Edmonton Social Planning Council

Category: Blog: Miscellaneous

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

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  • World Immunization Week: Achieving Immunization for All

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    Written by Ugoeze Uchegbu-Okoroh, ESPC Volunteer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    References

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

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

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

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

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

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  • Day of Mourning: The Impact of Workplace Tragedy

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    Written by Amethyst Zapisocky, ESPC Volunteer.

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

    Prevalence of Occupational Harm

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

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

    Who Does This Affect?

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

    Ways To Improve Occupational Safety

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

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

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

    How to Participate

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

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

     

    References

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

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

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

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

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

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  • fACT Sheet: Minimum Wage Revisited

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    Introduction 

    In June 2016, the Edmonton Social Planning Council released a Minimum Wage fACT Sheet providing an overview of the minimum wage, the impacts of increasing it, and countering some common myths and misconceptions. This was published when the Alberta government was gradually increasing the minimum wage in yearly increments between 2015 and 2018 to $15 per hour. Since that timeframe, the minimum wage has remained frozen. 

    This fACT Sheet will provide an update to the situation and provide recommendations for a path forward to meaningfully improve the situation of low wage earners. 

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  • Food not just for thought: Painting the picture of Food Security within Edmonton

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    Written by Rebecca Redd 

    Partnered with the Edmonton Seniors Coordination Council (ESCC)

    Introduction

    Food security is a multifaceted issue with various definitions, reflecting its complexity and numerous dimensions (Mills, 2021). Factors such as poor health, lack of social support, and economic challenges, including inflation and the impacts of COVID-19, commonly contribute to food insecurity (Issawi, 2023). Within the senior population, the concept of food security encompasses unique challenges (Park, 2019). Physiological changes such as decreased mobility, increased chronic disease, economic instability, and sensory decline present distinctive barriers to healthy aging and accessing nutritious food (Park, 2019). Some seniors also contend with isolation, compounded by seasonal challenges such as snow removal or icy sidewalks, and changing dietary needs as appetites decrease and specific nutrient requirements increase (Park, 2019). Economic limitations further impact food insecurity, particularly among lower-income senior demographics. For example, according to Statista (2024), the income of a Canadian senior (65+) in 2020 averaged $32,020. However, the average livable wage in Alberta is $22.50/hr, totaling $45,000 a year (Blair, 2024), highlighting that most seniors experience a fixed income below the average livable wage. Another concern regarding food security is rising food costs, with a projected increase of 5-7% from the 10.5% increase in 2022 (Vital Signs, 2023); the typical household food budget is consuming 20% or more of income, whereas in earlier years, the same food would consume 10 – 15% of the household income (Vital Signs, 2023). Finally, cultural factors add another layer of complexity as some communities need help finding diverse and culturally appropriate food options (Mills, 2021). The aging population is rapidly growing, with the number of individuals aged 65 and older surpassing that of children aged 0-14 (Hallman, 2022). This demographic shift underscores the urgency of addressing food security issues among seniors to aid in healthy aging. As the need for senior food security initiatives grows, collaborative efforts are underway to address these challenges.

    The Project

    Organizations like the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council (ESCC) support healthy aging within the senior community. The ESCC provides backbone support to other senior serving organizations, coordinating various programs and resources, including outreach and social prescribing, which help seniors navigate essential services such as tax assistance, CPP access, social connection, and home support. Moreover, the ESCC collaborates with diverse organizations to expand its reach and support underserved aging communities. Through partnerships and initiatives like the University of Alberta practicum in collaboration with the Department of Human Ecology, the ESCC researched food security trends and gaps within the aging sector (ESCC, 2024). This research project included two areas of research. First, this research includes compiling comprehensive asset map resources detailing affordable meal options, low-cost groceries, and other food assistance programs available to seniors in Edmonton. Second, this project included qualitative data collection through relationship-building conversations. The qualitative data consisted of conversations with ten diverse organizations working to combat food insecurity and those with programs targeted toward the aging sector (Redd, 2024).

