Edmonton Social Planning Council

Category: Blog: Miscellaneous

  • fACT Sheet: 2025 Alberta Provincial Budget.

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    Introduction 

    The 2025-26 Alberta budget, titled Meeting the Challenge, covers finances from April 1, 2025 until March 31, 2026. This is the seventh budget of the governing United Conservative Party (UCP) as they reach the midway point of their second term in government.

    This budget is being released during a time of economic uncertainty and revenue volatility due to significant shifts in U.S. trade policy, fluctuating oil prices, and a growing population. The budget seeks to continue to build the province and support Albertans during a challenging time period.

    In a bid to address the rising cost of living, Budget 2025 boasts that it will implement a new 8% personal income tax bracket for the first $60,000 of income, effective January 1, 2025. This is a decrease from the current rate of 10%. This new tax bracket is expected to save Albertans up to $750 in 2025.

    As with previous budgets, Budget 2025 boasts low taxation, which limits important investments in public services that support Albertans. If Alberta had the same tax structure as the next lowest taxed province (British Columbia), the government would generate an additional $20.1 billion in revenue (2025-26).

    This fACT Sheet will focus on developments related to social programming that impact those living in low-income and poverty. Investments that positively impact marginalized populations result in long-term savings in other public services, such as health care and the criminal justice system, and increase the overall well-being of our communities.   

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  • Blog post: The Realities of Human Trafficking

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    Written by Lurit Loro

    What comes to mind when you hear about human trafficking? Do you think of distant locations with strange figures and unknown processes? The reality is that human trafficking is not a foreign problem, conversely it is a problem that is of great concern to Canadians that we need to confront. Approximately 17,000 people are living in human trafficking which its components are often described as modern slavery in Canada (Ally Global Foundation, n.d.). These numbers and incidents are not isolated, but are linked to various socioeconomic factors that affect all Canadians such as income, family and social support, and education. The interplay of these factors lay the foundation to make certain individuals more susceptible to harm and exploitation.

    Annually on February 22, Canada observes Human Trafficking Awareness Day to raise awareness of the severity of modern-day slavery in Canada and abroad. Human trafficking is defined as the profit or exploitation of another human being through “force, manipulation, or coercion” (Ally Global Foundation, n.d.). The control of another person’s movements is a key indicator of trafficking. Human trafficking is composed of two elements. The first is sexual exploitation which comprises 70% of human trafficking in Canada and 50% of human trafficking worldwide (Ally Global Foundation, n.d.). This form of trafficking involves recruiting, moving, or holding victims for sexual exploitation purposes. Recognizing the groups most affected by sexual exploitation allows for those groups to get the help needed. Ninety percent of identified sex trafficking victims are Canadian citizens (Ally Global Foundation, n.d.). Sex traffickers may coerce victims by force or through mental and emotional abuse. It is vital to recognize that sex trafficking is a gendered crime, and it disproportionately affects women and girls. Statistics Canada (The Daily, 2024) reported that 93% of victims of police-reported human trafficking were women and girls. Given the severity of this exploitation and the violence inflicted on these women, it is imperative that we invest in and find solutions to prevention for human trafficking against women and girls.

    The second element is forced labour or labour trafficking which is the use of coercion to force people to work beyond their will. This is the control and exploitation of a person for their labour or service, usually through force, threats, and/or deception. Migrant workers are most affected by forced labour (Ally Global Foundation, n.d.). Exploitation occurs most in the service industry such as restaurants and hotels, as well as construction sites. Workers are treated like expendable items that can be discarded and easily replaced. Labour trafficking occurs in two steps: first is recruitment which is the false promise of good jobs, education, or travel opportunities in exchange for work in Canada. However, these promises fall short, and these labourers are forced to work in unsafe and unacceptable working conditions for long hours for little to no pay (The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline, n.d.). In most cases, migrant workers are not educated about their rights in Canada, this creates a cycle of exploitation.

    Second is control and exploitation. Through physical and psychological control, traffickers exert their dominance via abuse, threats, debt bondage, document, and money confiscations. Labourers are further isolated and exploited due to language barriers and a lack of awareness of their rights in Canada. Recognising and understanding these forms of manipulation places us in a better position to protect our communities from those that are eager to exploit them.

