Edmonton Social Planning Council

Category: Social Issues: General

Blog post: Black History Month – Rosa Parks: The Spark That Ignited a Movement
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Written by Susanne Urbina

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reference

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

Rosa Parks: The Spark That Ignited a Movement

Written by Shahina Hanif, ESPC volunteer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rosa Parks’ legacy can inspire people in our city, Edmonton, to address and combat various forms of inequality. Here are some specific ways her story can resonate and motivate action within our community:
- Rosa Parks’ defiance can inspire Edmontonians to address income inequality by advocating for fair wages, supporting marginalized businesses, and pushing for equitable economic policies (Edmonton Social Planning Council, 2020).
- Her courage reminds us to stand up for Indigenous rights by promoting culture, advocating for better access to services, and addressing systemic issues like over-policing (CBC News, 2021).
- Parks’ legacy highlights the need to challenge racial discrimination through anti-racism training, supporting inclusive policies, and speaking out against microaggressions (Edmonton Social Planning Council, 2020).
- Inspired by Parks, Edmontonians can volunteer, join advocacy groups, and engage with local government to address inequality (CBC News, 2021).
- Her story encourages education on inequality, reading works by Black and Indigenous authors, and promoting awareness through community events (Edmonton Social Planning Council, 2020).
By drawing inspiration from Rosa Parks’ bravery and commitment to justice, individuals in Edmonton can take meaningful actions to address and reduce inequality in their own community. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder that even small acts of courage can lead to significant change.

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

References

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

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

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

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

Marie Claire. (n.d.). Remembering Rosa Parks: 8 Of Her Most Inspiring Quotes. Marie Claire. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/remembering-rosa-parks-her-most-inspiring-quotes-29143
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February 7, 2025
Edmonton’s Living Wage 2024

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Executive Summary

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

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

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

While inflation has increased significantly over the past year, expenses for the living wage reference families have gone down. The largest decreases this year were seen in clothing and footwear, due to changes in shopping patterns, and childcare, due to the gradual implementation of $10/day childcare. At the same time, the reference living wage families saw an increase in government benefits they are eligible for. These trends worked together to lower the living wage.
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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
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November 18, 2024
A profile of poverty in Edmonton: September 2024
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Introduction

This report presents a snapshot of what poverty looks like in Edmonton in 2024. When thinking about poverty, our minds tend to jump to the most extreme cases – such as those experiencing homelessness. This report aims to shed light on those living in the “middle” – the working poor, those on the cusp of poverty, and those experiencing certain indicators of poverty while still living above the poverty line. Too often, these populations are ignored, and as such their situation remains hidden and largely unaddressed.

A rising cost of living; proliferation of low paying, unstable jobs; limited government support; and lack of access to quality education and childcare constrain people’s choices and create the conditions that trap people in poverty. Today, too many Edmontonians struggle to meet their basic needs and are forced to make tough decisions to get by each month. In this social and economic environment, it is increasingly difficult to access the things one needs to “get ahead.” Poverty is more than a simple lack of material resources, living in poverty limits one’s ability to participate in their community and live a dignified life.

The neighbour who works full-time yet still pays over 30% of their income on rent, the friend who wants to go back to school to get a better job but does not have the time or the money, or the sibling who stays home because they cannot access childcare may not be the first people to jump into one’s mind when picturing “poverty,” but they are nonetheless deeply impacted by it. This report aims to unpack some of the nuances surrounding poverty in Edmonton and illustrate how poverty impacts people’s lives in complicated and interconnected ways.

This project seeks to answer the following questions:
1. What does a dignified life look like in Edmonton? We aim to identify the things that give our lives meaning and are integral to well-being. This includes relationships and belonging, mental health, and sense of meaning.
2. What does it cost to have this life? This section will dive into cost of living indicators including housing, energy, healthy and culturally relevant food, transportation, health, recreation, clothing, and personal care.
3. What is needed to afford this life? This section will investigate indicators such as employment rates, quality of employment, incomes, and government supports, and whether or not these are sufficient to cover one’s basic needs.
4. What supports this life? This section investigates the larger systems that can enhance or impede the ability to get a good job, afford one’s needs, and live a dignified life. This includes access to education and childcare.
Throughout this report, the answers to these questions will be illustrated through “scenarios” we have created to bring these numbers to life. The people and families highlighted may be made up, but they represent the real struggles Edmonton families are going through.
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September 6, 2024
Blog: Analog to Digital: The shift to Arc for Edmonton Transit
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The new Arc electronic fare program is Edmonton’s foray into smart transit. Will this new tech make transit more accessible for all Edmontonians?

