Edmonton Social Planning Council

Category: **Digital Resources

  • Blog: Pride Month: Combating Heterosexism, Discrimination, and Oppression

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    By Amanda Labonte and Sydney Sheloff 

    While Pride is celebrated during the month of June, respecting, and honoring people of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community should be a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion we make every day. 

    Heterosexism is a pervasive systemic oppressive force that is both invisible and intentional. Heterosexism is rooted in the idea that binary, meaning cisgender female and male identities, and heterosexual relationships as superior and ‘normal’ [4]. Heterosexism reinforces homophobia and transphobia, and together, these forces are responsible for many of the continued social policies and practices that are oppressive to 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. For example, increased houselessness in 2SLGBTQQIA+ youth, where 51% of youth reported they were on the street due to conflict in the home [2], 2SLGBTQQIA+ older adults entering long-term care often ‘go back in the closet’ to avoid prejudice and discrimination [1], as well 2SLGBTQQIA+ folk experience higher rates of poverty [3]. 

    People who identify as heterosexual see their relationships on television, in books, and in advertising. People who identify as binary never have to think about the consequences of which bathroom to use or which part of the clothing store to shop in. These discriminatory methods are used to reinforce heterosexist ideology and are intentionally harmful.  

    To combat heterosexism, it is important to learn and engage in materials to understand the beauty and diversity of gender and sexualities. It is important to use appropriate pronouns as respectful and inclusive practice. In solidarity with 2SLGBTQQIA+ persons and community, listed below are some resources to facilitate further conversation and understanding. 

     

    Watch Videos to Better Understand Terms: 

    Two-Spirit 

    them. (11, December 2018). What does “Two-Spirit” mean? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4lBibGzUnE&t=9s 

    Intersex 

    them. (4, December 2018). What does intersex mean? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_5l2fwWGco 

    Transgender 

    them. (7, September 2018). Angelica Ross explains the history of the word ‘Transgender’. [Video] YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXH7vytxGus 

    Queer 

    them. (21, February 2018). Tyler Ford explains the history behind the work “Queer.” [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpE0u9Dx_24 

     

    Learn About Pronouns and How to Use Them: 

    The Diversity Center. (n.d.). Pronouns: A how-to. https://www.diversitycenterneo.org/about-us/pronouns/ 

     

    Read Literature by 2SLGBTQQIA+ Authors: 

    Mohamed Abdulkarim Ali 

    Ali is a Somalian-Canadian writer who writes about his lived experiences. 

    We suggest: 

    Ali, M. A. (2019). Angry queer Somali boy. University of Regina Press. 

    Lee Airton 

    Airton is an Assistant Professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies in Education at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario and is a researcher, blogger, advocate and speaker. Airton was founder of the website They Is My Pronoun, which has been archived. 

    We suggest: 

    Airton, L. (2019). Gender: Your guide – a gender-friendly primer on what to know, what to say, and what to do in the new gender culture. Adams Media. 

    Archie Bongiovanni & Tristan Jimerson 

    This pair teamed up to write the guide on they/them pronouns in a graphic novel/comic book style. It is an easy read that explains pronouns, how to use them, how to ask about someone’s pronouns and what to do if you make a mistake.  

    Bongiovanni, A. & Jimerson, T. (2018). A quick & easy guide to they/them pronouns. Limerence Press.  

    Vivek Sharaya 

    Vivek Sharaya is a transgender artist of colour “whose body of work crosses the boundaries of music, literature, visual art, theatre, and film.” 

    We suggest: 

    Sharaya, V. (2018). I’m afraid of men. Penguin Random House. 

    Billy Ray Belcourt 

    Belcourt is an academic and poet from Driftpile Cree Nation. His poetry explores ideas around the queer Indigenous experience, and how Indigenous people deal with pain, violence, and grief, showcasing their resilience.   

    We suggest:   

    Belcourt, B.-R. (2017). The wound is a world. Frontenac House Ltd.   

    Belcourt, B.-R. (2019). NDN coping mechanisms: Notes from the field. House of Anansi Press Inc.   

