Edmonton Social Planning Council

Category: ESPC Announcements

  • Blog: World Water Day: A Call for Sustainable Water Management

    Written by Tahmina Rahman, ESPC Volunteer
    Tahmina Rahman is a policy analyst and healthcare professional with 3+ years in government roles. She specializes in policy development, program implementation, stakeholder engagement, and data analysis. Holding an MBBS degree, she has experience in healthcare policy, digital health, quality assurance, project management, and budget planning.

    Every year on March 22nd, people around the globe come together to observe World Water Day. Established by the United Nations in 1993, this day serves to highlight the significance of freshwater and the need for sustainable water management. It also brings attention to the fact that billions of people still lack access to clean and safe water. With increasing concerns about climate change, pollution, and rising water demand, World Water Day reminds us of the urgent need for fair and sustainable water access (United Nations, 2023).

    Water is essential for life, yet millions worldwide still struggle to obtain clean drinking water (World Health Organization, 2022). Rapid population growth and industrial expansion have intensified water scarcity, making it a pressing global issue. World Water Day encourages international collaboration to tackle water crises and ensure secure access to water for both present and future generations (UN-Water, 2023).

    2025 Theme: Preserving Glaciers for Future Generations

    Each year, UN-Water selects a theme for World Water Day. In 2025, the focus is ‘Glacier Preservation.’

    Glaciers play a crucial role in supplying freshwater, supporting agriculture, generating energy, and sustaining ecosystems. However, rising global temperatures are causing glaciers to melt at an alarming rate, disrupting water supplies and threatening both human and environmental stability. Immediate action is needed to curb carbon emissions and implement adaptive measures at the local level. This year’s theme urges global efforts to prioritize glacier conservation in addressing climate change and water security challenges.

    Key Takeaways for World Water Day 2025

    1. Glaciers are shrinking rapidly. Climate change is accelerating glacial melt, leading to unpredictable and extreme shifts in the water cycle.
    2. Glacial loss has severe consequences. Billions of people depend on glacial meltwater, and its disruption can cause floods, droughts, landslides, and rising sea levels, endangering ecosystems and communities.
    3. Glacier conservation is essential for sustainability. Addressing this issue requires collective efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and manage water resources responsibly.
    4. Stronger policies and governance are necessary. Governments must enforce regulations that promote water conservation and equitable distribution (Global Water Partnership, 2023).

    In Edmonton, the primary source of drinking water is the North Saskatchewan River, which begins at the Columbia Icefield and travels 1,287 kilometers, collecting water from streams and runoff along the way. This water undergoes an extensive treatment process to ensure it is safe and clean for consumption. Edmonton’s tap water is considered some of the safest to drink in the world, thanks to the city’s high-quality water treatment systems. While the river receives some water from glaciers, climate change presents challenges. Increased rainfall can lead to more sediment and organic materials entering the river, which could affect the quality of the water.

    To mark World Water Day, TELUS World of Science Edmonton is hosting an event titled “Glaciers & Water & Dolphins, oh my!!,” where visitors can explore the relationship between glaciers, water, and the environment. Additionally, Alberta’s Watershed Councils will be hosting a free online webinar on March 21, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. MDT, discussing the effects of melting glaciers on water and strategies for their preservation.

    How Individuals Can Make an Impact

    While large-scale policies and global initiatives are crucial, individuals can also contribute to water conservation by:

    • Using water efficiently and minimizing waste.
    • Supporting organizations are dedicated to clean water access.
    • Educating others on the importance of sustainable water practices.
    • Participating in local environmental initiatives and advocating for stronger water protection policies.

    World Water Day is a reminder that water is a vital resource that must be protected. By taking action now, we can help create a future where everyone has access to clean and safe water. This March 22nd, let’s commit to safeguarding this invaluable resource for ourselves and for generations to come.

    References

  • fACT Sheet: 2025 Alberta Provincial Budget.

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    Introduction 

    The 2025-26 Alberta budget, titled Meeting the Challenge, covers finances from April 1, 2025 until March 31, 2026. This is the seventh budget of the governing United Conservative Party (UCP) as they reach the midway point of their second term in government.

    This budget is being released during a time of economic uncertainty and revenue volatility due to significant shifts in U.S. trade policy, fluctuating oil prices, and a growing population. The budget seeks to continue to build the province and support Albertans during a challenging time period.