    Human trafficking is a sensitive, but important topic to discuss and raise awareness about. The Canadian Government reports that these crimes target the most vulnerable and marginalized in our communities including Indigenous women and girls; migrants; 2SLGBTQI+ persons; and youth in the child welfare system (Public Safety Canada, 2025). The moral fortitude of a society is based on the treatment of its most vulnerable members. Thus, the measure of Edmontonians is based on how we treat those most susceptible to these heinous crimes. It is our responsibility as a community to ensure that all members of our society are safe, protected, and cared for. These vulnerable and marginalized groups deserve to feel safe in the communities they live in and be in control of their lives. Recognising human rights violations and emergency services once human trafficking takes place and is uncovered is not enough. Actions and preventive measures must take place for change to occur. We all must do our part to recognise human trafficking and advocate for change to do our part to end this exploitation.

     

    References

    Human Trafficking in Canada.
    https://ally.org/human-trafficking-in-canada/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAqrG9BhAVEiwAaPu5ziGSqaktVhOD2lvY89Ey8QMYFDCer4F1YltHAnY6cMh6-_x3KXl_BRoCzlAQAvD_BwE

    Public Safety Canada. About Human Trafficking. (2025).
    https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/cntrng-crm/hmn-trffckng/abt-hmn-trffckng-en.aspx

    Statistics Canada. The Daily: Trafficking in persons in Canada, 2023. (2024).
    https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/241101/dq241101a-eng.htm  

    What is labour trafficking?
    https://www.canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca/what-is-labour-trafficking/

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    1. Blog post: Black History Month – Rosa Parks: The Spark That Ignited a Movement

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      Written by Susanne Urbina

      Each February, Canadians celebrate Black History Month in recognition of the achievements, contributions and struggles of Black people in Canada and their communities.

      This year’s theme is “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations”. Throughout this month, we acknowledge the diversity of Black Canadians, Black leadership importance and the legacy being established for future Black generations. For over 400 years, Black Canadians have a been a part of our nation’s narrative.

      In 1604, Mathieu Da Costa was the first person of African heritage to arrive with French explorers to what is now Canada. He spoke 5 languages and was instrumental in communicating with the Mik’maq people encountered by the Europeans.

      During the mid-to-late 1700’s, most Africans brought to Canada’s east coast were enslaved by English or American settlers, although there were some free Black persons living in the area.

      Throughout the 1800’s, many Black communities were established across Canada because of war. Approximately 30,000Black people entered Canada by means of the Underground Railroad. This secret network of routes and hidden shelters allowed enslaved Africans to escape. Nova Scotia’s Black communities were also reinvigorated during and after the War of 1812.

      Slavery was abolished in most British colonies and Canada, in 1833 through the “Act on the Abolition of Slavery in the British Empire.”

      In 1879, many Black farming communities in the American mid-west who were experiencing inequality and fearing the rise in Ku Klux Klan lynchings, migrated to Alberta.

      After Confederation and moving into the 1900’s, more Black communities were founded as immigration policies were reformed. Our civil rights movement was initiated after Viola Desmond, a Halifax businesswoman, reacted to racism, like Rosa Parks’ story. Viola refused to move from her seat in a Roseland theatre, in a “whites-only” section.

      Further into the mid-century, the color barrier was broken in the National Hockey League (NHL) when Willie O’Ree from New Brunswick, was drafted to the Boston Bruins, the first Black player to play in the NHL. Our federal government saw the first Black Member of Parliament in the House of Commons, Lincoln Alexander, who was elected in 1968.

      Within the last couple of decades, we have seen Black activism and more intersectional identities emerge for racial justice and celebrations of Black history, Black resilience and Black presence in Canada. Serving as the Governor General of Canada from 2005 to 2010, Michaelle Jean’s appointment was historic, as the first Black person to hold this position in Canada. Honorable Greg Fergus was elected as the 38th speaker of the House of Commons, in 2023. These 21st century events are proof of the movement to acknowledge, preserve, and celebrate the diverse contributions of Black Canadians.

      The following article retells the Rosa Parks story. As we celebrate Black History Month, one can become more aware and understanding of this rich heritage through stories and events.

       

      Reference

      Government of Canada, (2025-01-31).
      https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month.html

      Rosa Parks: The Spark That Ignited a Movement

      Written by Shahina Hanif, ESPC volunteer

      What can a single woman do to change history? While there are few instances of revolutions being credited to women of color, Rosa Parks stands out as a pivotal figure. Her courageous act of refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man in segregated Montgomery, Alabama, in the mid-1950s, became a defining moment in the American civil rights movement, paving the way for the African American community (Badertscher, 2005).