    Gaps and Trends

    These conversations highlighted gaps, trends, and conversations regarding food security within the aging sector. Many gaps and trends were discussed with organizations during the relationship quality portion of the report; however, three main themes impacted accessibility for food security in Edmonton. The first barrier identified is transportation/delivery access. Services such as Edmonton Meals on Wheels, CANAVUA, and Westend Seniors Activity Centre offer delivery for seniors. However, most of these delivery services are done for a charge or are run on a volunteer basis (Redd, 2024). These charges are not to gain profit for the organizations; they are used to cover basic costs such as gas and insurance to allow organizations to offer these services. However, this means that there are extra associated costs with accessing meal programs, which is challenging because many seniors live on a fixed income. These unexpected costs can impact close budgeting. Volunteers offer a fantastic service (Redd, 2024). However, services that depend on volunteer ability can impose a lack of consistency within an organization. Not only are there cost barriers to access, but there are other implications, such as vehicle expenses.

    The second barrier is access to year-round foods and ethnically diverse food groups. Local farms and farm trip programs, community gardens, and hydroponics work wonders in the summer months of Edmonton (Koay & Dillon, 2020). However, barriers arise regarding the winter months and the types of foods grown in Canada. Considering Canada is a multicultural country, finding ways to grow foods year-round reduces the need for corporate grocery access, positively impacts seniors’ social isolation, and creates a place to produce foods and interact with others (Koay & Dillon, 2020). Currently, in ethnocultural food stores, the prices of culturally appropriate foods are high due to the cost of import, making the taste of home a luxury item. There are ethnically appropriate foods that are easy, affordable, and that can be grown in Canada, such as Okra, an edible plant found in West Africa, which is rich in fiber and lowers blood sugar, aiding in diabetes (Zelma, 2022). Finding a way to introduce these inexpensive and diverse foods will fill two gaps: affordable food and a connection to home for communities. In addition, the lack of diverse foods impacts the individual who can access free food services such as the food bank because their cultural needs and diets still need to be met.

    The third identified barrier is language. Though Canada has two official languages (English and French), we are multicultural; having accessible labeling or QR codes for labeling provided in various languages will help people access the correct foods. Through conversations around food security, some stories of negative experiences have risen; this includes individuals mistaking cans of dog food for canned fish (Dicky Dikamba, Personal Communication, 2024), and people from African communities who have never used white sugar, buying white sugar instead of salt (Elizabeth Onyango, Personal Communication, 2024). These mistakes impact how people access food and may create a stigma around accessing the correct food. Additionally, when accessing culturally appropriate foods is unsuccessful, more people visit and use the healthcare system (Sarkar et al., 2019).

    Calls to Action

    These barriers apply to the aging sector and are common barriers in many food security platforms. Canada is currently in a food crisis, and this article includes four calls to action to motivate change. The first call to action includes collaboration and sharing of resources; funding is slim, and having a platform, such as the John Humphrey Centre, is an important step and a part of the conversation to act as a sounding board and a point of connection for other grassroots organizations to come together as a collective and be stronger together by joining forces and ideas (Jessica Kinsella, Personal Communication, 2024). Another call to action is research for community greenhouses. The need for year-round grown food in community gardens will help create connection, reduce isolation, and increase food security. Using examples and blueprints from initiatives such as Potlotek Atlantic Indigenous, who launched houses in 32 First Nations communities in Cape Breton. This initiative was impactful, allowing the community to become self-sustainable while decreasing the supply and demand for groceries and thus forcing large grocery chains to either lock in or reduce their pricing (Chisom, 2020). Next is a call to chefs, hospitality folks, researchers, and food scientists to create ten culturally diverse, nutritious, affordable, and tasty recipes that can be taught at community kitchens in the community or accessible through other means of media. The collaboration of ideas among chefs and food scientists can instill passion and interest in food and help break down barriers with easy recipes crafted to fit and adequately suffice the meal and nutritional values of foods to aid in healthy aging (Yvonne Chiu, Personal Communication, 2024). These meals can be targeted at families or be created for specific demographics, such as awareness of dietary restrictions, certain eating times, and affordable ways to get protein and vitamins into the diet. Finally, a call for government action to create policies regarding food waste and expired food products, creating accountability for the five giant corporations that control 75% of Canada’s groceries (Evans, 2023). Examples of policy can be taken from the Ontario initiative. In 2018, the Food and Organic Waste Policy Statement was issued, providing targets and guidance for municipalities, businesses, and institutions regarding food insecurity and reducing food waste. This directive urges businesses, including grocery stores, restaurants, food processors, hotels, and motels, to collaborate with food rescue organizations to prevent edible food from being wasted (Ontario, Action Plan, 2018).