    In a bid to address the rising cost of living, Budget 2025 boasts that it will implement a new 8% personal income tax bracket for the first $60,000 of income, effective January 1, 2025. This is a decrease from the current rate of 10%. This new tax bracket is expected to save Albertans up to $750 in 2025.

    As with previous budgets, Budget 2025 boasts low taxation, which limits important investments in public services that support Albertans. If Alberta had the same tax structure as the next lowest taxed province (British Columbia), the government would generate an additional $20.1 billion in revenue (2025-26).

    This fACT Sheet will focus on developments related to social programming that impact those living in low-income and poverty. Investments that positively impact marginalized populations result in long-term savings in other public services, such as health care and the criminal justice system, and increase the overall well-being of our communities.   

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  • Blog post: World Day of Social Justice: What Does It Mean?

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    Written by Jennifer Scherer

    The World Day of Social Justice is recognized every year on February 20th.  The theme for 2025 is “Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice.” Social justice is a term that evokes ideas and feelings about fairness, equality, and hope for a better future. It also raises the question of how much progress still needs to be made. Keeping this in mind, it is important to consider what does social justice actually means and to take a look at what people can do to make a difference for social justice.

    One definition of social justice from the International Labor Organization (2023) states, “Social justice means fair and equal treatment for everyone. This includes equal access to opportunities, human rights, and the benefits of growth regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, race, disability, or socioeconomic position” (para.1). World Vision Youth define social justice as “fairness in societies, grounded in the idea that every human being deserves the full spectrum of political, economic, and social rights and opportunities” (para.7).

    The International Labor Organization (2023) describes four dimensions to social justice: Universal human rights, equal access to opportunities, fair distribution, and just transitions.

    • Universal human rights were encoded into the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982, and the Alberta Human Rights Act in 1972.
    • Equal access to opportunities refers to accessing “employment and productive activity that enable people to pursue their material well-being in conditions of economic security” (International Labor Organization, 2023, p.7). This means that people should be able to earn a living wage and be able to pay for food, shelter, and basic necessities.
    • Fair distribution refers to the way economic growth is shared between those who participate in paid work, those who contribute with unpaid labor (such as childcare and elder care), and those who cannot work (such as children, seniors, and people with disabilities) (International Labor Organization, 2023, p.8). Fair distribution means making sure that everyone in society benefits from the economic wealth of that society.
    • Just transitions considers the impact that large scale changes has on people, such as climate change, globalization, and political or technology changes (International Labor Organization, 2023, p.8).

    The social justice definitions of fairness, equality, and opportunity are values that many Canadians hold and are central to our beliefs about social justice. When people experience, witness, or hear stories of injustice that go against their core values, it can activate emotional responses such as anger, guilt, preoccupation, sadness, disappointment, helplessness, indignation, or frustration (Bondu et al., 2022). These responses help us recognize injustice when we see it and helps to motivate us to examine what actions we can take to promote social justice, either across the world or in our own communities.

    How can a person who wields no formal power in decision making circles promote social justice? Rather than feeling overwhelmed at the extent of the problems we see, instead we can consider what small actions we can personally pursue that can make a difference. These actions may include educating ourselves, making connections in our communities, discovering actions we can take to effect change in our sphere of influence, and advocating to decision makers for causes we care about.

    One way to take action is to learn about the social justice issue that concerns us. Many resources exist to inform us about many social justice issues, such as books, podcasts, documentaries, and blogs. A visit to the Edmonton Public Library can guide you to reliable information sources, such as books, reputable news sources, memoirs, and published research (Harvard College Writing Program, 2025). Sources may focus on personal stories on how individuals are affected by the social justice issue, others focus on the history and causes for the injustice you see, and others focus on finding solutions. Educating oneself helps us see the world from a variety of perspectives, gives us a better understanding of the issues, and helps identify how one person might make a difference.

    One way to build community connections and make a difference is through volunteering. There are many organizations working towards change in every area of social justice. Volunteerism makes change all over the world, with over one billion people volunteering annually (UN Volunteers, 2016). Volunteering builds community connections and works towards change in a multitude of ways. When deciding the type of volunteer work you want to do, consider which causes you are passionate about, what skills you can leverage, and your belief in how you can best make a difference. Volunteering creates connections for people in need, helps organizations succeed, raises funds and awareness for important causes, and offers practical assistance to others (UN Volunteers, 2016).

