Media Release: Poverty in Edmonton a persistent challenge to living a dignified life for too many according to new Edmonton Social Planning Council report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 6, 2024.

EDMONTON – A new report from Edmonton Social Planning Council, A Profile of Poverty in Edmonton, shows that poverty remains a persistent social problem that continues to be a barrier to living a dignified life for too many Edmontonians. 

While extreme poverty, such as persons experiencing homelessness, gets a lot of attention, this report also seeks to shed light on others also feeling the pressures that poverty brings. This includes the “working poor,” those at risk of slipping into poverty, and those experiencing certain indicators of poverty while still technically living above the poverty line. 

“All Edmontonians deserve to live a dignified life meeting their basic needs and participating in our communities,” says Sydney Sheloff, Strategic Research Coordinator with the Edmonton Social Planning Council and the primary author of the report. “However, the rising cost of living, proliferation of low paying and unstable jobs, and limited government support constrains people’s choices and ability to get ahead. A robust course correction is needed from all levels of government to renew our efforts in tackle this crisis that poverty has on our communities.” 

A Profile of Poverty in Edmonton seeks to paint a picture of what a dignified life in Edmonton looks like and what is needed to live this life. Data on various indicators such as housing, food security, recreation, mental health, employment, income levels, and others are offered throughout the report. The numbers are brought to life through a variety of “scenarios,” showing hypothetical people going through very real struggles and the tough choices they need to make in order to make ends meet and live a dignified life. 

The report offers recommendations on what governments can do to curb the rising cost of living, achieve meaningful employment, increase access to education, childcare, and others. 

Read the full report on our website.

Media Contact:  

Sydney Sheloff, Strategic Research Coordinator
Edmonton Social Planning Council
Sydneys@edmontonsocialplanning.ca