Edmonton Social Planning Council

Category: **ESPC Documents: Publications

  • fACT Sheet: Encampments in Edmonton

    [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_button button_url=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/fACT-Sheet-Encampments-in-Edmonton-2.pdf” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Download the fACT Sheet (PDF)” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#008ac1″ custom_margin=”||19px|||” custom_padding=”||5px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ 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=”{}”]

    Introduction and Recent History 

    Edmonton has seen a dramatic increase in the rate of homelessness since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. As of December 2023, there are 2,987 people experiencing homelessness in Edmonton according to Homeward Trust’s Homelessness By-Names List. Among this group of people, 57% (1,714) are provisionally accommodated, 17% (518) are staying in overnight shelters, while 22% (656) are living unsheltered (Homeward Trust, 2024). 

    As a result of this situation, more and more encampments, defined as “temporary outdoor campsites on public property or privately owned land” (Office of the Federal Housing Advocate, 2023) have been set up throughout the city among the unhoused population who do not use overnight shelters. 

    Prominent examples of encampments in recent years include Camp Pekiwewin in the Rossdale neighbourhood, which was temporarily set up in summer 2020 as “an anti-police violence, emergency relief and prayer camp with a harm reduction approach for house-less people sleeping rough” (Indigenous Climate Action, n.d.). Around this same time, another temporary encampment called the Peace Camp was set up in the Old Strathcona area to raise awareness for supportive housing and the need for a safe supply of drugs to prevent overdoses. It voluntarily closed in fall 2020 when new shelter spaces opened (Omstead, 2020). 

    As long as there have been encampments, there has been resistance against them. The matter has continued to come up as encampments – both large and small – continue to proliferate not only in and around Edmonton’s downtown core but also in other quadrants of the city, such as the west end and the south side (Parsons, 2024). The situation reached a fever pitch when the Edmonton Police Service targeted eight encampments in and around the inner city considered to be “high-risk” for closure through a series of actions between December 2023 and January 2024. 

    This fACT Sheet takes a human-rights approach to understanding encampments, and aims to provide context to the houselessness situation, why encampments form even if shelter spaces are available, and suggests ways forward that prioritize the well-being and dignity of these marginalized groups. 

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

  • 2SLGBTQ+ Student Rights, Legislation, School Policies, and SOGI Education in Alberta

    [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=”4.23.1″ 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=”{}”]

    Author: Olivia Neufeldt

    During the fall of 2023, there have been protests across Canada regarding the rights of 2SLGBTQ+ students and the use of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) resources in classrooms. One side argues students have a right to self-identification and access to SOGI education, and the other arguing that parents should be informed if their child wants to change their pronouns and/or use a preferred name at school and that it is inappropriate to expose children to SOGI topics in school settings. As these topics have received more discussion and debate among students, parents, schools, media, and governments, misinformation has become rampant. The purpose of this report is to provide clarity about the legislation and policies that protect 2SLGBTQ+ students in Alberta and explain what SOGI resources are and how they are used in Alberta schools. The purpose of this report is to provide clarity about the legislation and policies that protect 2SLGBTQ+ students in Alberta and explain what SOGI resources are and how they are used in Alberta schools.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2SLGBTQ-Student-Rights-Legislation-School-Policies-and-SOGI-Education-in-Alberta.pdf” button_text=”Download now” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#008ac1″ custom_margin=”||19px|||” custom_padding=”||5px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_button][/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_code _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][3d-flip-book id=”244078″ ][/3d-flip-book]

    Click on image to view online.

    [/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Community Matters (December 2023) — The Social Safety Net

    [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_button button_url=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/December-2023-Community-Matters-2.pdf” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Download the December 2023 Community Matters (PDF)” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#008ac1″ custom_margin=”||19px|||” custom_padding=”||5px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ 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=”{}”]

    Welcome to the Winter Edition of our quarterly publication, Community Matters.