    Learning about social justice issues may help us find ways to make a difference in our own sphere of influence with small, everyday choices. If everyone made a slight change, it would add up to a huge difference. Or maybe you have influence within an organization to make a policy change that has an impact on people within the organization. Perhaps you can find a way to use your social media presence to spread awareness about an issue. Even if the action seems insignificant, it can make a big difference for one person or contribute to a larger movement.

    Sometimes the issue that concerns us is outside our own sphere of influence. Advocacy is when someone “publicly supports the interests of an individual, group, or cause” (Soken-Huberty, n.d.). This can involve making phone calls on behalf of someone else, writing letters to policy makers and decision makers, leveraging social media, attending a rally or protest, or contacting elected officials about an issue. Some strategies for effective advocacy include having sufficient knowledge of the topic, working alongside others, and having a clear ask of what change you are looking to make (Soken-Huberty, n.d.). Advocacy takes time, persistence, and collaboration with others- but over time each small moment of advocacy can add up to meaningful change.

    Initially, understanding what social justice is seems staggering. However, by thinking about the values of fairness, equality, and opportunity, we can see the work that needs to be done to achieve social justice and the possibilities that social justice work strives for. Social justice can also feel overwhelming when we see injustices around us and aren’t sure how to work towards change. Creating connections empowers us to engage in social justice work- learning, volunteering, making small changes, and advocacy are all tools that everyone can use to make an impact. The World Day of Social Justice is a prompt to help us consider how we can each do our small part to make a better and more just world to live in.

     

    References

    Alberta Human Rights Act. https://albertahumanrights.ab.ca/media/1utjxb3e/alberta-human-rights-act.pdf

    Bondü, R., Holl, A. K., Trommler, D., & Schmitt, M. J. (2022). Responses Toward Injustice Shaped by Justice Sensitivity – Evidence From Germany. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 858291–858291. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.858291

    Edmonton Public Library. (2025). EPL. https://www.epl.ca/

    Government of Canada. (1982). The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/rfc-dlc/ccrf-ccdl/

    Harvard College Writing Program. (2025). Harvard Guide to Using Sources. https://usingsources.fas.harvard.edu/evaluating-sources-0

    International Labor Organization. (2023). Advancing Social Justice. https://www.ilo.org/resource/conference-paper/ilc/111/advancing-social-justice

    Soken-Huberty, E. (n.d.). Advocacy 101: Types, Examples, and Principles. Human Rights Careers. https://www.humanrightscareers.com/issues/advocacy-types-examples-principles/

    UN Volunteers. (2016, September 5). The Power of Volunteerism. https://www.unv.org/power-volunteerism

    United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. https://www.ohchr.org/en/universal-declaration-of-human-rights

    United Nations. (n.d.). World Day of Social Justice. https://www.un.org/en/observances/social-justice-day

    World Vision Youth. (2021). The Beginner’s Guide to Social Justice. https://www.worldvision.ca/youth/blog/social-justice-guide

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    1. Blog post: Black History Month – Rosa Parks: The Spark That Ignited a Movement

      [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”||3px|||” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/COLOUR-BLOCKS_spaced-300×51.png” title_text=”COLOUR BLOCKS_spaced” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” max_height=”75px” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”10px|0px|20px|0px|false|false” global_module=”96648″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”30px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#2b303a” custom_padding=”||32px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9kYXRlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJkYXRlX2Zvcm1hdCI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJjdXN0b21fZGF0ZV9mb3JtYXQiOiIifX0=@[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ text_text_color=”#2b303a” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008ac1″ header_2_font_size=”24px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

      Written by Susanne Urbina

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

       

      Reference

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

      Rosa Parks: The Spark That Ignited a Movement

      Written by Shahina Hanif, ESPC volunteer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Rosa Parks’ legacy can inspire people in our city, Edmonton, to address and combat various forms of inequality. Here are some specific ways her story can resonate and motivate action within our community:

      • Rosa Parks’ defiance can inspire Edmontonians to address income inequality by advocating for fair wages, supporting marginalized businesses, and pushing for equitable economic policies (Edmonton Social Planning Council, 2020).
      • Her courage reminds us to stand up for Indigenous rights by promoting culture, advocating for better access to services, and addressing systemic issues like over-policing (CBC News, 2021).
      • Parks’ legacy highlights the need to challenge racial discrimination through anti-racism training, supporting inclusive policies, and speaking out against microaggressions (Edmonton Social Planning Council, 2020).
      • Inspired by Parks, Edmontonians can volunteer, join advocacy groups, and engage with local government to address inequality (CBC News, 2021).
      • Her story encourages education on inequality, reading works by Black and Indigenous authors, and promoting awareness through community events (Edmonton Social Planning Council, 2020).