By Bronwyn Neufeld, ESPC Volunteer

Arc is Edmonton’s new electronic fare program for its transit network. Shifting the system from exclusively analog to the digital age with Edmonton transit having operated with paper tickets/passes and exact change only dating back to the first trolley car in 1909. (1) The Arc system is comparable to other tap-on, tap-off electronic fare programs in major Canadian cities such as Montreal, Toronto, and Calgary. In many cities including Edmonton, transit is thought to be the more affordable option than driving. It’s important to question how the new system will affect those who use transit the most. What kinds of benefits and challenges might we see?

But first, how does this new system work?

The Arc card system was launched officially for all Edmontonians on November 21st, 2022, (2) and was used as early as 2021, integrated with the university student transit passes (U-Pass). It now extends to municipalities including Beaumont, Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, Spruce Grove, St. Albert, and Strathcona County. (3) To use the Arc system, you must purchase either an Arc card or a single-use Arc ticket from one of 75 locations in Edmonton. (4) The single-use tickets act like single-use transit passes and cannot be reloaded with money; they are for one-time use only. The cards, on the other hand, act as reloadable transit passes, which can be done at any of the locations in which you purchased the card. After an Arc card is purchased, it can be linked to an online account, where the balance and personal user information is stored. The card will still work in the same way without an online account.

Benefits

Arc cards follow the concept of fare capping. This means that the card will cap out once it reaches the amount of a month or day pass, at which point you ride for free for the remainder of the month or day. Even those who choose to stay anonymous and not register their card to an account, still benefit from the fare-capping policy. This feature benefits those that may have been making many trips by transit in a single day or month and using single use tickets, benefiting those who have purchased monthly bus passes previously. If you bought a monthly pass and did not take enough trips to make it worth the total cost, you would simply lose that money. With the Arc system that money is stored on your card, which continues to be used the next month. This would help people with jobs that are unpredictable in scheduling, which is common with many minimum wage jobs.

The bonus of having the electronic system is the option to get a replacement. With the money you load on your Arc card stored online, you can block the card and get a replacement, without losing money. Similar to what you would do with a debit card if it were lost or stolen. While still, a time-consuming annoyance, having the option to replace the card without paying again alleviates some of the financial burdens of losing a bus pass. This option is only available to the users that have registered their card online.

The current Edmonton transit system still accepts paper tickets, passes, and transfers. As the new Arc system is being rolled out, having the option to switch to the new system or continue using the old system benefits everyone by giving them choice and freedom.

Challenges

One of the challenges with the Arc card system is it does not currently have discounted rates for people on AISH, Seniors, and other groups that had access to discounts with the original bus passes and fares. (4) The website indicates that these rates are coming in 2023. Having these rates implemented is crucial for inclusivity in the new system.

The distribution of the Arc cards themselves is lacking at the moment. With only 75 locations throughout Edmonton, the access to a card is more limited than to the old system which has over 300 locations. If you do not live on the LRT line or close to a business centre like many Edmontonians, you will likely not have direct physical access to buy or check your card balance.

These gaps in distribution of the Arc cards affects those who may have limitations to online access. For example, youth or seniors without direct access to computers, or the unhoused and precariously housed populations of Edmonton. The system is currently set up so that it excludes people with online barriers to some of the key benefits of the Arc system, like card replacement and online access to card balances. As the system becomes more integrated, more locations should be made available to provide Arc cards and access to card balances and replacements throughout the city.

The Arc card system presents an exciting step towards the modernization and improvement of Edmonton transit. It is possible for the Arc card system to maintain all the benefits while tweaking the system to ensure all users are included. For more information on the Arc card system visit Home | Arc by CRP (myarc.ca).

Bronwyn was born and raised in Amiskwacîwâskahikan/Edmonton. Bronwyn is an avid transit user and bike lane enthusiast. She loves exploring cities and experiencing all they have to offer. She just graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Alberta and is currently working as a Project Engineer-in-Training with Stantec.