    Ma-Nee Chacaby 

    Chacaby is an Ojibwe-Cree writer, artist and activist. 

    We suggest: 

    Chacaby, M. (2016). A Two-Spirit Journey: The Autobiography of a Lesbian Ojibwa-Cree Elder. University of Manitoba Press.  

    Rinaldo Walcott 

    Walcott is the Director of Women and Gender Studies Institute and an Associate Professor at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at University of Toronto. 

    We suggest: 

    Walcott, R. (2016). Queer returns: Essays on multiculturalism, diaspora, and Black studies. Insomniac Press 

     

    Learn About Local 2SLGBTQQIA+ History 

    Edmonton Queer History Project  

    This site has an Edmonton walking tour map as well as a podcast.  

     

    Support or Volunteer with a 2SLGBTQQIA+ Organization 

    Pride Centre 

    Shades of Colour 

    Rainbow Alliance for Youth of Edmonton 

    Edmonton Two Spirit Society 

    Edmonton Queer Youth Club 

     

    References 

    [1] CMHC (July 25, 2019). LGBTQ2S+ Housing Needs and Challenges. https://www.cmhc- schl.gc.ca/en/blog/2019-housing-observer/lgbtq2s-housing-needs-challenges 

    [2] Homeless Hub (2021). Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, questioning and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2S). 

     https://www.homelesshub.ca/about-homelessness/population-specific/lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-transsexual-queer 

    [3] Researching for LGBTQ2S+ Health ( 2022) The Canadian Coalition Against LGBTQ+ Poverty. https://lgbtqhealth.ca/projects/canadiancoalitionagainstlgbtqpoverty.php 

    [4] Vancouver Island University. (n.d.) Heterosexism. https://adm.viu.ca/positive- space/heterosexism 

     

     

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  • Blog: National Indigenous History Month: Acknowledging, Celebrating and Honouring 

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    By Amanda Labonte, Jenn Rossiter and Sydney Sheloff 

    National Indigenous History Month is a time for celebrating the rich and diverse histories and cultures of Indigenous Peoples.  

    As settlers and non-Indigenous persons on this land we have a responsibility to recognize there was a history long before contact. Indigenous Peoples had governance, justice, health care, education, community, food security, and family systems guided by their worldview.  

    Legislation such as the Indian Act and its policies were designed intentionally to harm and oppress Indigenous Peoples. The Indian Act is still in effect today, an 82 page document that has had some revisions over the years. The Act still directs policy, governance and decisions made about Indigenous Peoples rather than with Indigenous Peoples. Bob Joseph, of the Gwawaenuk Nation, wrote a book “21 things you may not know about the Indian act: Helping Canadians make reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a reality” (2018) that included only 21 of the statues and/or policies. It is an excellent book to get started on understanding the Indian Act. 

    The ESPC (Edmonton Social Planning Council) is aware of the devastating impacts colonialism, has had, and continues to have on Indigenous Peoples, and the high rates of discrimination and racism Indigenous Peoples experience today. This is a topic people need to continue talking about, but it is not the whole history or the whole story. Indigenous Peoples have made countless achievements and contributions on this land for time immemorial.  

    The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action is a crucial document for individuals and organizations to work towards reconciliation. We as a community have a long way to go before achieving reconciliation, and part of our responsibility as settlers and non-Indigenous persons on this land is to engage in and listen to Indigenous culture and history as written, spoken and shared by Indigenous Peoples. 

    In contribution to National Indigenous History Month and reconciliation here are some resources, written or spoken by Indigenous Peoples. We hope you take time to explore these valuable works and others. 

    Events and Experiences 

    Should you be interested in engaging in experiences related to Indigenous histories in Amishkwaciy Waskahikan (Edmonton), we suggest you look at this list curated by Mackenzie Brown. The list is large and covers events, museums, cuisine, music and much more.  