    Community Matters aims to inform the community about social issues that impact citizens and connect the dots between social issues, evidence, and policy. We aim to use this space to give local agencies, ESPC volunteer writers, and staff members a voice.

    Each edition will spotlight a specific social issue and demonstrate the intersectional nature and impact on equality. Our goal is to use evidence as we continue to inform on the issues affecting individuals and families.

    For our Winter 2023 issue, we are focusing on gaps in our social safety net. While there are a number of strengths in our social safety net such as important federal programs for children and seniors that have been helpful in reducing the levels of poverty among those groups – there are also a number of disparities that continue to have too many people living below the poverty line. This includes insufficient income support programs for persons with disabilities, single working-age adults in poverty, among others.

    In this issue, you will find articles touching upon a number of these disparities and offer ways in which gaps in our social safety net can be filled. This includes critiques and evaluations of existing programs, such as provincial income support programs in Alberta, the Canada Pension Plan, and ways in which we can help low-income folks file tax returns so they automatically receive tax credits and rebates they qualify for. We also explore other programs yet to be implemented or fully realized, such as a social solidarity economy, a basic income program, and hopes and prospects for the proposed Canada Disability Benefit, which is expected to be up and running sometime in 2024.

    For too long, cracks in our social safety net have permitted too many people to fall through them and we hope the conversations that come from this issue can help be a catalyst for meaningful social change.

    Susan Morrissey
    Executive Director, Edmonton Social Planning Council

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|false|false” border_color_left=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Posted by:” job_title=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9hdXRob3IiLCJzZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJiZWZvcmUiOiIiLCJhZnRlciI6IiIsIm5hbWVfZm9ybWF0IjoiZGlzcGxheV9uYW1lIiwibGluayI6Im9uIiwibGlua19kZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6ImF1dGhvcl93ZWJzaXRlIn19@” quote_icon=”off” portrait_width=”125px” portrait_height=”125px” disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _dynamic_attributes=”job_title” _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_code _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][3d-flip-book mode=”thumbnail-lightbox” id=”268917″][/3d-flip-book]

    Community Matters – December 2023 (Click on image)

    [/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Blog: Get Your House in Order: Canada Marks National Housing Day, November 22

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” 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=”4.23.1″ 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″]

    Written by Carrie-Anne Cyre, ESPC Volunteer

    November 22, 2023, commemorates Canadian National Housing Day, a day for Canadians to recognize housing as a fundamental human right. Established in 2019, the Canadian Parliament passed the National Housing Strategy Act. This Act acknowledged housing as a human right, compelling governments, and organizations to revamp housing laws, policies, and programs. It also emphasized a rights-based approach and highlighted the importance of community involvement in solving the housing crisis (1). While Canada may recognize housing as a human right, the reality is that increasing numbers of Canadians are having trouble accessing adequate and safe housing. Across Canada, many advocacy and health groups have increasingly sounded the alarm regarding the growing unaffordability of the cost of living in Canada, especially housing, which has become an increasingly urgent problem in urban centers. Indeed, the cost of housing is becoming increasingly difficult not only for low-income- Canadians, but for moderate-income households, individuals on fixed incomes such as Canadian social services, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and Indigenous persons (2)

     

     

    Why is housing so expensive in Canada? The short answer is that Canadian housing is in short supply and experiencing high demand. While Canada has a low population, the nation has experienced the highest population growth among the G7 nations over the last decade. The Group of Seven, or G7, is an informal group used for comparing seven of the world’s more advanced economies: Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States (5).

    Population density is also a concern in Canada. Despite being the world’s second-largest country, covering over 9,984,670 km² with a slightly more than 40 million population, Canada maintains a low average population density of 4.2 individuals per square kilometre. Approximately two-thirds of Canadians reside within 100 km of the Canada-US southern border, primarily in the major cities of Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City. Although these densely populated regions cover only 4% of Canada’s territory, they accommodate close to 80% of the population (8). Notably, cities like Toronto and Vancouver exhibit lower population densities than their European or American counterparts. Vancouver, the most densely populated city in the nation, has about 18,837 inhabitants per square kilometre, about half that of Manhattan (9).

