Edmonton Social Planning Council

Category: Blog: Housing

  • Blog: Housing Concerns and the Need for Indigenous-led Housing Initiatives 

    [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=”4.18.0″ 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” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    This blog takes a critical look at how colonization continues to impact housing access for Indigenous Peoples and how Indigenous-led housing initiatives are one way to contribute to de-colonization and reconciliation.

    By Jordan Clark Marcichiw (Mar-see-shoe), ESPC Volunteer

     

    Housing remains a significant issue for First Nation, Metis, and Inuit Peoples (hereafter referred to as Indigenous Peoples) in Canada.  Studies report Indigenous Peoples are eight times more likely to experience homelessness than non-Indigenous Peoples, regardless of whether they reside in urban or rural settings. (1)  Mainstream definitions of homelessness include any individual or group’s situation where they are without “stable, safe, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it” (2) and is caused by several structural and systemic factors, such as poverty, racism, and housing shortages, as well as personal circumstances. (3)  This definition largely reflects a Western, settler perspective.  In the context of discussing Indigenous homelessness, it is important to consider the definition of homelessness from an Indigenous worldview:  

    “Unlike the common colonialist definition of homelessness, Indigenous homelessness is not defined as lacking a structure of habitation; rather, it is more fully described and understood through a composite lens of Indigenous worldviews. These include: individuals, families and communities isolated from their relationships to land, water, place, family, kin, each other, animals, cultures, languages and identities. Importantly, Indigenous people experiencing these kinds of homelessness cannot culturally, spiritually, emotionally or physically reconnect with their Indigeneity or lost relationships” (4). 

    Why do we need Indigenous-led Housing Initiatives? 

    Despite the immense impact this issue has on Indigenous Peoples in Canada, there remains a lack of resources and strategies informed and led by Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous ways of knowing. (1)  Policies informed by colonization remain prevalent today, thus worsening the experiences of the housing crisis for Indigenous Peoples.  For example, policies that deem traditional family housing as being inadequate and “overcrowded” lead to the apprehension of children by child welfare agencies (5), which may increase a child’s likelihood of later experiencing homelessness. (6) In order to respectfully and appropriately respond to housing challenges in Indigenous populations, the overall strategy needs to be reflective of Indigenous priorities and ways of knowing.  Pairing culturally appropriate supports with housing allows for wrap-around services that address key needs identified by Indigenous Peoples (for example, intergenerational trauma), and is a key step towards decolonization. (7)   

    “Decolonization is about ‘cultural, psychological, and economic freedom’ for Indigenous Peoples with the goal of achieving Indigenous sovereignty — the right and ability of Indigenous Peoples to practice self-determination over their land, cultures, and political and economic systems. Colonialism is a historical and ongoing global project where settlers continue to occupy land, dictate social, political, and economic systems, and exploit Indigenous Peoples and their resources” (8). 

    Indigenous-led Housing Initiatives in Edmonton 

    There are a variety of Indigenous-led initiatives in Edmonton, including: Native Counselling Services of Alberta, NiGiNan Housing Ventures, Metis Capital Housing, Ben Calf Robe Society, and Bent Arrow.  Despite this, more work needs to be done to better respond to the needs of Indigenous Peoples in our City.  In early 2021, the City of Edmonton Council called for a research project to inform an Indigenous Affordable Housing Strategy in Edmonton.  (9) Throughout the project, recommendations offered by Indigenous stakeholders in Edmonton include increasing sustainable funding, ensuring Indigenous-specific housing data is available to program developers, and creating an Indigenous community-based organization focused on housing.  Additionally, stakeholders asked for more collaboration and improved partnerships with the government, industry, and other housing developers.  Importantly, a key piece of collaboration was identified to include the diversity of Indigenous Peoples (including those represented by existing Indigenous bodies, as well as those not already represented). This diversity is an essential component in highlighting the ways Indigenous Peoples understand housing, as well as understanding their unique needs such as addressing racism in the housing market.  More highlights and recommendations identified in the project can be found here.   

    What can I do? 

    • Listen and Learn – Seek the stories and lived experiences of the Indigenous population.  Familiarize yourself with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls for action. (10)    
    • Support – Become aware of existing Indigenous-led housing initiatives. Familiarize yourself with proposed Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing strategies (11) and the recommendations they offer. (7, 9)    
    • Advocate – Query existing housing initiatives on how they can further decenter colonial policies, attitudes, and perspectives.  Hold them accountable to decolonize the housing landscape and encourage funders to support Indigenous-led initiatives.  

    Did You Enjoy this Blog? Please provide us feedback here

     

    Jordan Clark Marcichiw (she/her) is a volunteer with Edmonton Social Planning Council  is a social worker who is passionate about spreading knowledge and advocating for systems change for the betterment of all individuals. Her personal interests include hiking, kayaking, skiing, playing slopitch, reading, and adventuring with her pup. 

     

    To enjoy more of our blog posts or to learn more about Edmonton Social Planning Council please follow us on social media @edmontonspc  

     

    References 

    (1) Thistle, J. & Smylie, J.  (2020, March 9).  Pekiwewin (coming home): advancing good relations with Indigenous people experiencing homelessness.  Canadian Medical Association Journal (192)10, E257-E259. https://www.cmaj.ca/content/cmaj/192/10/E257.full.pdf   

    (2)  Gaetz, S., Barr, C., Friesen, A., Harris, B., Hill, C., Kovacs-Burns, K., Pauly, B., Pearce, B., Turner, A., & Marsolais, A. (2012).  Canadian Definition of Homelessness.  Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press.  https://www.homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/COHhomelessdefinition.pdf  

    (3)  Homeless Hub.  (n.d.).  Causes of Homelessness.  https://www.homelesshub.ca/about-homelessness/homelessness-101/causes-homelessness 