    Listen to Podcasts 

    2 Crees in a Pod on Spotify is produced and hosted by Terri Sunjtens, Director of Indigenous Initiatives at kihêw waciston at MacEwan University. The podcast is co-hosted by Amber Dion, an assistant professor at the School of Social Work, MacEwan University. This podcast was nominated for a 2020 Canadian Podcast Award. 

    Unreserved on CBCListen is hosted by Rosanna Deerchild from O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation. Deerchild in addition to being a radio host is a writer and poet. During the 2020-2021 Unreserved was guest hosted by Falen Johnson, who is from Six Nations Grand River Territory and is also a playwright.  

    Read a Blog 

     Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples writer Bob Joseph is the founder of Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. Joseph writes on several topics including Indigenous histories and untold stories.  

    Watch a Film:  

    Tasha Hubbard  

    Hubbard is an academic documentary filmmaker from Peepeekisis First Nation. Her films explore violence against Indigenous people, including: Two Worlds Colliding, a look at the “Starlight Tours,” or freezing deaths, in Saskatchewan, and Nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up which follows the family of Colton Boushie as they fight for justice after his death. 

    We suggest:  

    Hubbard, T. (Director). (2005). Two worlds colliding [film]. National Film Board of Canada.  

    Hubbard, T. (Director). (2019). Nîpawistamâsowin: We will stand up [film]. National Film Board of Canada. 

     

    Read Literature by Indigenous Authors: 

    Billy-Ray Belcourt  

    Belcourt is an academic and poet from Driftpile Cree Nation. His poetry explores ideas around the queer Indigenous experience, and how Indigenous people deal with pain, violence, and grief, showcasing their resilience.  

    We suggest:  

    Belcourt, B.-R. (2017). The wound is a world. Frontenac House Ltd.  

    Belcourt, B.-R. (2019). NDN coping mechanisms: Notes from the field. House of Anansi Press Inc.  

    Leanne Betasamosake Simpson  

    Betasamosake Simpson is a Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg scholar, writer, and artist. Her work uses Nishnaabeg intellectual practices, as she breaks apart the intersections of politics, story, and song.  

    We suggest:  

    Betasamosake Simpson, L. (2017). As we have always done: Indigenous freedom through radical resistance. University of Minnesota Press.  

    Betasamosake Simpson, L. (2020). Noopiming: The cure for white ladies. House of Anansi Press.  

    Glen Coulthard  

    Coulthard is a Yellowknives Dene associate professor in First Nations and Indigenous Studies and Political Science. In Red Skin, White Masks, he “seeks to reevaluate, reconstruct, and redeploy Indigenous cultural practices based on self-recognition rather than seeking appreciation from agents of colonialism.”  

    We suggest:  

    Coulthard, G. (2014). Red skin, white masks: Rejecting the colonial politics of recognition. University of Minnesota Press.  

    Michelle Good 

    Good is a member of Red Pheasant Cree Nation in Saskatchewan and was awarded the HarperCollins/UBC Prize for Best New Fiction in 2018. 

    We suggest:  

    Good, M. (2020). Five little Indians. Harper Perennial.  

    Thomas King  

    King is a writer of Cherokee, German, and Greek descent. He writes about Indigenous history, issues, and story in Canada and America. He pays particular attention to the ways in which policies have eroded Indigenous land and status rights.  

    We suggest:  

    King, T. (2012). The inconvenient Indian: A curious account of native people in North America. Doubleday Canada.  

    Dian Million  

    Million is Tanana Athabascan and a professor in American Indian studies. Million argues that Indigenous oral story telling “told about historical trauma, past and present victimization, and the search for redemption in personal and community healing,” and is therefore a valid form of theory. She also studies the politics of mental and physical health in relation to Indigenous communities and trauma.  

    We suggest:  

    Million, D. (2013). Therapeutic nations: Healing in an age of Indigenous human rights. University of Arizona Press.  

    Million, D. (2014). There is a river in me: Theory from life. In A. Simpson & A. Smith (Eds.), Theorizing Native Studies (pp. 31-42). Durham: Duke University Press.  