    Despite the growing population and low population density, Canadian politicians have only recently begun to address the consequences of decades of political and economic factors that have restricted housing development in Canada (10). Notably, during the 1980s and 1990s, as the Canadian government adopted increasingly neoliberal socio-economic policies, all federal funding for social housing was halted in 1993 (11). The repercussions of these spending cuts were substantial, leading to a significant reduction in construction of low or affordable housing units across the nation and the scaling back of various other Canadian social safety nets that also contributed to affordability (12). This combination of social austerity and the absence of  adequate building incentives has contributed to the rapidly developing crisis of poverty and homelessness that Canada finds itself in today.

    The housing situation in Canada has even worsened over recent decades due to a lack of prioritization of housing construction in federal policy. A combination of additional factors affecting housing construction and prices—including increasing urbanization, internal migration, immigration, foreign investments, short-term rentals, stagnant wages, resource costs, global conflicts, the COVID-19 pandemic, and inflation rates—has intensified pressure on existing housing (13). Canadians, especially in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, face significant challenges in accessing affordable housing.

    Despite acknowledging housing as a human right every November 22, Canadian housing policy has focused on relying on market forces and incentives to fulfill this commitment. The substantial surge in rental and purchase prices in recent years has further led to a marked increase in homelessness. Estimating the number of people experiencing homelessness in Canada is challenging. Statistics Canada reported an estimated 235,000 people who were unhoused in 2021(14). Still, this count is definitely an underestimate as it does not count hidden homelessness (individuals who are staying with friends or family), individuals at risk of homelessness nor people living in unsafe conditions (15). Even without exact numbers, it is clear that the population without secure, stable housing has reached unprecedented levels (16).

    Past policies have proven ineffective as they relied on the market to determine housing availability (17). Additionally, there has been insufficient funding for social housing, and when funding is provided, it often lacks proper evaluative or accountability mechanisms. To rectify this issue, the Canadian government must urgently prioritize addressing this problem and allocate sufficient resources. Housing is expected to become a pivotal issue in the 2025 Federal election, and we will all be watching.

    It has been estimated that an additional 3.5 million affordable housing units would need to be constructed by 2030 to stabilize housing prices 18).

     

    References

    1. NRHN. (2003). Right to Housing. Retrieved from https://housingrights.ca/right-to-housing-legislation-in-canada/.

    2. Canadian Human Rights Commission. (2023). Unaffordability and lack of housing among top systemic issues reported across Canada. https://www.housingchrc.ca/en/unaffordability-and-lack-of-housing

    3. Rentals.ca. (2023). Rentals.ca June 2023 Rent Report. https://rentals.ca/blog/rentals-ca-june-2023-rent-report.

    4. Canadian Real Estate Association. (2023). National Statistics. Canadian Home Sales See Downward Trend Continue in October. https://stats.crea.ca/en-CA/

    5. Government of Canada. (2023). Canada and the G7. https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/international_relations-relations_internationales/g7/index.aspx?lang=eng

    6. Hajnal, P. (2022). Whither the G7 and G20?, Canadian Foreign Policy Journal, 28:2, 127-143, DOI: 10.1080/11926422.2022.2027797

    7. Statistics Canada. (2022). Canada tops G7 growth despite COVID. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220209/dq220209a-eng.htm

    8. Statistics Canada (2022). Canada’s large urban centres continue to grow and spread. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220209/dq220209b-eng.htm

    9. Statistics Canada. (2021). Focus on Geography Series, 2021 Census of Population Canada. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/fogs-spg/page.cfm?lang=E&topic=1&dguid=2021A000011124

    10. Perrault, J-F. (2022). Which Province Has the Largest Structural Housing Deficit? Social Bank. https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/about/economics/economics-publications/post.other-publications.housing.housing-note.housing-note–january-12-2022-.html