    (4) Thistle, J.  (2017).  Definition of Indigenous homelessness in Canada.  Homeless Hub.  https://www.homelesshub.ca/IndigenousHomelessness  

    (5)  Lafferty, K. (2022, July 13).  The need for Indigenous-led housing.  Policy Options.  https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/july-2022/indigenous-housing-need/  

    (6) Serge, L., Eberle, M., Goldbeg, M., Sullivan, S., & Dudding, P.  (2002, December).  Pilot study the child welfare system and homelessness among Canadian youth.  National Homelessness Initiative.  https://www.homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/attachments/Pilot_Study_The_Child_Welfare_System_and_Homelessness.pdf  

    (7) Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.  (2022, May 10).  Urban, rural, and northern Indigenous housing.  https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/professionals/housing-markets-data-and-research/housing-research/research-reports/housing-needs/research-insight-urban-rural-northern-indigenous-housing    

    (8)  Belfi, E. & Sandiford, N. (2021). Decolonization series part 1: exploring decolonization. In S. Brandauer and E. Hartman (Eds.). Interdependence: Global Solidarity and Local Actions. The Community-based Global Learning Collaborative. http://globalsolidaritylocalaction.sites.haverford.edu/what-is-decolonization-why-is-it-important/  

    (9)  Sokoluk, L. & Hannley, L.  (2022, May 18).  Prioritizing and incentivising the development of Indigenous-led affordable housing in Edmonton.  https://pub-edmonton.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=158480  

    (10) Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.  (2012).  Truth and reconciliation commission of Canada: Calls to action.  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/calls_to_action_english2.pdf  

    (11)  The Canadian Housing and Renewal Association.  (2020, November).  An Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy for Canada.  https://www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Committee/432/HUMA/Brief/BR11000896/br-external/CanadianHousingAndRenewalAssociation-e.pdf  

     

                                [/et_pb_text][dmpro_button_grid _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/dmpro_button_grid][dmpro_image_hotspot _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/dmpro_image_hotspot][/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_audio audio=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IndigenousLed_Housing_Jordan_newMP3.mp3″ title=”Listen to the Article” album_name=”Audio Recording” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_audio][et_pb_button button_url=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IndigenousLed_Housing_Jordan_newMP3.mp3″ url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Download the Audio Recording Here” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#A6C942″ button_border_color=”#A6C942″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

                              1. Blog: Barriers to Shelter Use

                                [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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9kYXRlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJkYXRlX2Zvcm1hdCI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJjdXN0b21fZGF0ZV9mb3JtYXQiOiIifX0=@[/et_pb_text][et_pb_audio audio=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Barriers_Shelter_Use_Ankur.mp3″ title=”Listen to the Article” album_name=”Audio Recording” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Barriers_Shelter_Use_Ankur” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_audio][et_pb_button button_url=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Barriers_Shelter_Use_Ankur.mp3″ url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Download the Audio Recording Here” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#A6C942″ button_border_color=”#A6C942″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ 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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

                                The blog “Barriers to shelter use”, written after some thorough research, intends to explore the barriers that the unhoused population experiences and the challenges they encounter at many levels while trying to access emergency shelter and housing services in Edmonton. 

                                By Ankur Subedi, ESPC Volunteer

                                 

                                Homeless populations are one of the most affected demographics across the province. There has been a significant increase in people experiencing homelessness. It is estimated that approximately 700 to 800 people sleep outside on any given night, and there are 2800 people in Edmonton with no permanent address (CBC, 2022). Providing them with emergency shelters is an appropriate intervention to meet their physical and psychological needs and assist them in developing the skills needed to live independently and transitioning them back into the community.  

                                Alberta recently announced an investment of $21.5 million for emergency and homeless shelters (CBC, 2021). While the intent of this action is humane and commendable; the shortage of emergency shelters is another reality. This shortage leads to overcrowding, which creates unhealthy, unsanitary, and even dangerous conditions in some shelters and facilitates the possible transmission of communicable diseases and pests (Rankin and Skinner, 2016). Living in such conditions can discourage members of the homeless population from seeking shelters (Rankin and Skinner). Other barriers include the rules and restrictions that shelters have in place which can make services inaccessible to those in need; and involve restrictions on people’s autonomy and independence (Rankin and Skinner, 2016). Another example of a barrier is that most shelters are restricted to either single males or single females. Families, youth, couples, and transgendered individuals, consequently, are automatically excluded from most shelters (Rankin and Skinner, 2016). Their feeling of exclusion can result in chronic and episodic homelessness throughout their lifetime, and they are likely to face more barriers and complex challenges involving physical and mental health, addictions, and violence that further result in long-term and ongoing homelessness (City of Edmonton, n.d.). 

                                Although identified as an area of need for homeless populations, it is not always easy to access these emergency shelters. Mack and Wismark (2021) highlight an important fact about the homeless population and their inability to access emergency shelters and social services because most of the population trying to access the services do not have permanent addresses. Their barriers to being housed only increase, leaving them with fewer options, limited choices, and substantial obstacles to overcome. The homeless community is treated discriminatorily as criminalized intruders, so it has only increased their barriers to housing and shelter use, which makes them more vulnerable to abuse and harm (Mack and Wismark, 2021). Further research and findings indicate that structural barriers faced by the homeless population include inadequate homeless resources, employment challenges, discrimination by law enforcement, hot climate, lack of transportation, and legal concerns (Ferguson and Sample, 2019). Situational barriers include interpersonal relationships, the street environment, and lack of personal resources whereas intrapersonal barriers include behavioral, mental, and physical health challenges, reluctance to reach out for help, money management, and lack of desire for stable housing (Ferguson and Sample, 2019).  

                                It will be interesting to observe how the $21.5 million will be utilized to ease and address capacity issues at the shelters. As the province has recognized the need for financial assistance, the hope is that it will help mitigate at least some of the barriers to shelter use for the vulnerable community. 

