Edmonton Social Planning Council

Category: ESPC Announcements

  • Apply to be a Board Member with the Edmonton Social Planning Council

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    Applications will be accepted until April 4, 2022

    If you are passionate about equitable social policy and making a difference in your community, consider joining our team at the Edmonton Social Planning Council as a volunteer member of our Board of Directors!

    The Board Recruitment Committee is currently accepting applications from individuals interested in being recommended at our Annual General Meeting in Spring 2022.

    All Board members must be:

    • Willing to be an active participant as a Director on the Council’s policy governance Board;
    • Committed to supporting the Council and its mission to address and research social issues, inform public discussion, and influence social policy; and
    • Current member in the Council’s Individual Members category, in good standing.

    The Board of Directors consists of 8 to 12 members from the greater Edmonton community. A variety of backgrounds, skill sets and perspectives are valued.  Directors are expected to attend monthly Board meetings (normally held the second Tuesday evening of each month), actively serve on at least one Board Committee, and attend other Board functions (e.g. strategic planning).  Committees meet at least monthly, although their work will often continue between meetings.

    t this time, Board meetings are being held virtually due to COVID-19, but they may begin to be held in person, in the future.

    The term of office is two (2) years and Board members are eligible to serve a maximum of three (3) consecutive terms. More information can be found in this FAQ document.

    How to Apply

    To apply, please complete the application form and submit it along with a current resume and a brief biography to info@edmontonsocialplanning.ca. The deadline for the ESPC to receive applications is 11:59 pm MST on Monday, April 4, 2022.

    For any inquiries regarding this opportunity, do not hesitate to send an e-mail to info@edmontonsocialplanning.ca and we will ensure you are connected with one of our current members.

    Nominations by an ESPC member in good standing will also be accepted from the floor at the Annual General Meeting. The nominee(s) from the floor may be asked to present their qualifications and commitment to the ESPC’s mission and answer inquiries from the floor prior to a vote by the ESPC membership.

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  • Request for Services: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Audit

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    Overview:

    The Edmonton Social Planning Council has a bold vision to work towards “a community in which all people are full and valued participants.” Recognizing this vision, the Council has prioritized conducting an equity, diversity, and inclusion audit to review the current programs, policies, processes, practices and governance model of the Council.  The successful consultant will work with the Council to develop a strategy that identifies areas where the organization can make sustainable and incremental improvements.

     

    The Council is seeking an EDI consultant to support the Council by conducting an audit and, based on the audit findings, making recommendations for EDI strategies the Council should consider going forward.  To that end, the Council will be approaching several vendors to request proposals. We will also be posting this Request on the Council’s website.

     

    Background on the Edmonton Social Planning Council:

    The Edmonton Social Planning Council is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan social research organization that has existed for over 80 years. Our focus is social research in areas related to poverty, food security and housing. As a source of knowledge and expertise on social issues within our community, the Council is dedicated 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 on the social issues that impact them daily.

     

    The Council is a registered charity and incorporated under the Societies Act with an annual operating budget of $500,000.00 and five full-time staff. The Council is governed by a volunteer board of directors.

     

    The Council researches and reports on a broad range of issues related to poverty, housing, and food security. The reports, blog posts, research reviews, policy statements are prepared by the Council and occasionally with partner organizations and volunteers, including the Edmonton Community Foundation’s Vital Signs series. The Council is also a founding member of the provincial Living Wage Network and calculates Edmonton’s living wage on an annual basis.

     

    Since its inception, the Council’s research assistance services have provided valuable information to many organizations in the Edmonton area helping them to make informed decisions and develop programs addressing social challenges facing our community. The Council offers these services to non-profit organizations, researchers, public sector entities, and other community stakeholders.

     

    Scope of Work:

    The Council sees the need for and benefit of an independent view of the organization as a whole, in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion activities.  We hope that an EDI audit will provide the Council with a baseline from which we can select strategies and measure progress going forward.  The audit should be able to guide us in our allocation of resources and choice of EDI strategies, so that the Council gains the full advantages that come from embracing diversity and inclusion.