      Her name resonates with the ideals of equality, justice, and freedom. On December 1st, 1955, Rosa Parks, refused to give her seat in the “colored” section of a city bus, at a white man’s command, when the seats in the “white only” section was filled up at (Badertscher, 2005). The bus driver had Parks arrested for “disorderly conduct” (Badertscher, 2005), which sent the African American community into a state of indignation.

      This act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a fundamental event that lasted over a year and led to a Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional (Badertscher, 2005). Rosa Parks’ bravery and the subsequent boycott galvanized the civil rights movement, inspiring countless individuals to stand up against racial injustice.

      Rosa Parks’ legacy is a testament to the power of individual action in the face of systemic oppression. Her story reminds us that one person’s courage can ignite a movement and bring about profound change. Today, her name continues to inspire those who fight for equality and justice, proving that the actions of a single person, regardless of their background, can indeed change the course of history.

      Upon reflection on Rosa Parks’ legacy, one is reminded of the power of individual courage, and the impact one person can have on the world. Her story inspires us to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. At a time when segregation laws were strictly enforced and racial discrimination was rampant, Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat was not just an act of defiance but a bold statement against an unjust system.

      Rosa Parks once said, “I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free, so other people would be also free” (Marie Claire, n.d.). Her words continue to resonate with those who fight for justice and equality. As we honor Rosa Parks’ legacy, let us also commit to standing up against injustice in our own communities.

      Rosa Park’s Day is celebrated in several states on February 4th, her birthday. Other states celebrate her on December 1st, which is the day she was arrested for her activism. Her story sets the tone for the month of February as we recognize “Black History” month.

      Rosa Parks’ legacy can inspire people in our city, Edmonton, to address and combat various forms of inequality. Here are some specific ways her story can resonate and motivate action within our community:

      • Rosa Parks’ defiance can inspire Edmontonians to address income inequality by advocating for fair wages, supporting marginalized businesses, and pushing for equitable economic policies (Edmonton Social Planning Council, 2020).
      • Her courage reminds us to stand up for Indigenous rights by promoting culture, advocating for better access to services, and addressing systemic issues like over-policing (CBC News, 2021).
      • Parks’ legacy highlights the need to challenge racial discrimination through anti-racism training, supporting inclusive policies, and speaking out against microaggressions (Edmonton Social Planning Council, 2020).
      • Inspired by Parks, Edmontonians can volunteer, join advocacy groups, and engage with local government to address inequality (CBC News, 2021).
      • Her story encourages education on inequality, reading works by Black and Indigenous authors, and promoting awareness through community events (Edmonton Social Planning Council, 2020).

       

      By drawing inspiration from Rosa Parks’ bravery and commitment to justice, individuals in Edmonton can take meaningful actions to address and reduce inequality in their own community. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder that even small acts of courage can lead to significant change.

      Rosa Parks, seated on the bus where her act of defiance became a symbol of resistance and change. Image from, “Rosa Parks” by Britannica https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rosa-Parks

      Rosa Parks, seated on the bus where her act of defiance became a symbol of resistance and change. Image from, “Rosa Parks” by Britannica https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rosa-Parks

      References

      Badertscher, E. (2005). Rosa Parks. Great Neck Publishing.

      Britannica. (n.d.). Rosa Parks. In Britannica. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from
      https://www.britannica.com/event/Montgomery-bus-boycott

      CBC News. (2021, April 7). Edmonton city council votes to reallocate police funding to community safety programs. CBC News. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from
      https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/city-council-policing-1.5971499

      Edmonton Social Planning Council. (2020, June 5). Statement on the impact of systemic racism on income inequality and low-income households in Edmonton. Edmonton Social Planning Council. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from
      https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/2020/06/05/statement-on-the-impact-of-systemic-racism-on-income-inequality-and-low-income-households-in-edmonton/

      Marie Claire. (n.d.). Remembering Rosa Parks: 8 Of Her Most Inspiring Quotes. Marie Claire. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/remembering-rosa-parks-her-most-inspiring-quotes-29143

       

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      1. Edmonton’s Living Wage 2024

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        Executive Summary

        A living wage is rooted in the belief that individuals and families should not just survive, but live with dignity and participate in their community. Differing from the minimum wage, a living wage carefully considers common expenses people pay to live and the wage necessary to cover these expenses for themselves and/or their families and to reach basic financial security.