                                 

                                Did You Enjoy this Blog? Please provide us feedback here

                                 

                                Ankur Subedi is a Social Work student at the University of Calgary. Having completed the Social Work Diploma from Norquest College, Ankur comes with a diverse background in community involvement, and is presently working towards her Registered Social Worker designation. Ankur recently connected with ESPC to give back to the community. 

                                 

                                 

                                 

                                REFERENCES 

                                1. CBC Radio Canada. (2022, April 23). Number of homeless people in Edmonton expected to grow, City Report says | CBC News. CBCnews. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/number-of-homeless-people-in-edmonton-expected-to-grow-city-report-says-1.6428680
                                2. CBC Radio Canada. (2021, November 17). Alberta announces $21.5 million to help homeless, domestic violence shelters this winter | CBC News. CBCnews. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/jason-kenney-homeless-domestic-violence-covid-alta-1.6252130
                                3. Ferguson K. M. & Sample, K. (2019). It shouldn’t be this hard: Systemic, situational, and intrapersonal barriers to exiting homelessness among homeless young adults. The Homeless Hub. Retrieved from https://www.homelesshub.ca/resource/it-shouldn%E2%80%99t-be-hard%C2%A0systemic-situational-and-intrapersonal-barriers-exiting-homelessness
                                4. Mack, C. & Wismark, J. (2021, November 19). Opinion: Homelessness in Alberta is a public health emergency. Edmonton Journal. Retrieved from https://edmontonjournal.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-homelessness-in-alberta-is-a-public-health-emergency
                                5. Rankin, K.S. & Skinner, S. (2016). SHUT OUT: How Barriers Often Prevent Meaningful Access to Emergency Shelter. Seattle U School of Law. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.law.seattleu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1004&context=hrap.
                                6. The City of Edmonton. (n.d.). Current State of Homeless in Edmonton. Retrieved from http://endhomelessnessyeg.ca/current-state-homelessness-edmonton/ 

                                 

                                [/et_pb_text][dmpro_button_grid _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/dmpro_button_grid][dmpro_image_hotspot _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/dmpro_image_hotspot][/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=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9jYXRlZ29yaWVzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiUmVsYXRlZCBjYXRlZ29yaWVzOiAgIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJsaW5rX3RvX3Rlcm1fcGFnZSI6Im9uIiwic2VwYXJhdG9yIjoiIHwgIiwiY2F0ZWdvcnlfdHlwZSI6ImNhdGVnb3J5In19@[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

                              2. Blog: Why Not Both: Albertans Struggling to Afford Housing and Food

                                [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_audio audio=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Food_Housing_Carrie.mp3″ title=”Listen to the Article” album_name=”Audio Recording” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_audio][et_pb_button button_url=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Food_Housing_Carrie.mp3″ url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Download the Audio Recording Here” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#A6C942″ button_border_color=”#A6C942″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ 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″]

                                The Alberta government has recently recorded the largest surpluses in history, yet many people across the province struggle to afford life’s necessities. Learn why some Edmontonians have to make tough choices for their households and why the food bank is busier than ever.

                                By Carrie Cyre, ESPC Volunteer

                                 

                                Alberta has continually been an economically strong province, often topping the list of the highest wages among the provinces. For example, in 2021, the average two-worker family income in Alberta was almost $100 000, and over 15% of working Albertans earn more than $100 000 per year (Siever, 2020; Statistics Canada, 2022).  

                                [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/1.jpg” title_text=”1″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ 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” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]

                                (data from Statistics Canada 2022) 

                                 However, many Albertans live in poverty. Alberta has the highest income gap between the highest and lowest earners in Canada (excluding the territories) (Statistics Canada, 2022). In 2022 over 400,000 Albertans will live in poverty, including about 160,000 children (Sheloff et al., 2022). Those living in poverty may be unemployed, experiencing homelessness, relying on social assistance as the primary source of income, or employed. For example, 25,000 Edmontonians rely on the Assured Income for the Severely Disabled (AISH), which provides a maximum income of $1685.00, well below the average or even minimum wage (Government of Alberta, 2022). 

                                [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2.jpg” title_text=”2″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ 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” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]

                                (data from Edmonton Community Foundation, 2020; Government of Alberta, 2021) 

                                Nearly 12% of Edmontonians earn minimum wage (Government of Alberta, 2021). Minimum wage earners are at all ages and career stages, including students, single parents, and seniors. Almost 60% of minimum wage earners in Edmonton are women (Edmonton Community Foundation, 2021). The current minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 an hour, last raised in 2018 (Government of Alberta, 2021). According to Living Wage Alberta, a minimum wage of at least $18.00 an hour would support individuals living a dignified, healthy, and secure life (Alberta Living Wage Network, 2021).  

                                [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/3.jpg” title_text=”3″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ 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” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]

                                The Cost of Food  

                                Alberta recently made the news for having the highest food insecurity in the nation (excluding the territories) (Smith, 2022). Food insecurity occurs when a family or household lacks regular access to safe and nutritious food (APCCP, 2017). In addition, food insecurity may be due to the unavailability of food, such as in a famine, or the lack of resources (usually money) to purchase sufficient, healthy food (Proof, 2021).  

                                [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/4.jpg” title_text=”4″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ 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” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]

                                (data from Dalhousie University et al, 2022) 

                                Food prices in Alberta are some of the highest in Canada, and many families are feeling the strain. By June 2022, food prices in Alberta have increased by up to 7%, especially for fruits, vegetables, and dairy products (Dalhousie University et al., 2022). The increased cost of food has affected the cost of groceries and eating at restaurants. Some families have reported cutting back on eating out, as well as cutting intake of fruit and vegetables to save money (Harris, 2022). 

