Edmonton Social Planning Council

Category: **Resources: Social Issues:

  • Blog post: “Let’s Talk” Day

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    Written by Myron Liew, ESPC Volunteer

    Introduction

    “Let’s talk”- about the corporations profiting from mental health while not meeting the bare minimum.

    As the awareness of mental health struggles grows year after year, many corporations have seemingly capitalized on this phenomenon by creating mental health-related campaigns under the guise of altruism. While this is not to say that corporation-created mental health campaigns are strictly ineffectual or malicious, other intentions must be considered and evaluated. Bell Canada’s annual “Let’s Talk” mental health campaign is at the forefront of this controversy.

    This post is divided into three parts: Bell Canada’s history of employee mistreatment, the corporatization of mental health, and the inadequacies of the campaign.

     

    Bell Canada’s Rocky History

    Beginning in 2011, Bell Canada promoted the “Let’s Talk” campaign as an opportunity for all to tell their struggles with mental health, reduce the negative stigma of mental health, and raise awareness of mental illnesses in Canada (Vido, 2019). The “Let’s Talk” campaign is seemingly well-intentioned in bringing the challenges and struggles of mental health to attention in all digital mediums, especially through social media with the hashtag #letstalk. There is no doubt that hundreds of thousands of Canadians suffering from mental health challenges may have benefitted from the nationwide campaign funded by Bell. Since its inception the campaign has raised more than $129 million for mental-health-related non-profit groups (Evans, 2023).

    However, the irony of the campaign is that Bell Canada has been subjected to numerous allegations of toxic work culture and discrimination, which undermines the corporation’s credibility in promoting mental health support and mental illness awareness. Erica Johnson of CBC News (2017) published an article that featured testimonies from previous Bell Canada employees alleging overly harsh and stress-inducing workplace culture (Johnson, 2017). Testimonies from the employees noted that they experience severe anxiety, depression, and stress while working at Bell, forcing them to take stress leave and medical leave (Johnson, 2017). Additionally, some employees noted that they experienced stress-related physical symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting, panic attacks, and diarrhea (Johnson, 2017). This phenomenon is so widespread among Bell employees that it was termed “The Bell Effect” by physicians (Johnson, 2017). Most employees commented that the stresses came from upper management (Johnson, 2017). Employees said that concerns were repeatedly brought up to upper management, but remained ignored (Johnson, 2017). In addition, Bell Canada has come under fire for alleged discrimination in the firing of multiple employees and laying off staff weeks before the “Let’s Talk” Campaign (Johnson, 2017), (ThoroldToday Staff, 2023). For a corporation that has made mental health and illness awareness one of its largest campaigns, mental health is not taken as seriously with the same amount of enthusiasm from within.

     

    Let’s Talk – The Corporatization of Mental Health

    “Profit is sweet, even if it comes from deception” – Sophocles

    Since its conception, many news and opinion articles have criticized the Bell’s “Let’s Talk” campaign for corporatizing mental health. The general theme of the criticism focuses on the corporation profiting from the campaign by capitalizing on mental health awareness and using it to construct a positive image of their company, all while failing to support their own staff.

    Bell Canada is a business when we get right down to it. The “Let’s Talk” campaign has been criticized for presenting a front to get tax breaks and exploiting people suffering from mental health. Lukas Redmond’s (2022) article from The Fulcrum highlights how Bell Canada receives a tax credit from their donations, in addition to receiving free advertising on social media. Redmond also explains how most people keep quiet on the matter as the donations go directly to various academic institutions across Canada (2022).

    Elianna Lev’s article on Yahoo! News compiled a series of tweets criticizing the campaign for its excessive branding and empty words. The criticisms consisted of annoyance with the ads, the ineffectiveness of the campaign, lack of accountability, triggering shock value, and obvious brand marketing and awareness (Lev, 2023). Jasmine Vido (2019) in her Master Thesis on the critical investigation of Bell’s “Let’s Talk” says it best: “Let’s Talk Day exploits social media users with mental health illnesses by profiting from their troubles”.

    Upon investigation into Bell Canada’s corporatization of mental health, there was a fair amount of branding on their free resources. Available on their “Let’s Talk” website, their mental health toolkit is a resource to share with family, friends, and colleagues to create positive change for mental health. The toolbox contains resources such as stickers, conversation starters, and crafts to facilitate mental health and mental illness discussion and support. In isolation, these are potentially a great resource to facilitate some dialogue. However, the Bell branding features prominently in every resource within this toolkit. For instance, the Bell “Let’s Talk” Kindness Box craft requires users to craft the box with the Bell “Let’s Talk” Logo on the front of the box. The concept of the box has good intentions; it can help people easily access a pick-me-up through creative crafts when needed. The question is, is the branding necessary to achieve this effect, or is it just a way for free advertising? In some ways, the “free” resources may be a way to acquire free advertising while maintaining a positive brand image.

     

    Playing It Too Safe – The Inadequate Bare Minimum

    The Bell “Let’s Talk” campaign sets an example of standing up and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health while not even meeting the bare minimum.