    11. Pablo, C. (2022).City and Culture: Vancouver tops list of Canada’s most densely populated downtowns. Georgia Straight. https://www.straight.com/news/vancouver-tops-list-of-canadas-most-densely-populated-downtowns

    12. Osberg, L. (2021). From Keynesian Consensus to Neo-Liberalism to the Green New Deal: 75 years of income inequality in Canada. Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. https://policyalternatives.ca/publications/reports/75-years-of-income-inequality-canada

    13. Rozworski, M. (2019, June 14). The roots of our housing crisis: Austerity, debt and extreme speculation. Retrieved from https://www.policynote.ca/the-roots-of-our-housing-crisis-austerity-debt-and-extreme-speculation/

    14. Osberg, L. (2021). From Keynesian Consensus to Neo-Liberalism to the Green New Deal 75 years of income inequality in Canada. Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Retrieved from https://policyalternatives.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/publications/National%20Office/2021/03/75%20Years%20of%20Income%20Inequality%20in%20Canada.pdf

    15. Statistics Canada. (2021). Health Reports: Characterizing people experiencing homelessness and trends in homelessness using population-level emergency department visit data in Ontario, Canada. https://www.doi.org/10.25318/82-003-x202100100002-eng

    16. Homeless Hub. (2021). How many people are homeless in Canada? https://www.homelesshub.ca/about-homelessness/homelessness-101/how-many-people-are-homeless-canada.

    17. Canadian Human Rights Commission. (2023). Unaffordability and lack of housing among top systemic issues reported across Canada.

    18. CMHC. (2023). Estimating how much housing we’ll need by 2030. Retrieved from https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/blog/2023/estimating-how-much-housing-we-need-by-2030

    [/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]

  • Edmonton’s Living Wage 2023

    [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_button button_url=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Living-Wage-2023_PDF.pdf” button_text=”Download the Edmonton’s Living Wage 2023″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#008ac1″ custom_margin=”||19px|||” custom_padding=”||5px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ 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=”{}”][Nov. 8, 2023, Edmonton, AB] Today, Edmonton Social Planning Council (ESPC) in collaboration with the Alberta Living Wage Network (ALWN or “the Network”) has released a new living wage of $22.25 per hour for Edmonton. The living wage has increased by $0.85 over last year even after federal and provincial government affordability measures were incorporated into the calculation.

    The living wage is defined as the hourly wage a worker needs to earn to cover their basic expenses and have a modest standard of living once government transfers have been added and taxes have been subtracted. The calculation is based on the income needs of three household types: a two-parent family with two young children; a lone-parent family with one child; and a single individual. It assumes that each adult is working full-time hours and includes savings for unexpected costs, continuing education, child care, and a small amount which allows people to participate in the community.

    Quotes:
    “Affordability has been top of mind for many households in recent years. Every year that our living wage numbers increase means that families reliant on minimum wage or low-wage jobs will have more challenges being able to afford the basics. Affordability measures taken by the federal and provincial governments such as the Grocery Rebate and the affordability payments brought needed relief to many. However, long-term and robust measures are needed to make a lasting difference.”

    Susan Morrissey, Executive Director, Edmonton Social Planning Council
    “Despite increasing costs on just about everything – particularly shelter – we did see some things that put downward pressure on the living wages. Government affordability measures and the Canada Dental Benefit have helped families. What’s missing in Alberta is any real action on increasing minimum wage despite every single other province making increases in 2023.”

    Ryan Lacanilao, Coordinator, Alberta Living Wage Network
    “A livable income is one of the most important anti-poverty measures available to us in our policy toolkit. Providing timely living wage calculations is an indispensable service the Alberta Living Wage Network offers and helps to inform our advocacy efforts. We applaud the hard work of the Network so our communities are informed and we are able to take action.”