                                As a result, the Edmonton Food Bank has seen a 196% demand increase from June 2020 to June 2022 (Panza-Beltrandi, 2022). In addition, individuals from all demographics use the food bank, including working people, students, those who experience homelessness, older adults, single parents, and families with children (Middleton et al., 2019). Finally, one group that has been increasing access to the food bank is single adults who live alone, indicating that their income from salary or government benefits is insufficient to support a place to live and a healthy diet (Ogston, 2022). Unfortunately, the food bank, meant for short-term emergency relief, is becoming a regular food source for some low-income people (Middleton et al., 2018). 

                                The Cost of Housing 

                                For many Canadians, the most significant monthly bill is rent or mortgage payments. Housing in Canada is one of the most expensive markets worldwide (Morel, 2022). While homeownership rates have been consistent, home ownership is much lower in young Canadians, Indigenous persons and racialized Canadians (CHHC, 2021; Morel, 2022). For example, in 2016, persons under the age of 65 were less likely to own their homes than a similar group ten years earlier (Statistics Canada, 2021). Canadians have doubled their mortgage debt since 2016 due to rising housing costs (Uppal, 2019). In addition, rent has gone up considerably in the last ten years. In 2022, the average rent for a one-bedroom in Edmonton is over $1050.00 a month, and for a three-bedroom, almost $1600.00 a month (Springer, 2022).  

                                [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/5.jpg” title_text=”5″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ 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” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]

                                Conclusion 

                                Both the right to food and housing are part of the UN Universal Human Rights (UN, 2022).  

                                However, Canada has yet to make these rights part of the Canadian Constitution. In 2019, Canada launched its first-ever Food Policy with funding of $134 million (Government of Canada, 2021). Canada also has deployed a Housing Strategy that aims to build more housing, more affordable housing, and reduce chronic homelessness (Government of Canada, 2017). However, critics argue that neither of these policies has had much effect, and the price of food and housing is higher than ever (Caron et al., 2022; Proof, 2018). Instead, policy should focus on increasing the income of Canadian households to help them bear the changes in housing and food costs, specifically through increased minimum wages and social support benefits  (Proof, 2018; Key & Ford-Jones, 2015).  

                                Ensuring safe and sufficient housing and food is essential for a healthy life and can save the Canadian health care system millions in the future (APCCP, 2016). Appropriate housing and food are essential values of life in Canada. However, many households and families living on government assistance, disability assistance, or even working full time find they cannot afford both. So why should Canadian families be forced to make tough choices between having a place to live or eating healthy food in the wealthiest province in one of the most prosperous nations in the world? 

                                Did You Enjoy this Blog? Please provide us feedback here 

                                 

                                Carrie Cyre is a public health student and currently working on her master’s degree. She has been volunteering in her community for over a decade, including the UncoverOliver Working Group. When she isn’t studying or volunteering, Carrie loves travel (pre- and hopefully post-COVID), coffee, and enjoying nature. 

                                References 

                                1. Alberta Living Wage Network. (2021). News Release. Alberta Living Wage Network. https://livingwagealberta.ca/2021/11/01/alberta-living-wage-network-launches/ 
                                2. APCCP. (2017). Action on Household Food Insecurity. Alberta Policy Coalition for Chronic  Disease Prevention (APCCP). https://abpolicycoalitionforprevention.ca/take-action/
                                3. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. (2021). Housing Market Information Portal.  https://www03.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/hmip-pimh/en/TableMapChart/Table?TableId=2.2.11&GeographyId=48&GeographyTypeId=2&DisplayAs=Table& GeograghyName=Alberta
                                4. Caron, N., Plunkett-Latimer, J. (2022). Canadian Income Survey: Food insecurity and unmet health care needs, 2018 and 2019. Statistics Canada; https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75f0002m/75f0002m2021009-eng.htm
                                5. CHHC. (2021). Homeownership Rate by Race. Research Insight. https://assets.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/sites/cmhc/professional/housing-markets-data -and-research/housing-research/research-reports/housing-finance/research -insights/2021/homeownership-rate-varies-significantly-race-en.pdf? rev=af9ae04d-00bd-43ce-8619-d5e5d4a37444
                                6. Dalhousie University, University Of Guelph, University Of Saskatchewan, & University Of British Columbia (2022). Canada’s Food Price Report 12th Edition. https://cdn.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sites/agri-food /Food%20Price%20Report%20-%20EN%202022.pdf
                                7. Edmonton Community Foundation. (2021). A primer on Income and the cost of living in Edmonton. https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/FINAL- 2021A-primer-on-Income-cost-of-living-in-Edmonton.pdf
                                8. Gibson, C. (2022). Alberta has the highest food insecurity rate among Canadian provinces: Report. Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/9079245/alberta-food-insecurity-highest-canada-report/
                                9. Government of Alberta. (2022). AISH Policy Manual: AISH Program Policy http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/AWOnline/AISH/7242.html
                                10. Government of Alberta. (2021). Alberta Minimum Wage Profile. https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/3027b65e-16f4-4442-bfa4-0ea73a73ec49/resource/307f3223-bd7f-49bc-86aa-e09c23aba01c/download/lbr-alberta-minimum-wage-profile-2019-10-2020-09.pdf
                                11. Government of Canada. (2021). The Food Policy for Canada. Agriculture. https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/about-our-department/key-departmental-initiatives/food-policy/food-policy-canada
                                12. Government of Canada. (2017). Canada’s National Housing Strategy. https://eppdscrmssa01.blob.core.windows.net/cmhcprodcontainer/sf/project/placetocallhome/pdfs/canada-national-housing-strategy.pdf
                                13. Harris, R. (2022). People are cutting back on fresh produce as prices rise: Study. Canadian Grocer. https://canadiangrocer.com/people-are-cutting-back-fresh-produce-prices-rise-study
                                14. Ke, J., & Ford-Jones, E.L. (2015). Food insecurity and hunger: A review of the effects on children’s health and behaviour. Paediatrics & Child Health, 20(2), 89–91. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/20.2.89
                                15. Middleton, G., Mehta, K., McNaughton, D.,&  Booth, S.(2018). The experiences and perceptions of food banks amongst users in high-income countries: An international scoping review. Appetite,12, 698-708. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2017.10.029
                                16. Morel, L. (2022). Analyzing the house price boom in the suburbs of Canada’s major cities during the pandemic. Bank of Canada. https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2022/06/staff-analytical-note-2022-7/
                                17. Ogston, S. (2022). Calgary: Who Uses The Food Bank? Food Bank Blog. https://www.calgaryfoodbank.com/2019/who-uses-the-food-bank/
                                18. Panza-Beltrandi, G. (2022). Edmonton’s Food Bank struggling with massive demand as Inflation, prices soar. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-food-bank-inflation-donations-1.6543895
                                19. Panza-Beltrandi, G. (2022). Edmonton’s Food Bank struggling with massive demand as inflation, prices soar. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-food-bank-inflation-donations-1.6543895  
                                20. Proof. (2021). Video: How to tackle food insecurity in Canada. Food Insecurity Policy Research.https://proof.utoronto.ca/resource/how-to-tackle-food-insecurity-in-canada/
                                21. Sheloff, S., Lafortune, B., Jo, S., & Kruse L. (2022). Poverty in Alberta: A Policy Choice, not a Necessary Reality. Edmonton Social Planning Council. https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/2022/03/18/child-poverty-in-alberta-a-policy-choice-not-a-necessary-reality/
                                22. Siever, K. (2020). Alberta has more rich people than any other province in Canada. Albertan Worker. https://albertaworker.ca/news/alberta-has-more-rich-people-than-any-other-province-in-canada/#:~:text=Over%2015%25%20of%20those%20receiving,the%20highest%20in%20the%20country.
                                23. Smith, M. (2022). Alberta tops food-insecurity rates across Canadian provinces: Report. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/alberta-tops-food-insecurity-rates-across-canadian-provinces-report
                                24. Springer A. (2022). Living in Colour: Racialized Housing Discrimination in Canada. Homeless Hub. https://www.homelesshub.ca/blog/living-colour-racialized-housing-Discrimination-canada
                                25. Statistics Canada. (2021). Employment in the natural resources sector by type of worker. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=3610065401
                                26. Statistics Canada. (2022). Income of individuals by age group, sex and income source, Canada, provinces and selected census metropolitan areas. https://doi.org/10.25318/1110023901-eng
                                27. Uppla, S. (2019). Insights on Canadian Society Catalogue Homeownership, mortgage debt and types of mortgage among Canadian families. Statistics Canada. https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2019/statcan/75-006-x/75-006-2019-12-eng.pdf
                                28. United Nations. (2022). The human right to adequate housing. Special Rapporteur. https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-housing/human-right-adequate-housing 
                                [/et_pb_text][dmpro_button_grid _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/dmpro_button_grid][dmpro_image_hotspot _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/dmpro_image_hotspot][/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]
                              3. Blog: Nowhere to Go – The Do Not Rent List 