     

    Given this, the major tasks (and deliverables) which fall within the scope of this Request include:

    1. Provide the Council’s Board and Staff with a basic level of knowledge and understanding around EDI through the delivery of training or series of workshops (ideally these will be somewhat interactive in nature, offering the added bonus of a positive team building experience as board and staff reflect on various aspects of policies, practices and structures of the organization).
    2. Conduct an EDI audit that examines best practices, the Councils current governance and practices with an EDI lens at both the governance and operational level. The proposal should clearly identify the process and deliverables from this phase. The findings will be collected and reported to the Board of Directors.
    3. Based on the outcomes of the EDI audit, provide specific and actionable recommendations to guide the organization including but not limited to:
      1. Recommend Board recruitment and hiring practices consistent with a commitment to EDI
      2. Specific policy, practice, operations and governance changes the Council should consider
      3. Recommendations for strategies or actions moving forward to advance this work and maintain the type of organization we want to be. Include timelines and costs where appropriate.
      4. Any additional recommendation or deliverables the Consultant feels would be beneficial.

     

    The consultant is requested to provide a detailed breakdown of activities, including anticipated deliverables and engagement with the Council’s staff and board as well as cost-breakdowns for the project.

     

    Budget:

    The Council’s overall operational budget is set out above.  At this point, the Council does not have a specific budget item or secured grant funding for an EDI audit.  However, the Council believes it is important to do this and plans to dip into the Council’s reserve funds to pay for it.

     

    Timelines:

    While the Council realizes that any timelines must be realistic, we would like to have this work completed as soon as practicable so that we can determine and implement strategies going forward.  Ideally, we would like the work in the proposal to begin in May or June of 2022.

     

    The proposal must include timelines for each of the five major tasks (i.e., start and end dates).

     

    Vendor Selection Timelines:

    The vendor selection process for this opportunity will unfold relatively briskly while allowing for dialogue with potential vendors as well as appropriate internal deliberation. Vendor selection timelines are as follows:

     

    Opportunity posted on ESPC website March 7, 2022
    Deadline for EDI consultants to proposal 17:00 on March 18, 2022
    Review of proposals by the Council March 21-April 1, 2022
    Offer to preferred EDI consultant By April 5, 2022
    Communication to unsuccessful EDI consultants By April 8, 2022

     

    Requested Proposal:

    Proposals submitted in response to this request must include:

    • a proposed work plan outlining deliverables, major tasks and milestones to achieve the deliverables identified above, with costing for each major task and the project as a whole;
    • concise information on the expertise/knowledge of the vendor, which could include descriptions of the consultant’s previous completed projects and their outcomes related to EDI work in the non-profit sector;
    • biographical information detailing the qualifications and experience of the consultant(s) who will be doing the work;
    • a primary contact person(s) and contact information for the proposal; and
    • a confirmation the consultant can complete the deliverable within the parameters of the budget.

     

    The proposal should be formatted as follows:

    • the total page count of the proposal, including supplementary information but not the cover page, must be no more than fifteen (15) pages (12 point font, 1” margins);
    • two references, with contact information, must be provided; and
    • electronic copies of the proposal must be submitted, in PDF, to the following e-mail address: info@edmontonsocialplanning.ca.

     

    Proposal Assessment:

    The Council will review proposals based on the following considerations:

     

    Fit/compatibility Does the applicant demonstrate an ability to work successfully with the Council’s Board and staff? Does the applicant demonstrate an ability to work with a non-profit organization and volunteer board members?
    Expertise Does the applicant demonstrate considerable subject matter expertise, and experience in supporting organizations with equity, diversity and inclusion audits, particularly in the context of smaller organizations?
    Proposed work plan Is the work plan reasonable, feasible and realistic to achieve? Is the applicant prepared to answer probing questions about its proposed work plan?
    Client knowledge Does the applicant demonstrate knowledge of the Council and its role? Can the applicant demonstrate that its approach reflects this knowledge?
    References Do references from previous clients speak positively of the applicants work?
    Cost Does the proposal set out costs for each major task and for the project overall, including sales tax and disbursements, if any? Is there a contingency amount included? Are the costs reasonable given the overall proposal?

     

    Contacts for Additional Information and Question:

    Additional questions can be directed to:

     

    Susan Morrissey

    Executive Director

    E: susanm@edmontonsocialplanning.ca

     

    Bill Howe

    Chair, Board Membership and Engagement Committee & Executive Committee Member

    Board of Directors

    E: wrhowe@ualberta.ca

     

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  • fACT Sheet — 2022 Alberta Provincial Budget

    fACT Sheet — 2022 Alberta Provincial Budget

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    Introduction

    The 2022–23 Alberta budget, titled Moving Forward, covers finances from April 1, 2022 until March 31, 2023. This is the fourth budget of the governing United Conservative Party (UCP) as they near the end of their term. A provincial election is expected in spring 2023. It is also the second budget that addresses the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a profound impact on the health care system as well as various marginalized and underserved populations.