    Erick Ambtman, Executive Director, EndPovertyEdmonton
    “Meeting our basic needs is essential for all community members and being paid a living wage is a crucial way of making sure every household can provide for their families. Every person deserves to live with dignity and be able to participate in their community so that they can thrive, not just survive. Livable incomes help strengthen the health of our communities.”

    Gary Savard, Greater Edmonton Alliance for the Common Good
    “Women and newcomers are among some of the most likely to have incomes under the living wage rate. By bringing awareness to what a living wage is within our communities and committing to providing a living wage, we are empowering our most vulnerable and marginalized populations.”

    Denise Kirk, GBV Resource Collective
    • Learn more about Edmonton’s living wage calculation.
    • 17 municipalities in Alberta released their living wages today. Learn more about how Edmonton’s living wage compares.
    • View ALWN’s common questions and answers about living wages and how employers can get certified.

    About Edmonton Social Planning Council
    The Edmonton Social Planning Council is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan social research organization, with registered charitable status. Our focus is social research, particularly in the areas of low income and poverty. ESPC is a source of knowledge and expertise on social issues within our community.

    About the Alberta Living Wage Network
    The Alberta Living Wage Network is a network of community organizations and municipalities with the goal of advancing a coordinated living wage movement in Alberta. The network assists communities in their annual living wage calculation and has certified more than 100 living wage employers in the province. For more information visit livingwagealberta.ca and follow @livingwageab on Twitter or Instagram.

    For more information or to schedule interviews with living wage employers or experts, contact:
    Sydney Sheloff
    Edmonton Social Planning Council
    sydneys@edmontonsocialplanning.ca[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|false|false” border_color_left=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Posted by:” job_title=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9hdXRob3IiLCJzZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJiZWZvcmUiOiIiLCJhZnRlciI6IiIsIm5hbWVfZm9ybWF0IjoiZGlzcGxheV9uYW1lIiwibGluayI6Im9uIiwibGlua19kZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6ImF1dGhvcl93ZWJzaXRlIn19@” portrait_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9hdXRob3JfcHJvZmlsZV9waWN0dXJlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnt9fQ==@” quote_icon=”off” portrait_width=”125px” portrait_height=”125px” disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”job_title,portrait_url” _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#000000″ author_font=”||||||||” author_text_align=”center” author_text_color=”#008ac1″ position_font=”||||||||” position_text_color=”#000000″ company_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”#ffffff” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px|0px|4px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”32px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.65)” header_font_size=”20px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||50px|||” custom_padding=”48px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9jYXRlZ29yaWVzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiUmVsYXRlZCBjYXRlZ29yaWVzOiAgIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJsaW5rX3RvX3Rlcm1fcGFnZSI6Im9uIiwic2VwYXJhdG9yIjoiIHwgIiwiY2F0ZWdvcnlfdHlwZSI6ImNhdGVnb3J5In19@[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][3d-flip-book mode=”thumbnail-lightbox” id=”166003″ title=”true”][/3d-flip-book]

    Click on image to view online.

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

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

    630 CHED Afternoons with J’lyn Nye

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

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Blog Post: Impacts of Parental Rights Movement on 2SLGBTQ+ Youth

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”||3px|||” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/COLOUR-BLOCKS_spaced-300×51.png” title_text=”COLOUR BLOCKS_spaced” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” max_height=”75px” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”10px|0px|20px|0px|false|false” global_module=”96648″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”30px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#2b303a” custom_padding=”||32px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9kYXRlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJkYXRlX2Zvcm1hdCI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJjdXN0b21fZGF0ZV9mb3JtYXQiOiIifX0=@[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ text_text_color=”#2b303a” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008ac1″ header_2_font_size=”24px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Written by Janell Uden, Research Services and Capacity Building Coordinator  

    There is a lot of controversy surrounding a recent bill passed in Saskatchewan, which requires that schools obtain parental consent before a child under sixteen years old can use a preferred name, pronoun or gender expression at school. One take that has been building momentum during this new wave movement of prioritizing “parental rights” in education- are those who feel that parents need to protect their children from the indoctrination of the government in schools. Those opposing this parental rights bill say that schools should be protecting 2SLGBTQ+ youth from the negative risk factors they could face if they do not live in a supportive home. The priority of the debate gets lost when both sides argue, as both children’s families and schools should be safe, supportive, and protective places. It draws away attention from the children, who are the subject of concern.