                                [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=”4.18.0″ 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” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]

                                By Carrie Cyre 

                                In June 2022, Post Media reported on a private Facebook group with more than 2000 members called “Landlords Beware! Bad Tenants — Edmonton and area” (Boothby, 2022a). A group of local landlords and property managers created this private Facebook group to share information about problematic tenants. The posts on this site list “problem” tenants accused of damaging housing or property, leaving items behind when moving out, and unpaid rent (Boothby, 2022a; Connolly & McCarthy, 2022). This group’s reported purpose is to warn other landlords about these tenants and blocklist their ability to rent in the future.  

                                The Do Not Rent list can have far-reaching implications: 

                                1. Unofficial and unregulated lists like this can cause worsened low-vacancy, high-rent housing situations, and housing discrimination (Boothby, 2022c). 
                                2. These lists may violate individuals’ human rights to housing (Boothby, 2022c). 
                                3. Misusing and sharing private tenant information is against Alberta privacy laws (Connolly & McCarthy, 2022; Boothby2022b). 
                                4. Raising grievances on Facebook or any private social media space does not provide any mechanism for tenants to dispute claims (Connolly & McCarthy, 2022). 

                                The Cost of Housing 

                                Amid a nationwide housing crisis, many Canadians have difficulty finding affordable and safe housing. Commonly, individuals experience barriers like low vacancy rates, high prices, and discrimination (Auspurg et al., 2019; Ages et al., 2021). 

                                Buying a house 

                                Canada has continually been among the most expensive nations regarding housing (Du et al., 2022). Even Edmonton, one of the more affordable cities in the country, has average single-family homes costing upwards of over $400,000 (Du et al., 2022). The high housing prices in Canada have led to lower ownership rates amongst Indigenous Canadians, Black Canadians, West-Asian Canadians, and many other racialized groups (Ages et al., 2021). 

                                [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Screenshot-2022-09-13-084436.png” title_text=”Screenshot 2022-09-13 084436″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ 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” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]

                                Renting 

                                Canada’s rental increases over the past several years have significantly outpaced increases in the minimum wage (Springer, 2022). As a result, rent increases have disproportionately affected people living on fixed incomes, such as minimum wage workers, seniors living on a government pension, and those reliant on social services (Government of Canada, 2021).  

                                [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Screenshot-2022-09-13-084738.png” title_text=”Screenshot 2022-09-13 084738″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ 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” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]

                                The Do Not Rent list also violates the individuals’ human rights to a place to live by creating an unexpected barrier to securing safe and affordable housing (Boothby, 2022b). Many individuals have experienced discrimination when renting, including those who identify as Black, Indigenous, persons from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, low-income individuals, single-parent households, immigrants and refugees, and persons living with a disability (Springer, 2022). In addition, the private rental market can discriminate against individuals by asking them to pay relatively higher prices to get the same housing quality as others or may provide substandard housing (Pager & Shepherd, 2008). Studies have shown that individuals from marginalized backgrounds can be especially vulnerable to housing insecurity and housing discrimination (Ages et al., 2021; Auspurg et al., 2019).  