    While the campaign does address challenges such as suicide, anxiety, and substance abuse, there are many more serious and still-stigmatized mental illnesses that the company chooses to exclude. For instance, the campaign does not address the stigma associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD). According to the Canadian Mental Health Association 2.2% of Canadians live with BPD, which roughly translates to 840,000 people (CMHA, 2023). The campaign overlooks nearly a million people in their quest to reduce mental illness stigma. Additionally, the campaign ignores schizophrenia, which 1/100 Canadians are diagnosed with (Government of Canada, 2020). Again, a substantial number of people who live with a heavily stigmatized and debilitating mental illness is ignored once again by Bell. It appears that Bell attempts to do enough to gain public approval by only addressing “safer” mental illnesses.

    In their 2024 campaign, Bell attempts to address the topic of Indigenous communities experiencing difficulty in finding mental health support. However, nothing is offered beyond the simple acknowledgment. Factors such as systemic racism, colonialism, and intergenerational trauma are ignored. Instead, their challenges are reduced to “there are barriers”. The video ends with a short text about the National Association of Friendship Centres. At most, this segment gives a nod to the existence of barriers to Indigenous mental health support and barely scratches the surface of a complex and significant issue. It seems that Bell attempts to show sincerity in addressing Indigenous mental health to improve its brand image. Yet, it falls short and instead highlights their insincerity in addressing the real challenges and causes affecting the mental health of Indigenous peoples.

    A common criticism of the Bell “Let’s Talk” campaign is the refusal to address intersectional identities that influence mental illnesses, such as racism and systemic discrimination. According to the 2021 Canadian Census, 9.6 million Canadians identify as members of a visible minority group. Minorities compose 26.53% of the population, yet obvious and common challenges such as racism are not acknowledged in the “Let’s Talk” campaign (Statistics Canada, 2021). Many more groups remain unacknowledged in the “Let’s Talk” campaign. What about the systemic discrimination that minorities and women face in acquiring employment or moving up in ranks? These are existing issues that create stressors that can lead to mental health challenges for women and minorities. What about the LGBTQIA2S+ communities who may face discrimination and prejudice daily? Nothing in the campaign addresses these crucial issues that affect a large part of our diverse population. For a campaign focused on mental health awareness, very few mental health-related problems are addressed.

     

    Conclusion

    “Let’s Talk” is about how the campaign inadequately addresses the intricacies of mental illness and mental health, while profiting from the struggles of people experiencing mental health challenges. The campaign may have achieved some good with their charitable donations, but much more needs to be done. The workplace culture of Bell Canada has proven that mental health support is not a priority. Many employees suffer from mental and physical symptoms caused by the workplace, and more alleged systemic discrimination. The campaign relies on excessive branding, corporatization of mental health, empty words, and selective coverage of mental illnesses as well as ignores intersectional identities. For these reasons, while it seems to come from a good place, it is wholly inadequate. Perhaps this year, Bell Canada should have a “talk” with members of the community and mental health professionals before pursuing an advocacy role in mental health awareness.

     

    References

    CMHA Nova Scotia Division. (2023). May is Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness. CMHA Nova Scotia Division. https://novascotia.cmha.ca/may-is-borderline-personality-disorder-awareness-month/

    Evans, P. (2023, January 9). Bell replaces pledge of 5 cents per text on let’s talk day with lump-sum $10m donation. CBC News. Retrieved January 23, 2024, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/bell-canada-let-s-talk-1.6708000#:~:text=Over%20the%20past%2013%20years,in%20the%20process%2C%20Bell%20says.

    Government of Canada. (2020). Schizophrenia in Canada. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia-canada.html

    Johnson, E. (2017). Bell’s ‘Let’s Talk’ campaign rings hollow for employees suffering panic attacks, vomiting and anxiety. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/bell-employees-stressed-by-sales-targets-1.4418876

    Lev, E. (2023). ‘We need action, not annual empty words’: Bell Let’s Talk campaign ads are ‘awful’, only for ‘shock value’, critics say. Yahoo! News. https://ca.news.yahoo.com/bell-lets-talk-criticism-commercials-suicide-anxiety-232641966.html

    Redmond, K. (2022). Opinion: Bell, let’s talk about Bell Let’s Talk Day. The Fulcrum. https://thefulcrum.ca/opinions/opinion-bell-lets-talk-about-bell-lets-talk-day/

    Statistics Canada. 2023. (table). Census Profile. 2021 Census of Population. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-X2021001. Ottawa. Released November 15, 2023. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed January 23, 2024).

    ThoroldToday Staff. (2023). Bell hasn’t erased bad memories of Let’s Talk Day: Brock experts. Thorold Today. https://www.thoroldtoday.ca/local-news/bell-hasnt-erased-bad-memories-of-lets-talk-day-brock-experts-6428794

    Vido, J. (2019). “A critical investigation of Bell Let’s Talk”. Major Papers. 74. https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/major-papers/74

     

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  • fACT Sheet: Encampments in Edmonton

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    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. 

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  • 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.

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  • 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)

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  • 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]

  • Vital Signs 2023 – A look at Food Security in Edmonton

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    Edmonton Vital Signs is an annual check-up initiative conducted by Edmonton Community Foundation, in partnership with Edmonton Social Planning Council, to measure how the community is doing.

    This Vital Signs report focuses on Food Insecurity in Edmonton.

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    A LOOK AT SYSTEMIC RACISM IN EDMONTON – VITAL SIGNS 2022

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