        It is a calculation of the hourly rate at which a household can meet a modest standard of living, once government transfers have been added to the household’s income and deductions have been subtracted.

        In 2024, the living wage is $20.85, a decrease of $1.40 from the previous year.

        While inflation has increased significantly over the past year, expenses for the living wage reference families have gone down. The largest decreases this year were seen in clothing and footwear, due to changes in shopping patterns, and childcare, due to the gradual implementation of $10/day childcare. At the same time, the reference living wage families saw an increase in government benefits they are eligible for. These trends worked together to lower the living wage.

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        Click on image to view online.

        [/et_pb_code][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][automatic_youtube_gallery type=”video” video=”HGq47C6CZ3E” pagination_type=”more” autoplay=”0″][/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/630-Ched-Jlyn-Nye-Graphic-150×150.png” title_text=”630 Ched Jlyn Nye Graphic” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-report-suggests-albertas-living-wage-is-higher/id970538446?i=1000586494966″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

        New report suggests Alberta’s living wage is higher than the minimum wage

        630 CHED Afternoons with J’lyn Nye

        Guest: Susan Morrissey, Executive Director, Edmonton Social Planning Council

        [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
      2. Blog post: Restorative Justice: The Journey to Healing

        [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”||3px|||” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/COLOUR-BLOCKS_spaced-300×51.png” title_text=”COLOUR BLOCKS_spaced” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” max_height=”75px” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”10px|0px|20px|0px|false|false” global_module=”96648″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”30px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#2b303a” custom_padding=”||32px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9kYXRlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJkYXRlX2Zvcm1hdCI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJjdXN0b21fZGF0ZV9mb3JtYXQiOiIifX0=@[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ text_text_color=”#2b303a” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008ac1″ header_2_font_size=”24px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

        Written by Ugoeze Uchegbu-Okoroh, ESPC volunteer

        Healing is never a linear process; it is often long and arduous. In the interest of justice, the harm caused from committing crime against a person should not go unaddressed under any circumstance. Restorative justice focuses on repairing the damage caused, charting a course for healing. A successful restorative justice practice is one that is victim-centred, always striving to meet the needs of victims and survivors. As opposed to the idea that it is an easy way for an offender to escape the consequences of their actions, this form of justice places heavy reliance on the offender taking responsibility for the harm done, and with the participation of the victim, moving towards reparation (Latimer & Kleinknecht, 2000).

        Even though there are varying views on the application of restorative justice, the programs in Canada have been successful. According to the Department of Justice Canada, offenders in these programs are more likely to follow through on negotiated restitution agreements than comply with court-ordered restitution (Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime, 2022).

        In a booklet released by Alberta in 2007, the three common restorative justice models based on needs are: the family group conferencing, circles, and victim-offender mediation. The model to be used is determined by the need, the crime, and the individuals involved (Alberta Government, 2007).

        Restorative justice is often utilised outside of the criminal justice system. However, Canada has taken some steps to include it within the framework of the formal justice system. An example is in section 717 of the Criminal Code that states the diversion of matters away from the formal criminal justice system is done using alternative measures and when the referral is not inconsistent with the protection of society. The alternative measures include a written acknowledgement of responsibility, an acceptance of the facts surrounding the offence, and voluntary consent of the accused, the person who has been harmed as well as any community and personal supports (Hon. Brown, 2022). On the issue of sentencing, section 718 of the Criminal Code further outlines sentencing objectives to be consistent with a restorative justice approach. “The Principles and Guidelines for Restorative Justice Practice in Criminal Matters” which is based on the “UN’s Basic Principles on the Use of Restorative Justice Programmes in Criminal Matters”, emphasizes Canada’s commitment to implementing the “UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People” (Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat, 2018). Alberta’s support of restorative justice initiatives includes providing grants to non-profits and communities.

