United Way hopes to ‘spark discussion and offer possible solutions’ with final two Quality of Life reports of 2023

“We’re excited to share more of our findings,” said Kristin Crane, director social research and planning for United Way. “People’s mental and physical health, the social environment and the state of the natural environment are important components of how people respond to the community. As with earlier reports, we hope the topics covered and recommendations made spark discussion and offer possible solutions to help us improve life across our region.”

Social Research & Planning Council announces new living wage, Ontario government celebrates poverty wages

Living Wage Week in Ontario runs Nov. 6–12 and United Way Perth-Huron’s Social Research & Planning Council (SRPC) is announcing the new living wage of $22.75 an hour, up from $20.70 last year.

The Ontario government recently increased the minimum wage to $16.55 an hour on Oct. 1. The press release dated March 31, that preceded the increase claimed that “this 6.8 percent pay raise for low-income workers builds on the government’s steady and predictable increases every year to help families offset the rising cost of living.”

Multicultural Association of Perth-Huron prepares to welcome Ukrainian refugees

The Multicultural Association of Perth Huron (MAPH) announced on March 2 that it has begun preparing to welcome Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war with Russia. “We were there with open arms to Syrian, Afghan and other refugees needing to escape war in their homes. Today we are opening our arms to Ukrainians who are looking for shelter as their country is under attack,” said MAPH Founder Dr. Gezahgn Wordofa.