                                Government intervention is often suggested as a solution to housing insecurity, high rent, and low vacancy (Pasalis, 2022). Unfortunately, the Federal government discontinued funding for subsidized housing in 1993, and responsibility was transferred to the provinces (Perrault, 2022). Additionally, Canada has failed to allow enough changes to land zoning to allow more dense housing to be built (Pasalis, 2022). In Alberta, while subsidized housing is available, it does not meet the demand, and in 2021, there were over 25 000 Albertans on the waitlist (Government of Alberta, 2021). 

                                There is also a lack of housing in general across Canada. To compare Canada to other G7 nations, the average number of housing units is 471 homes per 1,000 residents across the G7 (Perrault, 2022). However, Canada has only 424 homes per 1000 Canadians, 10% lower than the G7 average (Pasalis, 2022). Further, Alberta has recorded the lowest number of private dwellings per capita relative to other provinces (Perrault, 2022). 

                                [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Screenshot-2022-09-13-085057.png” title_text=”Screenshot 2022-09-13 085057″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ 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″]

                                  The sharing of tenant information is against Alberta privacy laws.  

                                  A legal criticism of this Facebook group’s list is that these landlords misappropriate private data and share it without tenant knowledge or consent. This practice is illegal as it breaks Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (Boothby 2022b). Public Interest Alberta and the Alberta Privacy Commissioner’s Office are aware of this sharing of tenant information and are investigating.  

                                  Landlords already have the legal right to run credit checks and reference checks on potential tenants. (Government of Alberta, 2022) 

                                  Personal Information Protection Act, SA 2003 c P-6.5 also called PIPA. PIPA is the act that protects personal data in the private sector in Alberta. PIPA gives consumers the right to access their personal data held by an organization such as a landlord. PIPA also imposes certain requirements on how companies or organizations may use, store and share that personal information (OICP, 2022).  

                                  One final problem with the list is that there is no way for a tenant to be notified if they are on the list (Connolly & McCarthy, 2022). As a result, a tenant cannot share their side of the story or remove their information. Once someone realizes they are on the list, there is no process to have their information removed (Connolly & McCarthy, 2022). As outlined in the Alberta Tenancy Act, tenants and landlords have legal means to use when in conflict. However, Alberta housing advocates feel that legislators need to update the act to balance the power and responsibilities of landlords and tenants (Boothby, 2022b). 

                                  The Do Not Rent List controversy renews the call for action on the housing crisis. Advocates, academics, and government officials have suggested many solutions to address the housing affordability crisis (Canada Housing Crisis, 2021; Erl, 2022). However, as a lack of housing and high housing prices are complex problems, they require a great deal of public support, public funds, and coordination with many different levels of government. 

                                  While the Do Not Rent group page is shut down, at least for now, similar pages could resurface in other formats and locations. This current chapter in the ongoing Canadian housing crisis asks us to consider if it is fair to allow past rental problems, whether accurate, exaggerated, or fabricated, to prevent someone from accessing rental housing. If housing is a human right, whose responsibility is it to provide housing?  

                                   

                                  References 

                                  1. Ages, A., Aramburu, R., Charles, R., Chejfecc, C., & Buhubesh, R. (2021). Housing Discrimination in Canada: Urban Centres, Rental Markets, and Black Communities.  McGill School of Public Policy. https://www.mcgill.ca/maxbellschool/article/articles-policy-lab-2021/housing-discrimination-canada-urban-centres-rental-markets-and-black-communities
                                  2. Auspurg, K., Schneck, A., & Hinz. (2019).Closed doors everywhere? A meta-analysis of field experiments on ethnic discrimination in rental housing markets. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 45(1), 95-114. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369183X.2018.1489223
                                  3. Boothby, L. (2022a). Edmonton landlords run ‘do not rent’ list with hundreds of tenants in private Facebook group. The Edmonton Journal. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/edmonton-landlords-run-do-not-rent-list-with-hundreds-of-tenants-in-Private-facebook-group
                                  4. Boothby, L. (2022b). Alberta privacy commissioner investigates complaint related to Edmonton ‘do not rent’ list. The Edmonton Journal. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/alberta-privacy-commissioner-investigates-complaint-related-to-edmonton-do-not-rent-list
                                  5. Boothby, L (2022c). Revamping Alberta renters’ rights and investigating Edmonton landlord group needed: advocate. Edmonton Journal. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/revamping-alberta-renters-rights-and-investigating-edmonton-landlord-group-needed-advocate
                                  6. Connolly, M., & McCarthy, T., (2022). Another do not rent list was made public in Edmonton. Radio broadcast: CBC Radio, Radio Active. https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-52-radio-active/clip/15923225-another-rent-list-made-public-edmonton.
                                  7. Du, Z., Hua, Y. & Zhang, L. (2022). Foreign buyer taxes and house prices in Canada: A tale of two cities. Journal of Housing Economics, 55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhe.2021.101807
                                  8. Erl, C.(2022). The Homefront Strategy: Democratizing Housing in Canada. McGill Publications. https://www.mcgill.ca/maxbellschool/article/articles-max-policy/homefront-strategy-democratizing-housing-canada
                                  9. Government of Alberta. (2015). Personal Information Protection Act – Overview. https://www.alberta.ca/personal-information-protection-act-overview.aspx
                                  10. Government of Alberta. (2021). A New Approach to Housing. Housing and Community. https://www.alberta.ca/article-a-new-approach-to-housing.aspx
                                  11. Government of Alberta. (2022). Landlords and tenants. Housing and Community. https://www.alberta.ca/landlords-tenants.aspx
                                  12. Government of Canada. (2019). National Housing Strategy Act. Justice Laws Website.https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/n-11.2/FullText.html
                                  13. Government of Canada. (2021). Research Insight: Homeownership Rate Varies Significantly by Race. Housing Insight. https://assets.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/sites/cmhc/professional/housing-markets-data-and-research/housing-research/research-reports/housing-finance/research-insights/2021/homeownership-rate-varies-significantly-race-en.pdf?rev=af9ae04d-00bd-43ce-8619-d5e5d4a37444
                                  14. National Right to Housing Network. NRHN (2022). Right to Housing Legislation in Canada.  https://housingrights.ca/right-to-housing-legislation-in-canada/#:~:text=The%20right%20to%20housing%20was,Economic%2C%20Social%20and%20Cultural%20Rights
                                  15. Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner OIPC (Edmonton). (2022). Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA)https://oipc.ab.ca/legislation/pipa/
                                  16. Pasalis, J. (2022). Canada’s G7-Leading Pop Growth and Housing Impact. Move Smartly. https://www.movesmartly.com/articles/canadas-g7-leading-pop-growth-and-housing-impact
                                  17. Pager, D., and Shepherd, H. (2008).The Sociology of Discrimination: Racial Discrimination in Employment, Housing, Credit, and Consumer Markets. Annual Review of Sociology, 34, 181-209.
                                  18. Perrault, J.F. (2022). Which Province Has the Largest Structural Housing Deficit? ScotiaBank Economics Publication. https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/about/economics/economics-publications/post.other-publications.housing.housing-note.housing-note–january-12-2022-.html
                                  19. Springer A.(2022). Living in Colour: Racialized Housing Discrimination in Canada. Homeless Hub. https://www.homelesshub.ca/blog/living-colour-racialized-housing-Discrimination-canada 