    Conclusion

    The time for action is now. Implementing preventative measures to support seniors in healthy aging and the overall well-being of Canadians is imperative while exploring innovative approaches to tackle the ongoing nationwide food crisis. By uniting our efforts, we can amplify our impact and effectively remove barriers, reshaping the global perception and understanding of food security. We possess the strength, knowledge, and unity to make significant strides in food insecurity. Always remember, we are stronger together.

    *****Please take a moment to review the Food Security Report prepared by the John Humphrey Center for an in-depth analysis of projected food security trends for Edmonton in 2030. You can access the report here: Agenda 2030: Edmonton Food Security Report (rightingrelations.org)

    Additionally, I encourage you to explore the Fresh initiative established by the City of Edmonton, aimed at ongoing efforts to address food security issues. You can learn more about this initiative through the FRESH: Food and Urban Agriculture Strategy (edmonton.ca) on the City of Edmonton’s website. For further inquiries or connections, please reach out to the provided email address on the City of Edmonton’s page.

    References

     Blair, N. (2024, March 13). Income statistics in Canada. Made in CA. https://madeinca.ca/income-statistics-canada/.

    Chisholm, C. (2020, December 26). Potlotek one of first Atlantic Indigenous communities to Launch Garden Initiative | CBC News. CBCnews. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/potlotek-first-nation-community-garden-1.5844756

    Evans, P. (2023, June 28). Canada’s grocery business doesn’t have enough competition – and shoppers are paying the price, report finds | CBC News. CBC news. https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/competition-bureau-grocery-1.6889712

    Hallman, S. (2022, April 27). This census in brief article examines recent trends for the population aged 85 and over in 2021. Government of Canada, Statistics Canada. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/98-200-X/2021004/98-200-X2021004-eng.cfm

    Issawi, H. (2023, February 3). Edmonton area Groups Fighting Food Insecurity Set the Table for Collaboration. Edmonton Journal. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/edmonton-area-groups-fighting-food-insecurity-set-the-table-for-collaboration

    Ontario Food & Organic Waste Framework. Toronto Environmental Alliance. (2018). https://www.torontoenvironment.org/ontario_food_organic_waste_framework

    Park, J. Y. (2019). Food insecurity among the elderly in developed countries: Insights from a multi-national analysis. file:///C:/Users/RebeccaRedd/Downloads/f748570b-45f0-4f2d-92a8-2f1f62b58852.pdf

    Redd, R. (2024). A Qualitative Research Report on Food Security within the Aging Sector. Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council (ESCC).

    Sarkar, D., Walker-Swaney, J., & Shetty, K. (2019). Food diversity and indigenous food systems to combat diet-linked chronic diseases. Current Developments in Nutrition, 4, 3–11. https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzz099

    Vital Signs Report. (2023). A look at Food Security in Edmonton. Edmonton Social Planning Council (ESPC). ECF_Vital-Signs-FullReport_20745_Digital_F2-1.pdf (edmontonsocialplanning.ca). Accessed: March 22, 2024.