    To further explain, some are worried that allowing children to change their gender, name, or pronouns at school without parental consent is violating the parental right to know what is going on with their child, especially something as important as this. Some of these parents want to be informed and be the ones to educate their child on this subject. This could be concerning, if some of these parents want to teach their children that their identity is wrong. Other parents know that not all 2SLGBTQ+ youth have parents who are accepting of their child’s gender expression, sexual orientation, or gender identity and when this is the case, youth’s lives are negatively altered. As a result of the seriousness of these potential risks, some parents don’t think they’re worth taking, and the disclosure of this information should be left up to the youth. This law prioritizes “parental rights” to know what is going on with their child, when that child is trying to explore their gender and sexuality. Rather than creating a safe and comfortable environment for their children to talk to them, one might wonder if this failing of familial communication is a priority for this government? In situations where parents don’t know their child’s gender, pronoun, name change in school it is likely because the child either hasn’t told their parents yet because they are not ready, or they may be scared to do so.

    As mentioned, 2SLGBTQ+ youth who do not live in supportive homes face increased risks.

    One of these risks is youth homelessness.

    Past research shows that up to 40% of young people who experience homelessness are 2SLGBTQ+, (Abramovich & Shelton, 2017).

    Meanwhile, 2SLGBTQ+ youth only make up as estimated 5-10% of housed youth (Abramovich & Shelton, 2017).

    Compared to 2SLGBTQ+ youth who receive familial support, those whose families reject them are (Côté & Blais, 202; Ryan et al., 2009):

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The greatest predictor of future involvement with the juvenile justice system for 2SLGBTQ+ youth is having to leave home because of family rejection (Fedders, 2006). Being without basic needs such as housing and food, these youth are forced to commit “survival crimes” or to leave school so they can earn an income (Majd et al., 2006). While we all can agree that parents should know what is going on in their child’s life, keeping the facts above in mind, it raises the question of is it worth placing child’s rights, below “parental rights”?

    To pass this law in Saskatchewan, the premier has had to invoke the notwithstanding clause to override the children’s chart rights and rush the passing of this bill, instead of taking it through the normal legislative process (Hunter, 2023). The notwithstanding clause can override certain sections of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code (Hunter, 2023). Is it just for a law to have to use this clause to violate both provincial and federal human rights codes, as well as Canada’s agreement to the United Nation’s Convention on Rights to the Child to prioritize parent’s rights over their children’s rights? Saskatchewan and New Brunswick may be the minority in trying to push these bills as far as all the provinces go, however Alberta may not be far behind.

    This weekend at the United Conservative Party Annual General Meeting, there was an overwhelming majority of support for a resolution that proposes the same school pronoun bill as Saskatchewan (Johnson, 2023). This attendance of this weekend’s UCP AGM set a record for the largest provincial party meeting in Alberta’s history (Kury de Castillo, 2023). The Premier also made a clear statement in her address supporting parental rights and choices in education, while condemning the far left for ‘undermining’ the role of parents.

    When this bill was brought up in Saskatchewan, the government took nine days to draft its pronoun policy and released it to the public four days later (Simes, 2023). School boards were not consulted, and 2SLGBTQ+ youth certainly were not consulted. As discussions of this happening in other provinces and a resolution vote happening at a political party’s AGM are not surefire signs that this will happen here, there is certainly already discussion. Even the rumblings of this bill passing in other provinces will lead to household discussions where 2SLGBTQ+ youth find out if their house is a safe place for them or not.

