ontario-wide program established by the Ontario Living Wage Network. It is a voluntary program that is designed to help businesses attract and retain employees, particularly for low-paying jobs. In 2015, the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network (NPRN) adopted the Living Wage Program, acting as the Champion organization for all things related to living wage in Niagara. Over seven years, and with the help of NPRN, 86 employers were certified as living wage employers.

In the fall of 2022, through the Niagara Prosperity Initiative, United Way Niagara received a grant to continue and expand this work in Niagara. A full-time Living Wage Coordinator was brought on to expand this work through relationship building in the community, social marketing, education, and advocacy.

WHAT IS A LIVING WAGE