    Zelman, K. (2022, June 7). Okra & diabetes: Can help lower blood sugar? benefits, risks, & uses. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/okra-diabetes-benefits-risks-uses

     

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  • Blog post: Taking the Pulse on SDG #5 – Gender Equality and Empowerment

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    Written by Harman Khinda, ESPC Volunteer.

     

    With heart health month over and International Women’s Day around the corner, it seems appropriate to take the pulse on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #5 – Gender Equality and Empowerment.

    SDGs are an urgent call for action which are aimed at achieving developmental milestones and priorities for the betterment and prosperity of the planet as well as, people through global partnership. SDG #5 states to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. There are many indicators that suggest the world is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030, as outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development1. It is likely that efforts have been partially hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic. International Women’s Day is observed and celebrated globally on March 8th, which is a day of collective global activism and celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.2

    Recently, many announcements have been made for initiatives launched both at the local and provincial levels which directly impact Albertans with respect to their goal of advocating for and advancing gender equality.

    The Women’s Health Coalition-Alberta Chapter is working to advance the movement to speak openly, learn, engage, address barriers, gaps, and biases in menstrual reproductive and sexual health.3 In May 2022, the British Columbia government expanded access to free menstrual products for those in need, in an effort to reduce period poverty and alleviate the burdens of the pink tax – a widely-used term to describe not an actual tax, but a gender-discriminatory yet legal pricing practice.4,5 Similar efforts to provide free menstruation products in public spaces are being explored in Alberta.

    Childcare and access to education are effective tools to promote and achieve gender equality for women across the world. Alberta had the 2nd lowest percentage of women in the working age population among the 10 provinces at 49.7%. The proportion of women in 2019 that have attained a university education increased to 29.2% from 19.5% in 2009. Between 2009 and 2019, the number of women with no degree, certificate or diploma decreased by 10.6% while the number of women with university degrees rose 81.9%.6 Women are attaining higher education in greater numbers which has a positive correlation to employment opportunities, economic security, and financial freedom. An announcement was made by the Alberta government to decrease childcare fees as the federal-provincial program expands across the country.7 This is a positive program announcement which will help alleviate the financial cost of childcare for parents and aid in increasing women’s participation in the workforce.

     There are critical issues which impact achieving gender equality and empowerment. Women’s health is under researched and underfunded, with less than 4% of federal funding to women’s health research allocated to Alberta.8 Recently, the federal government announced a national pharmacare program including coverage for birth control and diabetes medication, however the Alberta government has indicated it does not intend to be part of the agreement.9 This is a financial barrier for many individuals and impacts their access to healthcare and individual autonomy. Maternal mortality is a major global occurrence. Approximately 287,000 women died during and following pregnancy and childbirth in 2020, with almost 95% of all maternal deaths occurring in low and lower middle-income countries and most could have been prevented.10 In Canada, maternal mortality rates are measured differently across provinces and territories. Different definitions are used and applied across the country, which include maternal mortality during pregnancy, within 42 days postpartum, and other ranges. It is difficult to understand the full scope of the problem which is likely leading to an undercount of maternal mortality cases.

    Women and girls deserve the ability to access and participate equally in the social, economic, financial, cultural, and political realms of the world. They require support, resources, and radical change to create change. These changes will not happen overnight, however there are a few ways a person could contribute to these efforts. A person should educate themselves on local, provincial, and national efforts and initiatives focused on an area of interest. Another option is an incredible book titled “Invisible Women – Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men” by Caroline Criado Perez. The path to progress is not linear, but if we choose to educate ourselves, engage in efforts within our communities and advocate for those who cannot, we will continue making progress.