    Tanya Talaga  

    Talaga is an Anishinaabe journalist. Her book Seven Fallen Feathers investigates the alarming number of deaths of Indigenous youth in Thunder Bay, and how they are related to a legacy of human rights violations against Indigenous people. In All Our Relations, Talaga looks at how colonial separation of Indigenous people from their land, communities, and culture, affect social determinates of health and high suicide rates of Indigenous youth. These books are also a call for action, justice, and a better world for Indigenous peoples.  

    We suggest:  

    Talaga, T. (2017). Seven fallen feathers: Racism, death, and hard truths in a northern city. House of Anansi Press.  

    Talaga, T. (2018). All our relations: Finding the path forward. House of Anansi Press.  

    Jesse Thistle  

    Thistle is a Métis-Cree author and professor. His academic work explores Métis history, but he is best known for his recent memoir, From the Ashes. In this book, he explores his experiences with the foster care system, describing abuse, addiction, homelessness, racism, and cultural disconnection. He goes on to share how he turned his life around by learning about, and connecting with, his culture.  

    We suggest:  

    Thistle, J. (2019). From the ashes: My story of being Métis, homeless, and finding my way. Simon and Schuster.  

    Eve Tuck  

    Tuck in an Unangax̂ scholar whose research focus is on urban education and Indigenous studies. She focuses on how Indigenous social thought can be engaged to create more fair and just social policy, more meaningful social movements, and robust approaches to decolonization.  

    We suggest:  

    Tuck, E. & Yang, K. W. (2012). Decolonization is not a metaphor. Decolonization: Indigeneity, Education & Society, 1(1), 1–40.  

    Chelsea Vowel  

    Vowel is a Métis lawyer, academic, and author. Her work focuses on language, gender identity, and resurgence. She advocates for Indigenous language preservation, education reform, and Indigenous control of Indigenous education. Her blog, âpihtawikosisân, provides primer resources and “myth debunking” on Indigenous topics.  

    We suggest:  

    Vowel, C. (2016). Indigenous writes: A guide to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit issues in Canada. High-water Press.  

    Vowel, C. (n.d.). Indigenous issues 101. âpihtawikosisân. https://apihtawikosisan.com/aboriginal-issue-primers/  

    Richard Wagamese  

    Wagamese was an author and journalist from Wabaseemoong First Nation. His books explore Indigenous experiences in Canada; Indian Horse, for example, explores residential schools, abuse, racism, trauma, and how they relate to addiction.  

    We suggest:  

    Wagamese, R. (2008). One native life. Douglas and McIntyre.  

    Wagamese, R. (2013). Indian horse. Douglas and McIntyre. 

     

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  • Vital Topics: A Look at the History of Racism Towards Indigenous & People of Colour in Edmonton

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    Edmonton Vital Signs is an annual checkup conducted by Edmonton Community Foundation, in partnership with Edmonton Social Planning Council, to measure how the community is doing. Vital Topics are a quick but comprehensive look at issues that are timely and important to Edmonton.

    For this edition, we take a look at A look at the history of racism towards Indigenous & People of Colour in Edmonton. This includes a look at history, residential schools, immigration, and demographics. 

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  • fACT Sheet: Housing Co-Operatives

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    Introduction

    Affordability and the rising cost of living has become a particularly pressing issue especially as Canada recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. With inflation at an all-time high (6.8% as of April 2022, the highest it’s been in 31 years), these rising costs place a disproportionately large strain on low-income households. Shelter costs are among the largest expenses.

    With the number of people experiencing homelessness in Edmonton on the rise (2,758 people are experiencing homelessness as of May 2022 according to Homeward Trust Edmonton’s Homelessness Dashboard), a limited stock of affordable housing units available, and thousands of people placed on years long wait lists to receive rental assistance, there is an urgent need to meaningfully address the housing crisis.

    According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s February 2022 Rental Market Report, in Edmonton the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,270 while a two-bedroom condominium is $1,412. While monthly rents are relatively stable in recent years, rents have overall doubled when measured over a 20-year time period, making affordability a concern. This is particularly felt for households earning less than $36,000 a year as they can only affordably access about 15% of purpose-built rentals.