    In 2014, an MLA tried to pass a bill that would require that students get permission to join a Gay Straight Alliance Group at school (GSA) at school. This bill was shut down due to a lot of public pushback, and we here at ESPC had a role in hosting public consultations surrounding this bill. This suggests that with proper advocacy and public education, the gender, pronoun and name bill could meet the same fate. Currently, students in Alberta do not have to obtain parental permission to participate in a GSA group at school due to concerns of the potential of familial discrimination and lack of support (Alberta Teachers Association, 2018). The Alberta Teachers Association also states that unwanted breaches of sexual orientation and gender identity to a parent without the express consent of the student can have potentially devastating and life-threatening consequences (Alberta Teachers Association, 2018). If this is the agreed upon best practice for teachers and schools navigating youth’s involvement in GSA’s, why would the reasoning differ for pronoun, name or gender changes? Hopefully the Alberta school board will be consulted if this policy proposal moves any further past this AGM, and although the youth likely won’t be consulted due to the nature of the bill, perhaps the rest of us can centre the youth’s needs as this conversation is just beginning.

     

    References  

    Abramovich, A., & Shelton, J. (Eds.). (2017). Where Am I Going to Go? Intersectional Approaches to Ending LGBTQ2S Youth Homelessness in Canada & the U.S. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press.

    Alberta Teachers’ Association. (2018, August). GSAs and QSAs in Alberta Schools – A Guide for Teachers. The Alberta Teachers Association. https://legacy.teachers.ab.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/ATA/Publications/Human-Rights-Issues/PD-80-6%20GSA-QSA%20Guide%202018.pdf

    Côté, P.-B., & Blais, M. (2020). “the least loved, that’s what I was”: A qualitative analysis of the pathways to homelessness by lgbtq+youth. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services, 33(2), 137–156. https://doi.org/10.1080/10538720.2020.1850388

    Fedders, Barbara (2006) “Coming Out for Kids: Recognizing, Respecting, and Representing LGBTQ Youth,” Nevada Law Journal: Vol. 6: Iss. 3, Article 15.
    Available at: https://scholars.law.unlv.edu/nlj/vol6/iss3/15

    Hunter, A. (2023, October 14). Sask. government use of notwithstanding clause, school policy could overshadow fall legislative sitting. CBC News. Retrieved November 6, 2023, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/sask-notwithstanding-clause-1.6995293.

    Johnson, L. (2023, November 4). Alberta UCP members approve party policy pushing for parental consent on pronouns. Edmonton Journal. Retrieved November 5, 2023, from https://edmontonjournal.com/news/politics/nine-months-on-still-no-alberta-sovereignty-act-inspired-suit-from-onion-lake-cree-nation

    Kury de Castillo, C. (2023, November 5). Alberta’s UCP AGM givces party a ‘sense of direction’: expert. Global News. Retrieved November 6, 2023, from https://globalnews.ca/news/10072206/alberta-ucp-agm-sense-of-direction/

    Majd, K., Marksamer, J., Reyes, C. (2009). Hidden Injustice: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth in Juvenille Courts. Legal Services for Chilren, National Juvenille Defender Center, and National Center for Lesbian Rights. https://www.modelsforchange.net/publications/237/Hidden_Injustice_Lesbian_Gay_Bisexual_and_Transgender_Youth_in_Juvenile_Courts.pdf

    Ryan, C., Huebner, D., Diaz, R. M., & Sanchez, J. (2009). Family rejection as a predictor of negative health outcomes in white and Latino Lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults. Pediatrics, 123(1), 346–352. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2007-3524

    Simes, J. (2023, October 18). Saskatchewan’s pronoun and naming changes at school part of larger trend: professor. The Canadian Press. Retrieved November 6, 2023, from https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/politics/saskatchewans-pronoun-and-naming-changes-at-school-part-of-larger-trend-professor/article_232094bd-5a46-5f3b-9e2a-976fbdb2644e.html

     

    [/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]