Edmonton Social Planning Council

Author: ESPC Team

  • 2023 Annual Report of the Edmonton Social Planning Council

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    Read our Annual Report and learn about who we are, our work in 2023 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 educating the public regarding the social issues that impact them on a daily basis.

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  • PUF project

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    Program Unit Funding (PUF) is provided to school authorities/private operators for children with a severe disability or language delay who need more support than is offered in a regular early childhood services (ECS) program (Government of Alberta, 2023). Schools/operators apply for funding on the parent’s behalf which differs on age and years of eligibility dependent on if a child attends a public or private program. In a public program, funding is available for a maximum of two years between the ages of 2 years, 8 months to 4 years, 8 months during pre-kindergarten years. In private programs, funding is available for a maximum of three years between 2 years, 8 months to 6 years during pre-kindergarten and the kindergarten year. The intention of PUF is to help prepare children with disabilities for a successful transition into their kindergarten/elementary years. PUF requirements as described above is how the program is today in terms of eligible ages and time frames schools/operators can receive funding for children. However, it was not always this way.

    In 2020, Alberta Education implemented a new funding model that changed these eligible ages and time frames for which children could receive funding, reduced base funding for some types of disability codes and changed how enrolment for funding purposes is calculated by introducing a weighted moving average projection (WMA). Before this, to calculate funding an actual student count was used, and funding was provided the same school year. However, under the new WMA funding, it projects enrolment based on 50% of the year ahead, 30% of the current enrolment at the budget time in February and then the previous year’s enrolment at 20% (Teghtmeyer, 2020). In 2020, the Alberta Teachers Association’s President Jason Schilling, stated that “the government is downplaying the effect of [the PUF cut], but teachers know that these kids benefit greatly from early interventions that will no longer be there. This cut is simply immoral” (Teghtmeyer, 2020). Several other changes occurred in 2020, one of which was the elimination of funding for the program for children entering kindergarten in public schools. For private ECS operators and schools, children can still access the third year of funding that must be used during the kindergarten year.

    Another change in 2020 was that Alberta Health Services would no longer provide families with assessments, forcing families or childhood care/school operators to pay for private assessments. This change occurred due to the Alberta Government dissolving the Regional Collaborative Service Delivery (RCSD) which coordinated services between the departments of Education, Health, Children’s Services, and Community and Social Services. This had a significant impact that further strained the limited resources available to children, often requiring specialists to divert time, previously spent working directly with children, toward the significant task of assessment and additional report preparation. Other changes, such as coding criteria, funding amounts, and eligible supports will be discussed later in this report.

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  • We’re Hiring – Social Research Assistant (Full-time Temporary Position)

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    The Edmonton Social Planning Council, a charitable, non-profit social research and advocacy agency founded in 1940, is seeking a Social Research Assistant for an 8-week, full-time, temporary summer position between June 10th and August 2th, 2024 (inclusive).

    Wage: $22.25 per hour/35 hours per week

    Main job duties will involve assisting with social research projects, including the 2024 Vital Signs and Poverty Profile, as well as updating our Social Well-Being Tracker. The successful applicant will also be expected to contribute to other ESPC research projects, newsletters, and publications as directed. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking for job experience in a collaborative work environment and social research.

    Required Skills:

    • Knowledge of word processing, excel spreadsheets, and presentation software

    • Demonstrated ability to conduct data gathering using a variety of sources and methods

    • Knowledge of data collection and statistical analysis methods

    • Superb job task planning and organizational skills

    • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

    • Ability to carry out multiple tasks in a self-directed manner

    • Knowledge or awareness of social issues related to poverty and low-income

    Eligibility Requirements:

    Applicants must

    • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment

    • Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial legislation and regulations

    • Be able to work remotely as needed

    • Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment period

    Preference will be given to applicants with a relevant post-secondary background.

    Please submit your cover letter and resume no later than 11:59PM on May 17th, 2024. We thank applicants in advance for their submissions but will only contact those selected for interviews.