                                   

                                  Carrie-Anne Cyre is a public health student and currently working on her master’s degree. She has been volunteering in her community for over a decade, including the UncoverOliver Working Group. When she isn’t studying or volunteering, Carrie-Anne loves travel (pre- and hopefully post-COVID), coffee, and enjoying nature. 

                                   

                                   

                                  [/et_pb_text][dmpro_image_hotspot _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/dmpro_image_hotspot][/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]

                                1. Blog: Living on a Loonie – Unaffordable housing and its effect on different ethno-racial communities 

                                  [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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9kYXRlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJkYXRlX2Zvcm1hdCI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJjdXN0b21fZGF0ZV9mb3JtYXQiOiIifX0=@[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ 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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

                                  By Jayme Wong

                                  “Ethno-racial and nativity differences in access to affordable housing in Canada” is a research paper written by Kate H. Choi from the University of Western Ontario and Sagi Ramaj from the University of Toronto. Published on June 18, 2022, the paper details the ongoing housing affordability crisis in Canada and its effect on Canadians from different ethno-racial groups. Choi and Ramaj compile housing data from the six largest ethno-racial groups in Canada, including Whites, Blacks, East Asians, South Asians, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern and North Africans (MENA).   

                                  The report begins by stating that few Canadian studies have been conducted on ethno-racial differences in access to affordable housing. Though the authors do not state why this is the case, they suggest that previous studies on the intersections between housing access and ethno-racial identity have been too narrow in scope. Deriving short-term data collected from recent immigrants, thus unable to pinpoint any ongoing housing access problems that exist for immigrants who remain in Canada for more than five years. As well identifying immigrants as one group (i.e., visible minorities) and eliminating any nuances between ethno-racial groups. Choi and Ramaj make the case to step away from this “descriptive” data, stating that “[the data has not] systematically identified the structural factors contributing to ethno-racial variations in access to affordable housing” (p 8). In other words, to truly understand why barriers exist between different ethno-racial groups when trying to obtain affordable housing, better race-based, long-term data needs to be collected. 

                                  Choi and Ramaj ultimately present four findings from their research: 

                                  1. There are notable differences between ethno-racial groups when accessing affordable housing. In analyzing data from the 2016 census, MENA had the highest rates of unaffordable housing followed by East Asians, South Asians, Blacks and Southeast Asians; white people had the lowest rates of unaffordable housing. 
                                  2. Community contexts may explain why certain ethno-racial groups face higher barriers to affordable housing than others. Many ethno-racial immigrant groups have settled in large metropolitan areas, such as Vancouver and Toronto, to be closer to people who share a cultural background and language, and these communities typically have higher housing costs.  
                                  3. Unemployment and economic disparities result in difficulty accessing affordable housing. Choi and Ramaj write that “differences in unaffordable housing rates between MENA and other groups were largely attributable to the lower employment of MENA respondents… These findings […] suggest that due to structural inequalities in the labour market, MENA workers may have higher unemployment rates and more precarious work, which reduces their economic ability to actualize their housing preferences and meet their housing needs” (p 29). In other words, the under-employment of immigrants and lack of skill or credential recognition may be contributing to greater economic disadvantages for immigrants, resulting in additional barriers to affordable housing. 
                                  4. People born in Canada have lower rates of unaffordable housing than immigrants. However, this difference only decreases slightly when comparing Canadian-born ethno-racial groups, “The unaffordable housing rates of Canadian-born Southeast Asians only decreased slightly to levels similar to those of Canadian-born Whites. The unaffordable housing rates of Blacks decreased little across immigrant generations” (p 30). This comparison suggests that racial discrimination – not simply immigrant status – may play a role in affordable housing accessibility.

                                  Overall, Choi and Ramaj’s paper paints a compelling picture of Canada’s current housing market and presents a problem that has been boiling under the country’s surface for a long time. As rising inflation continues to affect the cost of living for all Canadians, certain groups will be affected more than others. More specifically, people identifying as MENA, East Asian, South Asian, Black, and Southeast Asian are more likely to live in unaffordable housing and have a lower quality of life as a result. It is crucial to begin collecting aggregated race-based data to understand why these differences arise and how we can find an equitable housing solution for our growing population.  

