2024 Annual Report

Read our Annual Report and learn about who we are, our work in 2024 that shows our continued dedication to encouraging the adoption of equitable social policy, supporting the work of other organizations who are striving to improve the lives of Edmontonians, and...
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CM: Our Aging Indigenous Population: A Conversation with Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society

Written by Susanne Urbina, Capacity Support Assistant (ESPC) Note: This is an excerpt from our March 2025 Community Matters newsletter. You can read the full publication here. One in six people in the world will be aged 60 years or over by 2030 (Statistics Canada,...
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Blog: Recognizing the Past, Preventing the Future: April 1st is Genocide Remembrance Day

By Susanne Urbina April 1st is known for many as April Fool’s Day but in Canada, it’s also the day that marks Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month when we reflect upon the victims of genocide, honor survivors and give thought to how to prevent...
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Community Matters (March 2025) — Seniors, Aging, and Older Adults

Welcome to the Spring Edition of Community Matters. The goal of Community Matters is to keep our community informed about the issues that impact those who live here. This publication provides readers with the knowledge to connect the dots between social issues,...
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Blog: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: A Reflection on History and Our Present

By Kalkidan Tafesse, ESPC VolunteerKalkidan Tafesse is originally from Ethiopia but grew up around the world and now calls Edmonton home. Kalkidan studied sociology with a minor in psychology and works in a non-profit. Most of her writing came from obligatory school...
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Blog: Lights Out! Earth Hour and Why it Matters

By Sophia Jewell, ESPC VolunteerSophia Jewell is a research assistant at the University of Alberta and an independent scholar preparing for a PhD in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. Her research explores identity, place, and cultural geography in Slavic communities,...
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Welcome

The Edmonton Social Planning Council (ESPC) is a local, charitable, and non-partisan organization that has been a trusted voice on social issues since 1940. We focus on poverty and low-income challenges in our community through research, public education, and advocacy.

Our work includes:

  • Conducting research and data analysis

  • Raising public awareness and understanding

  • Advocating for equitable social policies

  • Supporting collaboration among social agencies

We believe that informed communities are empowered communities. By fostering public participation and sharing knowledge, we strive to help shape a more just and equitable Edmonton.

Get Involved

Your support amplifies our impact. Here’s how you can make a difference:

  • Donate Today: Your contribution helps fund essential research and community initiatives.

  • Become a Member: Join a network of advocates working towards positive social change.

  • Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to support our programs and events.

  • Subscribe: Stay informed with our latest reports, newsletters, and event updates.

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ESPC in the News

Radio Active

Child poverty rates dipped in the pandemic lockdowns. What are they like now?

On February 27, 2024, Sydney Sheloff, our Strategic Research Coordinator, told Radio Active that the dip in child poverty rates didn’t last.

Click to listen

St. Albert Gazette

Canada middle of the pack for child poverty among rich nations

Sydney Sheloff, our Strategic Research Coordinator, discusses the child poverty situation in the province of Alberta in recent years.

 
Click to read

Edmonton Journal

One in five Albertans don’t have reliable access to affordable, nutritious food

Susan Morrissey, our Executive Director, delves into the number of Alberta households experiencing food insecurity.

 

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Radio Cite 97,9 Interview

LE SALAIRE MINIMUM D’EDMONTON EN 2023 AUGMENTÉ DE PRÈS D’UN DOLLAR

Janell Uden, coordonnatrice des services de recherche et du renforcement des capacités au Conseil de planification sociale, a rencontre Élie Nkulu, notre journaliste pour en discuter.

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Edmonton Journal

OPINION – Proposed public spaces bylaws are an attack on Edmonton’s marginalized

Susan Morrissey, our Executive Director, expresses concerns with proposed bylaw changes that aim to regulate the use of public spaces.

Click to listen

630 CHED Afternoons With Bryn Griffiths And Reid Wilkins

Vital Signs Report: Food Security

Nneka Otogbolu, Director, Strategic Initiatives & Equity Advancement with the Edmonton Community Foundation and Susan Morrissey, Executive Director of the Edmonton Social Planning Council discuss the Vital Signs Report on food security in Edmonton.

Click to listen

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Check out our Social Well-Being Tracker

We are currently tracking 75 social well-being indicators for Edmonton and the region.

A. Demographics | BA: Income and Income Gaps | BB. Poverty | BC. Cost of Living | BD. Government Transfers | C. Employment and Labour | D. Education and Literacy | E. Built Environment | F. Social Inclusion | G. Health and Health Services

Click Here

Share your work & passion with the community

We’re pleased to open up our Lunch and Learn series to other nonprofits to introduce agencies and their incredible programs and services to other community members.

For those interested in participating, we would love to host you at a future event. Please direct any inquiries to our Executive Assistant. Subscribe to our email newsletter to stay informed about future Lunch and Learns and ESPC news and announcements.

Watch Lunch & Learn Series videos on our YouTube channel.

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