    Applications should be sent (preferably by email) to:

    Edmonton Social Planning Council

    Attn: Sydney Sheloff,

    Research Coordinator

    Suite 206, 10050 112 Street Edmonton, AB T5K 2J1

    Email: info@edmontonsocialplanning.ca

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  • ESPC Statement on Provincial Cuts to the Low-Income Transit Pass

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    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|false|false” border_color_left=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Posted by:” job_title=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9hdXRob3IiLCJzZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJiZWZvcmUiOiIiLCJhZnRlciI6IiIsIm5hbWVfZm9ybWF0IjoiZGlzcGxheV9uYW1lIiwibGluayI6Im9uIiwibGlua19kZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6ImF1dGhvcl93ZWJzaXRlIn19@” portrait_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9hdXRob3JfcHJvZmlsZV9waWN0dXJlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnt9fQ==@” quote_icon=”off” portrait_width=”125px” portrait_height=”125px” disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”job_title,portrait_url” _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#000000″ author_font=”||||||||” author_text_align=”center” author_text_color=”#008ac1″ position_font=”||||||||” position_text_color=”#000000″ company_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”#ffffff” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px|0px|4px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”32px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.65)” header_font_size=”20px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||50px|||” custom_padding=”48px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9jYXRlZ29yaWVzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiUmVsYXRlZCBjYXRlZ29yaWVzOiAgIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJsaW5rX3RvX3Rlcm1fcGFnZSI6Im9uIiwic2VwYXJhdG9yIjoiIHwgIiwiY2F0ZWdvcnlfdHlwZSI6ImNhdGVnb3J5In19@[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • World Immunization Week: Achieving Immunization for All

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    Written by Ugoeze Uchegbu-Okoroh, ESPC Volunteer.

    From the invention of the smallpox vaccine in 1796 to more recent COVID-19 vaccine rollouts in 2020, vaccines have been dubbed the greatest Public Health achievement in modern history (World Health Organization [WHO]). Each year, vaccines are responsible for reduced global mortalities from vaccine-preventable diseases. When administered, they provide immunity to those who receive them, as well as herd immunity to the unvaccinated. Some vaccines provide immunity for a period of time and require booster doses, while others provide lifetime immunity.

    Children in Canada are vaccinated against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, poliomyelitis, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal and pneumococcal infections, hepatitis B, influenza, and rotavirus. Adults are equally not excluded from vaccination. For instance, adults over the age of 18 who have weakened immune systems or are age 50 and older should get the Shingrix vaccine to protect against shingles.

    Despite the strides and years of progress in the elimination of preventable diseases, “Vaccine hesitancy” remains one of the greatest threats to global health, as identified in 2019 by the World Health Organization. This has been linked to the recent measles outbreaks witnessed in certain parts of Canada. Although Canada has a high rate of vaccination coverage, we are yet to attain the National vaccination coverage goals. This is largely due to the lower vaccination rates seen among Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) in our communities, as well as other vulnerable populations. Experts have estimated that to establish immunity over highly infectious diseases, such as measles, a vaccination rate of 95% is required (Pfizer).

    The outbreak of Coronavirus in 2019 cast the spotlight on vaccination discussions. In December 2020, Canada began to administer the COVID-19 vaccines in different provinces. It is estimated that 77.63% of Alberta’s population is fully vaccinated, with Central Alberta recording the lowest rate of fully vaccinated individuals at 60.48% (COVID-19 Tracker Canada). It was reported that beyond vaccine hesitancy, the lack or limited access to comprehensive healthcare facilities in rural communities contributed to this rate (CBC News, 2021). The barriers to achieving equitable immunization success especially in rural communities have their roots in systemic and structural inequities. It is estimated that rural communities make up about 22% of Alberta’s population. These barriers include access to vaccines, transportation, infrastructural defects, limited or lack of technology, distrust in the medical system and vaccine misinformation.

    In a paper about rural immunization programs in Canada, it was stated that “Vaccination rates may be lower for certain sub-populations, such as immigrants and First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. Clinical guidelines for physicians treating immigrants in Canada state that 30%-50% of new immigrants are susceptible to tetanus; 32%-54% of new immigrants are susceptible to either measles, mumps or rubella; and immigrants from tropical countries are 5-10 times more susceptible to varicella” (National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases).

    Vaccines prevent diseases and save lives. As we celebrate the World Immunization week from 24-30 April to encourage vaccine adoption to fight diseases, it is important to employ the use of the right strategies in ensuring higher levels of vaccination compliance across all ages and demographics. This also serves as a reminder to individuals to get vaccinated and update such records as needed. Prevention is better than cure.