        Prior to the official recognition of restorative justice in Canada, Indigenous communities as well as faith-based groups had informally utilized these practices to resolve disputes. In a report by the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime, the Mennonites were one of the earliest faith communities to pioneer restorative justice, based on their belief in the bible and mending relationships with God and one another. Within Indigenous cultures, “Talking circles” are used to express emotions and foster reconciliation among community members with a view to promoting peace. It is through this avenue that Indigenous practices and traditions are sustained.  For example, in First Nation communities under the Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation (NALSC) In Northern Ontario, the restorative justice process involves a traditional circle, where an agreement is made for the offender to do something to repair the harm. If the offender does not violate the terms of the agreement, the matter is closed but if the offender violates any of the terms, it is referred to the court to proceed accordingly. In 2022, in response to understanding Indigenous history, culture and laws as well as, following consultation with stakeholders, the Indigenous Justice Strategy was created. This gave rise to the Edmonton Indigenous Court as well where justice programs in the province, help address the problem of over representation of Indigenous people in the justice system and lack of a system suited to Indigenous cultures and needs (Alberta Court of Justice, 2024). Prior to this in 2019, the Calgary Indigenous Court was created where both courts include an Indigenous healing plan in probation orders. According to a CBC news article (Huncar, 2022), the released strategy also disclosed a possibility for legislation to support restorative justice in the province but there has been no update on this.

        Even with the growing awareness and use of restorative justice practices, there are some concerns that have been expressed about its application to violent crimes. For example, some have argued that restorative justice should not be used in gender-based violence cases. While it has been largely agreed that restorative justice offers more options to victims and survivors than the formal justice system does, there is a lack of proper guidelines for its application in gender-based crimes. According to the Alberta Courts’ Restorative Justice Pilot Project Framework (Hon. Brown, 2022) addressing restorative justice for gender-based and sexual crimes, Alberta is unable to currently handle referrals for these kinds of crimes due to public safety considerations, risk assessment criteria, and lack of specialized service providers.

        To celebrate this year’s National Restorative Justice Week from November 17-23 (European Forum for Restorative Justice, 2024), the International Institute for Restorative Practices will host the first in-person symposium in Ottawa on November 18 and 19, 2024. The public are encouraged to raise awareness by hosting dialogues, engaging with Indigenous and spiritual leaders, amongst others. The success of these programs is largely dependent on ensuring that it is suited to the needs of the participants involved. In the coming years, a great marker of success in this area will be the emergence of direct legislation to support the practice as well as increase in the number of skilled facilitators. It is important to note that restorative justice models are not punitive in nature but are more concerned with fixing the harm.

        References

        1. Department of Justice Canada. Jeff Latimer, & Steven Kleinknect. (2000). The Effects of the Restorative Justice Programming: A Review of the Empirical. Government of Canada. https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/csj-sjc/jsp-sjp/rr00_16/toc-tdm.html

        2. Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime. (2022). Restorative Justice in Canada: What Victims Should Know

        3. Alberta Government. (2007). Restorative Justice: What makes a safe community.

        4.Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat. (2018) https://scics.ca/en/product-produit/principles-and-guidelines-for-restorative-justice-practice-in-criminal-matters-2018/

        5. Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation. (n.d.) https://nanlegal.on.ca/restorative-justice/

        6.Alberta Court of Justice. (n.d.) Indigenous Justice Strategy. https://albertacourts.ca/cj/about-the-court/court-of-justice/indigenous-justice-strategy

        7. CBC News. (2022) Andrea Huncar. Alberta considers legislation for upcoming provincewide restorative justice program
        https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-restorative-justice-bigstone-ifsaa-1.6681456#:~:text=One%20Alberta%20community%20leading%20the,Lake%2C%20Big%20Lakes%20and%20Edmonton.

        8. Provincial Court of Alberta. (2022) Honourable Beverley Browne. Alberta Courts’ Restorative Justice Pilot Project Framework.

        9. European Forum for Restorative Justice
        https://www.euforumrj.org/RJWeek

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        1. Blog post: World Mental Health Day – Is our current approach working hard or hardly working?

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          Written by Harman Khinda, ESPC volunteer

           

          World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10th, with this year’s theme focused on “workplace mental health”. Our world’s workforce is 60% of the global population, therefore urgent action is needed to ensure work limits risks to mental health and protects and supports mental health at work.1 Mental health is a public health and certain strategies at both the macro and micro-levels can create positive impacts through increases in access to services, creating space for open dialogue, and prioritization of preventative measures. Safe, healthy working environments can act as a protective factor for mental health and improve the overall quality of life and participation at work.1 It will take the collective efforts of leaders across a variety of sectors, in addition to meaningful engagement with workers and a commitment through funding, resources and a cultural shift to enact effective evidence-based approaches and interventions at work to promote a healthier work-life balance.