                                  The authors suggest a few solutions including designing housing policies that address the structural barriers, such as education and employment, that affect access to affordable housing and increasing the housing supply in large urban centres where more immigrants tend to settle.  

                                  Certainly, Choi and Ramaj are correct to point toward the overarching systemic issues that contribute to the housing problems that they have identified in their paper. Something the authors alluded to throughout the paper, in conjunction with their complaints on the lack of ethno-racial housing data, is that many studies (and policies) have previously treated immigrants as temporary. “[Focusing] on the housing experiences of immigrants during the first four years of their arrival in Canada” (p. 1) thus providing superficial solutions to deeply rooted issues. The solution, then, requires a long-term view of immigrant settlement in Canada and housing policies that address the larger, systemic issues that impact the generations of ethno-racial groups living in Canada. 

                                   

                                  Jayme has a BA in English and Philosophy from the University of Lethbridge and an MA in English and Film Studies from the University of Alberta. She currently lives in Edmonton with her partner and their cat. 

                                   

                                  Original Article:  

                                  https://osf.io/preprints/socarxiv/s32x7/ 

                                   

                                   

                                  [/et_pb_text][dmpro_image_hotspot _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/dmpro_image_hotspot][/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=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9jYXRlZ29yaWVzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiUmVsYXRlZCBjYXRlZ29yaWVzOiAgIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJsaW5rX3RvX3Rlcm1fcGFnZSI6Im9uIiwic2VwYXJhdG9yIjoiIHwgIiwiY2F0ZWdvcnlfdHlwZSI6ImNhdGVnb3J5In19@[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
                                2. Blog: Alberta budget a missed opportunity to improve lives of Albertans

                                  [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.7.0″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.7.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.7.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”||3px|||” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.7.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/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=”4.7.7″ 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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.6″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.7.5″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#2b303a” custom_padding=”||32px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9kYXRlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJkYXRlX2Zvcm1hdCI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJjdXN0b21fZGF0ZV9mb3JtYXQiOiIifX0=@[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.8″ 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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

                                  By: Sydney Sheloff and Brett Lambert

                                  With the release of Alberta’s 2022 budget, the provincial government painted a rosy fiscal picture. For the first time in nearly a decade, they tabled a balanced budget and even posted a $511 million surplus. After years of running deficits, one might think this is the optimal time to make some robust investments that would strengthen public services and meaningfully improve the lives of Albertans.

                                  While spending overall is up from previous years, the reality is that with spending levels still below the pace of inflation and population growth, we are falling short when it comes to making a meaningful difference, especially for marginalized and underserved populations.

                                  As with each budget released, the Edmonton Social Planning Council took a deep dive and produced a fact sheet informing the public on what this budget means for social services and the populations they serve.

                                  Rising household expenses are a pressing concern for the average person, with surveys showing more than half of Canadians cannot keep up. Whether it’s higher grocery bills, gas prices, insurance rates, or utility bills, people are feeling the pinch. While many hoped the budget might bring about some form of relief, it appears this was deferred. To combat high natural gas prices, the government will introduce a rebate program starting in October. While this measure will be helpful for the future, it does nothing to address the current pressures we have all been facing during a winter of prolonged cold snaps.

                                  People living on various income supports are facing added pressures. Advocates have been calling for several changes to Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH). First, the current benefit rate of $1,685 a month is far too low to meet basic needs. Many advocates say that raising benefits to the amount Canadians received through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), $2,000 a month, is a good starting point. Second, in the face of a rising cost of living, AISH payments need to be indexed for inflation. The budget addresses neither of these calls. Instead, they are maintaining current benefit amounts.

                                  Investing in families and children is a key component in ensuring the long-term sustainability of our province. Funding for the Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) remains on par with the last budget. However, funding before was insufficient. Research has shown that most families are receiving lower payments through the ACFB than through the previous Alberta Child Benefit and Alberta Family and Employment Tax Credit.

                                  The last two years have been particularly traumatic for older Albertans amid the pandemic. While there are some investments in continuing care and home care, seniors living in low income still struggle to make ends meet. While federal pandemic-related support programs were an important lifeline, many of them are winding down and recipients inevitably will return to provincial programs. This includes the Alberta Seniors Benefit (ASB), which provides monthly financial assistance to those aged 65 and older. The maximum monthly benefit for a single person and a couple, $285.92 and $428.83, respectively, remains unchanged.

                                  With AISH, the ACFB and ASB not indexed for inflation, benefits remain stagnant while the cost of living is rising significantly. Month after month, those who are already struggling will find it harder and harder to make ends meet. Income supports must keep up with the rising costs of living.

                                  Ultimately, budgets are inherently political documents that offer a roadmap for where their priorities lie. Posting deficits are often cited as a reason why public services cannot be funded to the level they deserve. In the time of surpluses, one would think it would be the right time to usher in transformational changes and meaningfully expand and strengthen the social safety net. The fact that neither of these were on display in the latest budget is a missed opportunity.

                                   

                                  Sydney Sheloff is strategic research co-ordinator for the Edmonton Social Planning Council.

                                  Brett Lambert is research officer for the Edmonton Social Planning Council.

                                  This op-ed originally was published in the Edmonton Journal on March 5, 2022, read the original op-ed here

                                  [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.7.4″ custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|false|false” border_color_left=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][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=”4.7.7″ _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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9jYXRlZ29yaWVzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiUmVsYXRlZCBjYXRlZ29yaWVzOiAgIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJsaW5rX3RvX3Rlcm1fcGFnZSI6Im9uIiwic2VwYXJhdG9yIjoiIHwgIiwiY2F0ZWdvcnlfdHlwZSI6ImNhdGVnb3J5In19@[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]