    This dire situation has prompted calls to re-invest in a number of affordable housing programs, particularly co-operative housing. Advocates credit co-operatives as a way for people of all incomes to live affordably in urban centres.

    What Are Co-Operatives?

    Generally speaking, a co-operative (or co-op) refers to an organization that is owned by its members and are operated on a democratic system. Co-operatives can exist within various sectors, which can include financial services, child care, agriculture, and renewable energy.

    A housing co-op refers to a development that provides access to housing for its members, which could be apartments, townhomes, or houses. Housing co-ops either own their land or lease it from a municipality or land trust and are run by boards elected by members. In addition, board members can also volunteer for community upkeep projects.

    To join a housing co-operative, members purchase a share to join and housing costs are set by the board on a break-even, not for profit basis. Some co-ops have a certain number of units set aside for low-income residents (these are usually subsidized with government funding), but the cost of co-op housing for all is usually less than market rentals, which can be as low as half the market rate in some instances.

    In a time where home ownership is increasingly elusive for a sizable portion of the Canadian population, more housing solutions that are accessible to those who cannot or do not want to own a home are necessary.

    Structure and Governance

    Housing co-operatives combine features of owning and renting a home and represent a middle ground between the two. Residents co-own the buildings and pay a monthly housing charge for the unit they live in, but they do not make a down payment or sell their unit if they move out. Members of the co-operative have security of tenure and make all decisions regarding their housing.

    Each member of the co-operative has one vote and they have a say in electing board members, approving budgets, bylaws, and other forms of governance. Bylaws help set parameters around governance issues such as admitting new members, fees and housing charges, and dealing with non-payments. Existing bylaws and changes to them must be kept in line with current legislation and be consistent with human rights laws. Members of a co-operative are allowed to stay for as long as they wish if they are following the bylaws.

    Members are expected to participate in the running of the co-operative by attending meetings. This includes the annual general meeting, where the board of directors is elected, as well as meeting to discuss finances, approve budgets, and amend by-laws.

    Co-operatives may receive government funding to subsidize a certain percentage of their units for low-income residents, which would be set to about 30% of their household income.

    A Brief History of Housing Co-Operatives

    Housing co-operatives in Canada were originally built for students, with the first one starting at the University of Toronto in 1934. Housing co-operatives built for families started in the 1960s as a housing solution for those unable to afford to own a home and faced difficulty finding good quality rental housing.

    The first housing co-operatives for families started in Winnipeg in 1966, with a 200-unit Willow Park Housing Co-Operative. Not only was it affordable, but it fostered a sense of community with the co-operative form of ownership and management. Building off this success, the Co-operative Housing Foundation of Canada (now called the Co-Operative Housing Federation of Canada) was established in 1968 to represent the co-operative housing movement by providing resources, education, and advocacy in support of co-op housing across Canada.

    The federal government followed suit and greatly boosted the sector with a number of initiatives in the 1970s. The National Housing Act was amended in 1973 to create a national co-op housing program. Between 1973 to 1995, over 80,000 co-operative homes were established in Canada under subsequent federal and provincial programs.

    Within Edmonton and the surrounding areas, there are currently 35 housing co-operatives listed as members of the Northern Alberta Cooperative Housing Association (NACHA) with an additional six housing co-operatives that are not NACHA members. Combined they provide more than 1,400 housing units available as apartments, townhouses, duplexes, or houses (split into suites).

    As housing policies and priorities shifted through the years, the federal government ceased financing new social housing projects by the early 1990s as austerity measures took hold and an embrace of the free market as the best place to address people’s housing needs. Not only did these policy directions make housing in general more expensive as a result, but it sidelined housing co-ops as no new developments were built since the late 1990s.

    A Renewed Interest in Co-Op Housing?

    The federal government’s 2022 budget has renewed hopes for a new wave of interest in the co-operative housing sector after nearly 30 years of underfunding.

    Budget 2022 announced $1.5 billion committed to building a new Co-operative Housing Development Program. With this announcement, the government expects to build 6,000 new units across Canada to address the housing crunch.