       

      By drawing inspiration from Rosa Parks’ bravery and commitment to justice, individuals in Edmonton can take meaningful actions to address and reduce inequality in their own community. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder that even small acts of courage can lead to significant change.

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

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

      References

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

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

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

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

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

       

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      1. Blog post: International Day for Persons with Disabilities and Hopes for the Canada Disability Benefit

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        Written by Jennifer Scherer, ESPC volunteer

        December 3rd is the International Day for Persons with Disabilities to promote the well-being and rights of people living with disabilities. The Government of Canada passed the Accessible Canada Act in 2019, which promises to identify and remove barriers to inclusion for people with disabilities. One barrier many people with disabilities face is poverty- 27% of people who live in Canada are disabled, and from this group 16.5% of disabled people in Canada live in poverty (Disability Without Poverty, 2024). 41% of Canadians who live in poverty are disabled (Disability Without Poverty, 2024). This reality does not match Canadian values, as 89% of Canadians believe that people with disabilities should not live in poverty (Disability Without Poverty, 2024).

        People with disabilities who live in poverty have been candid about the impact of poverty on their lives.  People share that they are unable to meet their basic needs without support from others, have unstable housing, struggle with food insecurity, and cannot access community services or medical care due to extra transportation costs (Disability Without Poverty, 2024). People share that currently basic necessities are out of touch because of the limitations of poverty and that people feel more hindered by poverty than by their disabilities (Disability Without Poverty, 2024).

        Over the last several years, Canadians with disabilities were given extra reasons to hope for a better future- the federal government was working on a federal disability benefit which they promised would lift people with disabilities out of poverty (Employment and Social Development Canada, 2022). The government had also promised to consult directly with Canadians with disabilities to build the program to decide who would be eligible for the benefit, how much the benefit would provide every month, and how to apply for the benefit (Employment and Social Development Canada, 2022). People across Canada started to dream about how their lives could change with the promised benefit and were hopeful that the Canada Disability Benefit would help them pay for housing, food, medication, healthcare treatments, mobility equipment, transportation, and would allow for greater independence and dignity (Disability Without Poverty, 2024).

        Advocacy groups across Canada published recommendations about the proposed Canada Disability Benefit would look like. Disability with Possibility, released March 2024 by Disability without Poverty, is one such report, gathering the hopes of Canadians across the country together to present to the government. They made seven recommendations for the Canada Disability Benefit: 1. Establish the program quickly as the need is urgent; 2. consider what is needed for Canadians to have a life with dignity and possibility; 3. consider the extra costs of disability when designing the benefit; 4. have inclusive and reasonable eligibility requirements; 5. have a simple and accessible application process; 6. make the program equitable and responsive and  7. include people with disabilities in developing, implementing, and monitoring the program (Disability Without Poverty, 2024).

        When considering the amount of the disability benefit, the report emphasized the importance of raising the incomes of people with disabilities to above the poverty line. There are different ways to measure poverty. Statistics Canada (2024) publishes the Market Basket Measure (MBM). This tool publishes poverty thresholds for regions across Canada that shows the household income required for a family of four to maintain a basic standard of living (Gustajtis & Heisz, 2023). The Market Basket Measure in 2023 for the Edmonton area was $57,341 of household income to meet the basic needs of a family of four (Statistics Canada, 2024). The Market Basket Measure does not account for the extra costs that people with disabilities face everyday, such as costs for adaptive equipment, medications, and accessible transportation and housing costs (Disability Without Poverty, 2024).

        The report also made recommendations on how people should qualify for Canada Disability Benefit. A simple, inclusive, and accessible application process and eligibility requirements were recommended (Disability Without Poverty, 2024). Applying for government benefits has typically been an extensive and challenging process. Many people with disabilities have already completed complex applications for provincial disability benefits. The more complex a process is, the more people struggle to access the benefits they require.