    References

    1. World Health Organization (WHO). A Brief History of Vaccines. Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/history-of-vaccination/a-brief-history-of-vaccination

    2. Pfizer. Fast Facts on Immunization. Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://www.pfizer.ca/en/science/therapeutic-areas/vaccines/vaccines-canada

    3. COVID-19 Tracker Canada. Alberta Vaccination Data. Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://covid19tracker.ca/provincevac.html?p=AB

    4. CBC News. Why are COVID-19 vaccine rates lower in some parts of rural Albert? Paige Parson, May 20, 2021. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/why-are-vaccine-rates-lower-in-some-parts-of-rural-alberta-1.6033387#:~:text=Lower%20uptake%20of%20COVID%2D19,just%20vaccine%20hesitancy%2C%20experts%20say

    5. National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases. Jasmine Frost and Suzie Taylor, Project # 567. Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://nccid.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/03/Rural-and-Remote-PP_4.pdf

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  • Day of Mourning: The Impact of Workplace Tragedy

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    Written by Amethyst Zapisocky, ESPC Volunteer.

    For over 30 years, the National Day of Mourning, also known as Workers’ Memorial Day, has been honoured on April 28th to remember those who have lost their lives, been injured, suffered illnesses, or experienced tragedy in the workplace (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2024a). This day further advocates for the safety of all workers across all occupations by educating the public and preventing further loss (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2024a). The Day of Mourning has been observed in Canada since the Canadian Labour Congress established it in 1984, but was not officially recognized by the Canadian government through legislation until 1991 (Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, n.d.a). Today, it is honoured in approximately 100 countries, and many participate by holding vigils, wearing black ribbons or armbands, and holding a moment of silence at 11 a.m. (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2024a).  Locally, on April 28th, the Canadian flag will fly at half-mast at The Peace Tower in Ottawa and on all Government of Canada buildings (Government of Canada, 2021).

    Prevalence of Occupational Harm

    The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 2.3 million workers worldwide have been harmed by workplace accidents or diseases (International Labour Organization, n.d.a). These illnesses and accidents account for around 6000 deaths per day, and it seems occurrences of ill health are increasing (International Labour Organization, n.d.a). According to the ILO, disease is the most common cause of work-related death, with hazardous substances accounting for around 651,279 fatalities a year (International Labour Organization, n.d.a). Globally, every 15 seconds, 1 worker dies, 151 workplace injuries are reported, and 76 non-fatal diseases are reported (BCFED Health & Safety Centre, n.d.). The ILO has an extensive database that provides international labour statistics and policies.

    According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), in Canada there were 348,747 lost time claims for work-related injuries with 993 reported fatalities in 2022 (Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, n.d.b). That same year in Alberta, there were 37,814 lost time claims with a reported 161 fatalities (Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, n.d.b) and in 2023, 165 Albertan fatalities (Workers Compensation Board Alberta, n.d.). The AWCBC found that in 2022 most of the lost time claims were from the healthcare and social assistance industry (127,584), with the most fatalities in the construction industry (183). It is important to note that there is considerable underreporting of work-related injuries, deaths, and diseases, (International Labour Organization, n.d.a) meaning that the real number of workers who are harmed from their job(s) is an even larger concern than what these statistics indicate.

    Who Does This Affect?

    Anyone in the workforce can be at risk of experiencing injury or fatality, however, there are certain demographics important to consider. Newcomers are particularly vulnerable to employment dangers due to being in physically demanding jobs, having language barriers, and cultural differences (Institute for Work & Health, 2009), (Institute for Work & Health, 2022). Language barriers can limit the ability of immigrants to understand their rights as workers, to access information on safe practices, and to refuse unsafe work (Institute for Work & Health, 2009). Attention toward women’s health is also essential in work safety. There are occupational divides between men and women, both in the job itself (for example, women are more likely to be involved in informal occupations such as domestic work) and in rank (for example, women are less likely to be in positions of power) which can impact what hazards are of risk (Messing &  Östlin, 2006). The traditional workforce structure does not fully account for women’s needs such as in physical work and when pregnant or menstruating (Messing &  Östlin, 2006), (International Labour Organization, 2014). Discrimination for any marginalized community can hinder workplace safety, as it can limit opportunities and training (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2024b). Furthermore, workers deserve to feel safe enough to learn, contribute, and challenge authority concerning occupational risks without fear of discrimination or punishment (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2024b). Workplace harm impacts business owners, individuals and the economy through time loss and compensation claims. In 2022, the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) of Alberta spent around $345 million for over 57,000 claims (Government of Alberta, 2023).