References
1. City of Edmonton. (n.d) Arc Card. City of Edmonton. https://www.edmonton.ca/ets/ets-history-statistics
2. Mertz. E (2022, Nov 15) Electronic fare system for Edmonton and regional transit launches Nov. 21. https://globalnews.ca/news/9279607/edmonton-transit-arc-electronic-fare-arc/
3. City of Edmonton. (n.d) Arc Card. City of Edmonton. https://www.edmonton.ca/ets/arc
4. ARC. (n.d). Frequently Asked Questions https://www.myarc.ca/customer-service/questions-answers
5. Edmonton Journal Editorial Board. (2022 Nov. 21). Editorial: Edmonton’s transit smart car better late than never. https://edmontonjournal.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-edmontons-transit-smart-card-better-late-than-never
6. Paquette A. (2021, April 12) Transit Statistics 2019 and 2020. https://pub-edmonton.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=88604
7. City of Edmonton. (n.d.) Map View: ETS Sales Outlet Locations. https://data.edmonton.ca/dataset/Map-View-ETS-Sales-Outlet-Locations/kzs7-f2em?referrer=embed
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April 4, 2023
Research Review: You Give, We Take: The Hidden Ongoing Crisis in Canadian Nonprofit Employment

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Published by Imagine Canada in Fall 2022, Emily Jensen’s “Diversity is Our Strength: Improving Working Conditions in Canadian Nonprofits” provides data about Canada’s current nonprofit sector. The report explores who currently makes up the nonprofit workforce and highlights problems that are common within the sector such as low salaries, lack of- or low benefits and few long-term work opportunities.

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March 20, 2023
Blog: Need for Literacy in Most Jobs
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Literacy fosters lifelong learning and enhances skills and abilities amongst. It is critical to recognize and understand the advantages of literacy as well as the disadvantages that people may encounter as a result of not having had the opportunity to increase their literacy abilities, and in some cases, due to their life circumstances.

By Ankur Subedi, ESPC Volunteer

UNESCO defines literacy as the ability to recognize, comprehend, interpret, produce, communicate, and compute utilizing printed and written materials connected to a variety of contexts. It entails a learning continuum that enables individuals to achieve their goals, develop their knowledge and potential, and continue to participate in their community and wider society (UNESCO UIS, 2022).

The Government of Canada has defined a set of “Skills for Success” that acts as the cornerstone for all other skills and allow individuals to develop and adapt to change at work, in the community, and at home (ABC Life Literacy Canada, 2021). Every employer uses the “Skills for Success” to variable degrees and to jobs of increasing complexity (ABC Life Literacy Canada, 2021). People with strong literacy abilities earn significantly more money and have far greater employment rates than those with low literacy skills (ABC Life Literacy Canada, 2021). Literacy skills enable employees to work more precisely and efficiently, resulting in improved work quality, service, and productivity gains. Employees understand instructions, cautionary labels, and procedures better when they have the capacity to comprehend complex communication (ABC Life Literacy Canada, 2021).

It is reported that employers in Canada spent $889 on learning and development on average per employee in 2016–17, an increase of $89 per employee from 2014–15 (ABC Life Literacy Canada, 2023). The typical amount of learning time spent by an employee annually is likewise rising, going from 25 hours in 2010 to 32 hours in 2016–17 (ABC Life Literacy Canada, 2023). Even small investments in workplace literacy and essential skills training have been reported to result in significant improvements in workers’ skills and job performance, as well as increases in employment, revenues, work performance, productivity, and cost savings due to reduced errors and waste (ABC Life Literacy Canada, 2023). Workers who received essential skills training were nearly 25% more likely than those who did not, to report a reduction in work-related stress (ABC Life Literacy Canada, 2023).

While there are a lot of strengths that people with strong literacy skills possess, it is also important to recognize that people who might not have the strongest literacy skills also bring in their own unique sets of skills and strengths. In today’s world, one’s intelligence and success are measured by their educational credentials and literacy skills. On the contrary, those who are underprivileged with the least ideal living conditions may not be able to afford to pursue degrees and literacy skills from reputed educational institutions. From a strength-based perspective, their living conditions often make them highly resilient and enriched with major life skills in today’s ever-changing world with the ability to survive with limited means and adapt to challenging realities of life and still discover joy with an inner strength and ability to compromise (Chakraborty, 2019). Other valuable skills such as being resourceful and goal-oriented, and handling stress also cannot be underestimated (Chakraborty, 2019).