    Benefits of Co-Ops

    Due to the structure of the co-op, housing costs are more affordable by nature of it operating on a break even process. Since co-ops do not make a profit, costs of housing are below rates paid for housing that operates with profit margins. Any surpluses accrued get set aside into a reserve and can be used to fund projects that benefit the co-op and its members.

    Beyond providing housing that is affordable to people of all incomes, the democratic nature of co-operatives where members work together for mutual benefit, co-ops strengthen local communities by bringing people of diverse backgrounds together as they work collaboratively.

    The co-operative movement can foster initiatives that positively impact the wider community. A prominent local example is the retrofitting of the housing units at the Sundance Housing Co-Operative, located in Edmonton’s Riverdale neighbourhood. The goal of the construction project is to upgrade the buildings with new insulation and energy-efficient windows and doors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They are also going to be powered by solar power and other green energy. This form of innovation has the potential to be a model for others to follow when addressing environmental sustainability.

    Challenges of Co-Ops

    Since many co-operatives were built in the 1970s and ‘80s, repairs of aging infrastructures has been a challenge. Government funding in support of co-ops has been limited since the 1990s, although there is renewed interest and funding becoming available through the National Housing Strategy.

    Like a lot of affordable housing programs, wait lists for housing co-operatives can be lengthy, especially for those in need of subsidized housing. Wait times to receive co-op housing range between six to eight months to more than three years.

    Since individual housing co-ops set policies on who they admit as members, this means the housing may not be suitable for everyone. For instance, some do not permit pets on the premises and some are meant to be only for adults.

    Final Reflections

    With affordability challenges across the spectrum, access to housing that is safe, suitable, and affordable is a top priority.

    While co-operative housing has been shown to be successful, it represents only a small portion of housing units available across Canada. Scaling up the sector has the potential to reach so many who are in core housing need, which are more than 164,000 people in Alberta alone according to the 2016 Census of Canada.

    Renewed commitments from the federal government is an encouraging development that can potentially raise the profile of the viability of housing co-operatives. More investments and coordination from provincial governments and municipalities will be necessary to further bolster housing co-ops. This includes measures to increase the supply and allocate land for new builds and of course funding to ensure a certain percentage of units are accessible to those living with low incomes.

    In a time where home ownership is increasingly elusive for a sizable portion of the Canadian population, more housing solutions that are accessible to those who cannot or do not want to own a home are necessary.

     

    The Edmonton Social Planning Council is an independent, non-profit, charitable organization focused on social research.

    This fACT Sheet, prepared by the Edmonton Social Planning Council, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

    Edmonton Social Planning Council

    #200, 10544 – 106 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 1C5

    www.edmontonsocialplanning.ca

    @edmontonsp

     

     

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  • Alberta 2022 Budget Analysis

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    Written by Vibhu Kher, Research and Policy Practicum Student

    This report analyses the Alberta Budget 2022 announced on February 24, and its future implications for Albertans. Using the social gradient framework outlined by Canadian Public Health [6], this report evaluates impacts of budget investments on Albertans’ Social Determinants of Health (SDH). This report focuses on the SDH factors such as Housing, Health Services and Education. Within these sectors, the report addresses affordable housing and the real estate market, post-pandemic job security, and social inclusion in conjunction with higher education investments. In healthcare the report highlights the privatisation and expansion of health services to for-profit companies and the mental health and addiction services in Alberta in response to the alarming opioid crisis.

    The purpose of this analysis is to highlight key concerns that Budget 2022 leaves unaddressed compared to the advancements the Alberta Government hopes to make through provincial investments. This report also provides recommendations for further research and investigation into provincial investments and service delivery.

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  • 2021 Annual Report of the Edmonton Social Planning Council

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    Read our Annual Report and learn about who we are, our work in 2021 that shows our continued dedication to encouraging the adoption of equitable social policy, supporting the work of other organizations who are striving to improve the lives of Edmontonians, and educating the public regarding the social issues that impact them on a daily basis.

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