    As with previous budgets, Budget 2022 boasts low taxation, which limits important investments in public services that support Albertans. If Alberta had the same tax structure as the next lowest taxation province (Ontario), the government would generate an additional $14.8 billion in revenue (2022–23). *

    This fACT Sheet will focus on developments related to social programs that impact those living in low-income and poverty. Investments that positively impact vulnerable populations result in long-term savings in other public services, such as health care and the criminal justice system.

    Revenue Measures

    Alberta’s fiscal situation and revenue sources have seen dramatic shifts and swings since the pandemic began. The previous budget, released in February 2021, projected $43.6 billion in revenue for 2021–22, which is now expected to be $18 billion higher ($61.6 billion). This is chiefly due to a rebound in oil prices, resulting in an exponential increase in revenue from non-renewable resources. There are also increases in personal and corporate income taxes, as well as federal transfers from the Government of Canada.

    While rising oil prices are advantageous for provincial coffers, reliance on this form of revenue keeps Alberta on a financial roller coaster. The volatile situation makes long-term planning and financial sustainability a challenge at best.

    Nevertheless, this budget will post a surplus of $511 million, which can support increased funding for these programs.

    Seniors Care and Benefits

    Nearly $3.7 billion has been set aside for Community Care, Continuing Care, and Home Care programs, an increase of $219 million from the previous year. A total of 1,515 new continuing care beds will open in 2022–23. Additional funding for Home Care will enable more older adults to age in place in their own homes and to help them stay independent and connected with social supports.

    The Alberta Seniors Benefit, which provides low-income Albertans aged 65 or older with financial assistance for living expenses, will be maintained. However, demand for the program was lower than forecasted as a result of access to pandemic-related federal support programs.

    Child Care and Benefits

    The Canada-Alberta Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, signed in November 2021, is part of the government’s goal of “improving access to affordable, high-quality, safe and inclusive child care options that create employment opportunities and support parents’ participation in the workforce.” The Agreement will provide $666 million in operating expense funding in 2022– 23 for a total of over $2.6 billion dollars by 2024–25 to enhance the affordability, accessibility, inclusivity, and quality of licensed child care programs. These investments will lower child care fees to an average of $10-per-day per child by 2026.

    In 2022–23, the budget will allocate $879 million towards parent subsidies for licensed programs and program affordability grants, and will create 10,000 new licensed child care spaces in the notfor-profit sector. The government aims to increase child care spaces by 12% by 2024–25. Another $197.1 million is allocated to support the child care workforce through child care certification, professional development, and wage top ups.

    Funding for the existing Alberta Child and Family Benefit is comparable to spending in the previous year.

    Affordable Housing and Homelessness 

    In light of the November, 2021 release of the Government of Alberta’s affordable housing strategy, Stronger Foundations, Budget 2022 includes an additional $14 million over the next three years to fund rental assistance programs for approximately 3,000 households in need of affordable housing.

    The Stronger Foundations strategy seeks to overhaul the affordable housing sector to make it financially sustainable, and accessible for those in need. The province will finance strategy goals using federal funds from the National Housing Strategy as well as the sale of underused affordable housing stock. It remains to be seen whether selling off existing stock will tangibly benefit those in core housing need.

    The City of Edmonton’s request for $49.7 million to build permanent supportive housing units and an additional $8.9 million to operate those units was not included in this budget.

    In line with the last budget, the province will maintain funding for Homeless Support and Outreach Services at $193 million, supporting women’s shelters and Albertans who are unhoused.

    Addictions and Mental Health 

    The government is committed to promoting recoveryoriented addictions and mental health services. In 2019, the government committed $140 million over four years to increase access to mental health and addiction services with a recovery focus. The current budget invests an additional $20 million towards a “recovery-oriented system of care.” There is no mention of harm reduction or supervised consumption sites within the budget documents, which casts doubts about the future of these practices.

    The government will allocate $30 million to support the wellbeing and mental health of children in school and to students experiencing academic challenges within school settings.

    Employment and Income Support 

    Despite calls from advocates, Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) is once again not indexed for inflation. The current maximum benefit rate of $1,685 per month is well below the $2,000 per month advocates feel should be a starting point to keep up with the rising cost of living. There are no significant changes in funding for income supports. According to the ministry, there has been reduced demand for traditional income supports, partially due to clients accessing pandemic-related supports like CERB or CESB.