          Advancements in Publicly Funded Services in Canada

          The Government of Canada launched the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline on November 30, 2023. This service uses collaborative and person-centred approaches with a minimally intrusive intake process to prioritize user welfare. The service is available 24 hours-a-day via phone or text and provides bilingual, trauma-informed and culturally appropriate support from trained responders connected to local mental health organizations.4 The federal government provided $156 million over three years to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to implement and operate the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline. Suicide continues to be a serious public health issue impacting people of all ages and backgrounds. Invariably, an estimated 15% of working-age adults have a mental disorder at any point in time. Depression and anxiety are estimated to cost the global economy US $1 trillion each year driven predominantly by lost productivity. People living with severe mental health conditions are largely excluded from work despite participation in economic activities being important for recovery.5

          The Importance of Public Health

          The global pandemic in recent years further exacerbated on-going issues in the healthcare system including underfunding, limited resources, rampant misinformation, and siloed approaches to healthcare delivery in existing primary care and public health systems. Access to, maintenance of, and continual development of robust primary care and public health efforts are the foundation of a healthy society. The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) defines public health as the organized effort of society to keep people healthy and prevent injury, illness and premature death. It is a combination of programs, services and policies that protect and promote the health of all Canadians.2 The World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines on Mental Health at Work provides evidence-based recommendations to promote mental health, prevent mental health conditions, and enable people living with mental health conditions to participate and thrive in work. The recommendations can generally be organized into two categories – organizational interventions and individual interventions.

          Organizational interventions can reshape working conditions and nurture a more friendly work culture. Some examples of this include reasonable accommodations, return-to-work programs and policies in place to prevent discrimination and poor working conditions. These measures can foster stability, job satisfaction and improved mental health. In addition, practices such as regular check-in meetings, frequent breaks, gradually reintroducing workers to tasks, as well as training managers to support mental health, all promote a nurturing workplace. Collaboration among governments, employers, and organizations must work together to create policies that prevent mental health risks, promote well-being, and build supportive workplaces which prioritize mental health and well-being. Individual interventions protect and promote mental health at work through training and can focus on mental health literacy, strengthening skills to recognize mental health conditions at work, and empowering workers to seek support. Stigma and discrimination often prevent people with mental health conditions from seeking help. Reducing workplace discrimination through awareness, training, and engagement with people living with mental health conditions creates healthier, more inclusive work environments​.

          Calls to Action

          Health is a key factor in building a socially cohesive society and we must commit to strengthening the health of the community. A call to action – visit the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) website for resources and support. If you are thinking about suicide, or worried about someone else thinking about suicide, call or text 988 for suicide prevention support. #WorldMentalHealthDay

           

           

          In-Text Citation Sources (APA Format)

          1. World Health Organization. (n.d.-a). World Mental Health day 2024. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2024
          2. What is public health? | Canadian Public Health Association. (n.d.). Www.cpha.ca. https://www.cpha.ca/what-public-health
          3. World Health Organization. (n.d.-a). Guidelines on mental health at work. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240053052
          4. Sayani, F. (2023, December 5). 988 launches in Canada. Mental Health Commission of Canada. https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/catalyst/988-launches-in-canada/
          5. World Health Organization. (n.d.-b). Mental health at work: Policy brief. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240057944

           

          Sources

          Canada, P. H. A. of. (2023, November 30). Government of canada launches three-Digit Suicide Crisis Helpline. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2023/11/government-of-canada-launches-three-digit-suicide-crisis-helpline.html

          Canadian Mental Health Association – National L A Mental Health Charity. CMHA National. (2024b, October 7). https://cmha.ca/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpP63BhDYARIsAOQkATZjJMT2OFqK2UFr-NV9LuD_plnaqzsuTc7XXXkdfhYXwtwwbv6i_zoaAkjBEALw_wcB

          Sayani, F. (2023, December 5). 988 launches in Canada. Mental Health Commission of Canada. https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/catalyst/988-launches-in-canada/

          What is public health? | Canadian Public Health Association. (n.d.). Www.cpha.ca. https://www.cpha.ca/what-public-health

          World Health Organization. (n.d.-a). Guidelines on mental health at work. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240053052

          World Health Organization. (n.d.-b). Mental health at work: Policy brief. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240057944

          World Health Organization. (n.d.-a). World Mental Health day 2024. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2024

          World Health Organization. (n.d.). World Mental Health Day. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day

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