     Source for graphic: United Nations. (n.d.). SDG Report 2023. https://sdgs.un.org/sites/default/files/2023-08/SDG_report_2023_infographics_Goal%205.jpg

    In-Text Citations Sources (APA Format)

    1. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development | Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (n.d.). https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
    2. International Women’s Day. (n.d.). International Women’s Day 2024 campaign theme: Inspire Inclusion. https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
    3. Women’s Health Coalition. (n.d.). Women’s Health Coalition. https://thewhc.ca/about-us/
    4. C. spending $750K to expand access to free menstrual products. (2022, May 27). CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/free-menstrual-products-in-bc-1.6468643
    5. Think pink: Analyzing the history and future of the pink tax. (2022, January 10). The Varsity. https://thevarsity.ca/2022/01/09/history-and-future-of-pink-tax/
    6. Labour and Immigration, Government of Alberta. (2021). Alberta Labour Force Profiles I Women | 2019. https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/7bb5845d-5b9f-4026-ad6f-15b1f1be735a/resource/09420573-ec9f-4fa8-a9d8-e606686e59b7/download/lbr-alberta-labour-force-profiles-women-2019.pdf
    7. Fletcher, R. (2023, December 9). Alberta child-care fees set to decrease — again — as federal-provincial program expands in January. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-childcare-daycare-fees-grant-increases-2024-1.7053677
    8. Alberta Womens Health Foundation (2021) Finding the Fractures: The Pandemic, Women’s Health Disparities, and the Path to Equity https://www.albertawomenshealthfoundation.org/public/download/files/195790
    9. De Castillo, C. K. (2024, February 28). Alberta intends to opt out of national pharmacare plan. Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/10316372/alberta-intends-to-opt-out-of-national-pharmacare-plan/
    10. World Health Organization: WHO. (2023, February 22). Maternal mortality. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/maternal-mortality
    11. Gomez, C., & Carman, T. (2022, October 6). Canada significantly undercounts maternal deaths, and doctors are sounding the alarm. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-maternal-deaths-undercount-1.6600905
    12. United Nations. (n.d.). SDG Report 2023. https://sdgs.un.org/sites/default/files/2023-08/SDG_report_2023_infographics_Goal%205.jpg.

    Sources (APA Format)

    1. Alberta Womens Health Foundation (2021) Finding the Fractures: The Pandemic, Women’s Health Disparities, and the Path to Equity https://www.albertawomenshealthfoundation.org/public/download/files/195790
    2. C. spending $750K to expand access to free menstrual products. (2022, May 27). CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/free-menstrual-products-in-bc-1.6468643
    3. De Castillo, C. K. (2024, February 28). Alberta intends to opt out of national pharmacare plan. Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/10316372/alberta-intends-to-opt-out-of-national-pharmacare-plan/
    4. Fletcher, R. (2023, December 9). Alberta child-care fees set to decrease — again — as federal-provincial program expands in January. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-childcare-daycare-fees-grant-increases-2024-1.7053677
    5. Goal 5 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (n.d.). https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal5
    6. Gomez, C., & Carman, T. (2022, October 6). Canada significantly undercounts maternal deaths, and doctors are sounding the alarm. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-maternal-deaths-undercount-1.6600905
    7. International Women’s Day. (n.d.). International Women’s Day 2024 campaign theme: Inspire Inclusion. https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
    8. Labour and Immigration, Government of Alberta. (2021). Alberta Labour Force Profiles I Women | 2019. https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/7bb5845d-5b9f-4026-ad6f-15b1f1be735a/resource/09420573-ec9f-4fa8-a9d8-e606686e59b7/download/lbr-alberta-labour-force-profiles-women-2019.pdf
    9. Think pink: Analyzing the history and future of the pink tax. (2022, January 10). The Varsity. https://thevarsity.ca/2022/01/09/history-and-future-of-pink-tax/
    10. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development | Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (n.d.). https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
    11. United Nations Statistics Division. (n.d.). — SDG indicators. https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2022/Goal-05/
    12. United Nations. (n.d.). SDG Report 2023. https://sdgs.un.org/sites/default/files/2023-08/SDG_report_2023_infographics_Goal%205.jpg.
    13. Women’s Health Coalition. (n.d.). Women’s Health Coalition. https://thewhc.ca/about-us/
    14. World Health Organization: WHO. (2023, February 22). Maternal mortality. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/maternal-mortality

     

     

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