As crucial as it is to acknowledge the capabilities and strengths of those with low literacy levels, it is also a reality that they have difficulties securing and maintaining employment due to the literacy and education requirements. The sense of personal shame that often comes with being unable to read and write in a society where literacy is taken for granted is one of the most agonizing consequences of illiteracy (Alden, 1982). A lack of basic education and poverty is a major barrier that prevents adults from achieving adequate employment and income (Alden, 1982). Even while working full-time, adults with low levels of literacy are nearly ten times more likely to require public assistance and make, on average, only $300 per week (Garcia, 2017). Furthermore, only 27% of these people have a high school diploma or GED, and 64% have never used a computer (Garcia, 2017). People who have not completed high school are less likely to be hired, which results in prolonged durations of unemployment (Garcia, 2017). Individuals with low levels of literacy are often associated with reduced employment prospects, poor employment outcomes, and lower income, so they frequently require social assistance programs and experience low self-esteem (Miranda, 2021). Low levels of literacy can limit a person’s ability to make significant, well-informed decisions in daily life because they may find it difficult to complete tasks like filling out applications and forms, comprehending governmental regulations, reading labels for food or medicine, and other similar tasks (Miranda, 2021).

Literacy development is beyond the functional level and is critical in transforming us into socially involved citizens. Promoting literacy starts with us, in our families, neighborhoods, and communities to establish a culture that supports it. Within the Edmonton vicinity, there are social organizations such as the Centre for Family Literacy, Project Adult Literacy Society, The Learning Centre Literacy Association, and the Connect Society. They offer free coaching and tutoring to adult learners who seek to enhance their fundamental literacy abilities (reading, writing, comprehension, arithmetic, English language, and computer skills), and other literacy promotional activities for adults as well as children.

Ankur Subedi is a Registered Social Worker (RSW), currently advancing her education in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at the University of Calgary. Having completed the Social Work Diploma from Norquest College, Ankur comes with a diverse background in community involvement. Ankur is passionate about working in social services and working with vulnerable populations to help them achieve their best possible levels of mental, social, and physical well-being. Ankur is a volunteer with ESPC.

References

ABC Life Literacy Canada. (2023, January 9). What is workplace literacy? Retrieved from https://abclifeliteracy.ca/workplace-literacy/

ABC Life Literacy Canada. (2021, September 21). Why businesses should invest in employee skills training. Retrieved from https://abclifeliteracy.ca/blog-posts/workplace-literacy-blog-posts/why-businesses-should-invest-in-employee-skills-training/#:~:text=Literacy%20skills%20help%20employees%20work,%2C%20warning%20labels%2C%20and%20procedures

Alden, H. (1982). Illiteracy and poverty – from the introduction of “illiteracy and poverty in Canada: Toward a critical perspective”. Retrieved from http://www.en.copian.ca/library/research/illitpov/illitpov.htm

Chakraborty, G. (2019, May 24). 8 lessons that poverty teaches you. Orowealth Blog. Retrieved from https://www.orowealth.com/insights/blog/8-lessons-that-poverty-teaches-you/#:~:text=Poverty%20teaches%20you%20to%20survive,effort%20in%20more%20meaningful%20things

Focus and Read. (2020, October 30). Quick Guide: How to Effectively Promote Literacy. Retrieved from https://focusandread.com/quick-guide-how-to-effectively-promote-literacy

Garcia, V. (2017, July 25). The problem with illiteracy and how it affects all of Us. Reading Partners. Retrieved from https://readingpartners.org/blog/problem-illiteracy-affects-us/

Miranda, N. (2021, July 23). The impact of illiteracy and the importance of early intervention. World Literacy Foundation. Retrieved from https://worldliteracyfoundation.org/early-intervention-reduces-illiteracy/#:~:text=Individuals%20with%20low%20levels%20of,and%20higher%20levels%20of%20crime

UNESCO UIS. (2022, September 15). Literacy. Retrieved from https://uis.unesco.org/node/3079547
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March 14, 2023