    The government is focused on helping connect unemployed Albertans and people with disabilities or other barriers to the labour market. In 2022–23, $105.9 million will be allocated to connect individuals with meaningful employment and training opportunities.

    Cost of Living Pressures

    Rising household expenses continues to be a pressing concern for Albertans. This includes increased utility prices during the winter months. Although financial pressures will not be addressed this season, a natural gas rebate program to protect consumers will be introduced between October 2022 and March 2023. Natural gas consumers with less than 2,500 gigajoules (GJ) of annual natural gas consumption will receive a rebate when regulated natural gas companies charge regulated rates above $6.50/GJ.

    Family and Community Support Services

    Funding for Family and Community Support Services will be maintained at $100 million. To address pressing social challenges—particularly against the backdrop of COVID-19—the Ministry of Community and Social Services is providing $7 million for the Civil Society Empowerment Fund to help non-profit organizations and charities address social problems for Albertans. In addition, $13 million will be provided for sexual assault services and over $5 million will be provided for family violence prevention programs.

    Conclusion

    Underfunding of public services has been a persistent challenge in provincial budgets. While spending on programs has overall increased this year, it remains low in proportion to inflation and population growth. Since many federal pandemic-related support programs have ended, or will be phased out in 2022, Albertans in need will almost certainly turn back to provincial programs. The surplus posted by the Government of Alberta provides an opportunity to re-invest in various social programs that can contribute to longer term sustainability for all Albertans. It remains to be seen whether they will pursue this option.

     

    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 AttributionNonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

     

    Edmonton Social Planning Council

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

    www.edmontonsocialplanning.ca            @edmontonspc

     

    *Government of Alberta. (2022). Fiscal Plan, 2022–25.

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  • Statement: Indigenous Child Welfare Agreement

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    The Edmonton Social Planning Council applauds the announcement of the $40 billion agreement-in-principle between the federal government and First Nations leaders to compensate young people harmed by Canada’s discriminatory child welfare system.

    Canada’s colonial legacy towards Indigenous peoples has harmed generations of Indigenous children and robust efforts to address these wrongs and reform these systems are urgently needed. Governments need to fully implement Jordan’s Principle so that every First Nations child can equitably access all the supports they need. This pending agreement could not come soon enough.

    Child poverty is a particularly pressing problem among Indigenous populations. As noted in our Alberta Child Poverty report, While First Nations make up 6% of Alberta’s population, child poverty rates are at 47%, a staggering high. Within the child welfare system, Indigenous children are widely overrepresented. About 70% of the children in care are Indigenous.

    We encourage all parties to finalize the agreement so the system can be overhauled as we work towards meaningful reconciliation.

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  • What you need to know about Stronger Foundations: The Government of Alberta’s affordable housing strategy

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    On Nov 1, 2021 the Government of Alberta released Stronger Foundations: Alberta’s 10-year strategy to improve and expand affordable housing, intending to outline the action needed to provide more affordable and accessible housing options for Albertans. While some aspects of the strategy are supported by VCC and the Edmonton Social Planning Council, there are also elements that pose considerable risks

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  • $10-a-Day Childcare for Alberta

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    Announcement

    The Edmonton Social Planning Council (ESPC) is pleased to learn about the recent agreement between the provincial and federal governments to offer $10-a-day child care for families in Alberta. This announcement will lead to 42,500 new regulated spaces and cut child care fees in half, reaching an average of $10 per day for children under six by 2026.

    ESPC has championed the need for high-quality, affordable, and accessible child care as a means to reduce family and child poverty. Alongside Public Interest Alberta and the Alberta Council for Social Workers, we continue to publish an annual Alberta Child Poverty report.

    Child care for a family may be the second-largest household expense after housing and can be as high as 67% of their monthly income, making it extremely difficult for a family to afford nutritious food, housing, education and other expenses.

    The economic and social outcomes from the COVID-19 pandemic continue to affect families, especially those living in low-income and poverty. Without access to high-quality, affordable, and accessible child care, parents—especially women—may struggle to find adequate employment. This bilateral agreement will support more parents to engage in the workforce and economy, and create more opportunities for children to succeed.

    Early learning and care is a shared responsibility across all levels of government. ESPC looks forward to seeing a child care system in place that benefits all families in need.

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