    Ways To Improve Occupational Safety

    While the Day of Mourning is largely focused on remembering and honouring those who have been hurt or killed at work, it comes with that a duty to consider ways to improve safety to prevent more loss in the future. Ultimately, finding ways to minimize workplace harm requires coordination and participation from policymakers, employers, and workers (International Labour Organization, n.d.b). The ILO has a document (PDF) that outlines how this can be done, and what measures should be taken to optimize work safety. Some suggestions from this document include providing proper training, having access to necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), reviewing, and implementing tested policies for safety, as well as the right to report or refuse unsafe work (International Labour Organization, n.d.b). Other actions can include: (BCFED Health & Safety Centre, n.d.)

    • Continuing to share and learn safety education
    • Demanding stronger regulations, precautions, and training for safety
    • Identifying and reporting any hazards

    The Edmonton Police Service offers some ways to enhance workplace safety from security threats. Some suggestions they have include knowing where exits are, reporting any broken equipment (for example, lights), and knowing where and how to access any emergency kits (Edmonton Police Service, n.d.).

    How to Participate

    There are many ways to honour this occasion, which include lighting candles, laying wreaths, or wearing a black armband or pin (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2024a). A moment of silence can be observed at 11 a.m., and people can attend various events in their communities or participate through social media (for example, using the hashtag #DayOfMourning) (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2024a).  For finding events in your community, The Canadian Labour Congress lists events planned across Canada.

    Many people are impacted by occupational harm, by direct experience, or through a loved one, colleague, or community member. On April 28th we honour those afflicted and reflect upon ways to improve safety for protecting and empowering all workers.

     

    References

    Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada. (n.d.a). National day of mourning. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://awcbc.org/en/about/national-day-of-mourning/

    Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada. (n.d.b). Canadian workers’ compensation system – 2022 year at a glance. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://awcbc.org/en/statistics/canadian-workers-compensation-system-year-at-a-glance/

    BCFED Health & Safety Centre. (n.d.). Day of mourning – April 28th. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.healthandsafetybc.ca/resources/day-of-mourning/

    Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2024a, April 10). National day of mourning. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.ccohs.ca/events/mourning

    Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2024b, February 27). Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-workplace.html

    Edmonton Police Service. (n.d.). Workplace safety. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/CrimePrevention/CommunitySafety/WorkplaceSafety/WorkplaceSafety

    Government of Alberta. (2023). Workplace injury, illness and fatality statistics: Provincial summary. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/4fb90b70-7660-4553-98fc-a59574f8fd5a/resource/bbefc756-35ae-47f8-9f48-1ebea552371d/download/jet-workplace-injury-illness-fatality-stats-provincial-summary-2022.pdf

    Government of Canada. (2021, November 5). Rules for half-masting the National Flag of Canada. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/flag-canada-masting-rules.html

    Institute for Work & Health. (2022). Employers struggle to provide newcomers with OHS training, support: IWH study. At Work, (10). Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.iwh.on.ca/plain-language-summaries/employers-struggle-to-provide-newcomers-with-ohs-training-support-iwh-study

    Institute for Work & Health. (2009, May). “Newness” and the risk of occupational injury. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.iwh.on.ca/plain-language-summaries/newness-and-risk-of-occupational-injury

    International Labour Organization. (n.d.a). World statistic. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.ilo.org/moscow/areas-of-work/occupational-safety-and-health/WCMS_249278/lang–en/index.htm

    International Labour Organization. (n.d.b). A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and right at work. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/—ed_dialogue/—lab_admin/documents/publication/wcms_850673.pdf

    International Labour Organization. (2014, December 15). The gender dimension: Integrating the gender perspective in OSH policies. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/how-the-ilo-works/organigramme/governance/labadmin-osh/news/WCMS_329109/lang–en/index.htm

    Messing, K., &  Östlin, P. (2006). Gender equality, work, and health: A review of the evidence. World Health Organization. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/43311/9241593539_eng.pdf?sequence=1

    Workers Compensation Board Alberta. (n.d.). Day of mourning. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.wcb.ab.ca/about-wcb/community-partnerships/day-of-mourning/

     

     

     

     

     

     

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