        The report was concerned that applicants to the Canada Disability Benefit may receive unintended consequences by applying, such as clawbacks to provincial disability plans (Disability Without Poverty, 2024). Contributors to the Disability with Possibility report were concerned that after going through the application process, people with disabilities would be no further ahead than they were before. This concern is validated when we look at current Alberta policies- AISH recipients are required to apply for CPP Disability, and their AISH benefits are reduced by the amount of their CPP benefit (Government of Alberta, 2024).

        The Disability with Possibility report was published March 2024 and in April 2024 the federal government released the proposed details of what Canada Disability Benefit would look like. People across Canada were disappointed (Inclusion Alberta, 2024; Enough for All, 2024), as the details fell far short of expectations in three main areas:

        • Financial Impact- The announced monthly maximum benefit amount of $200 per month, or $2,400 per year fell far short of the promise to lift people with disabilities out of poverty.
        • Application Process- When Canada Disability Benefit rolls out in July 2025, only people currently receiving the Disability Tax Credit will be eligible to apply for Canada Disability Benefit. This makes the application process complex and introduces additional barriers to accessing the benefit.
        • Meaningful Consultation- Given the discrepancies between what people with disabilities were asking for during consultations and the announced Canada Disability Benefit regulations, people feel as though their voice was not heard.

        The regulations for Canada Disability Benefit indicate that people will receive $200 per month, or $2,400 per year before reductions. Income exemptions and reduction amounts depend on a person’s circumstances (Employment and Social Development Canada, 2024a):

        • A single person can make $23,000 per year before reductions and their income is reduced by 20 cents for each dollar over the income exception.
        • If they are also employed, up to $10,000 of employment income is also exempted.
        • A couple can make $32,500 per year before reductions and their income is reduced by 20 cents for each dollar over the income exception if only one partner is receiving the benefit, or by 10 cents for each dollar over the income exception if both partners are receiving the benefit.

        These values are still below the Market Basket Measure for the Edmonton area of $57,341. Additionally, only Newfoundland, Nunavut, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia have committed to not clawing back provincial disability benefits. Alberta has not made a commitment yet, and advocacy groups are calling for a commitment from AISH and Income Support to not reduce payments for people receiving Canada Disability Benefit. Without this commitment, people in Alberta with disabilities will be no further ahead than they were before Canada Disability Benefit. Information and resources about what you can do to help can be found on the Inclusion Alberta website: Your advocacy is needed: Advocate for no provincial clawbacks of the Canada Disability Benefit – Inclusion Alberta

        Only people receiving Disability Tax Credit will be able to apply for Canada Disability Benefit, with the government explaining this makes the eligibility process the same across the country (Employment and Social Development Canada, 2024b). Applying for Canada Disability Benefit will require a separate application. Advocates are calling for the process to be simplified (Enough for All, 2024). Many people in Canada with disabilities do not receive the Disability Tax Credit and face barriers to accessing it. Disability Tax Credit requires completion of a medical assessment (Canada Revenue Agency, 2024), which often comes with an additional cost to applicants, and many Canadians do not have access to a family doctor to complete the form (College of Family Physicians of Canada, 2022). Requiring thousands of Canadians to have medical forms completed to access government benefits creates a huge burden on the healthcare system, as completing these forms takes time away from patient care.

        People who shared their stories, hopes, and concerns during government consultations for Canada Disability Benefit did so hoping for a better future for themselves and other people with disabilities. The dreams shared in the Disability with Possibility report included dreams of a healthier future with access to better quality food, increased housing security, being able to pay for medications, and being able to meet their basic needs independently. The gap between the dream of a life without poverty and the announced regulations is disappointing to everyone who shared their stories and did not see the results they were hoping for.

        There is still time to advocate. Feedback for the proposed regulations closed September 2024, so Canadians can contact their MPs and request that public consultations be given a high priority in decision making. Provincially, people can contact their MLAs to request no clawbacks to provincial benefits for recipients of Canada Disability Benefit. Locally, organizations can support individuals to apply for Disability Tax Credit in anticipation of Canada Disability Benefit payments beginning July 2025. Establishing the Canada Disability Benefit is a positive step, but it does not eliminate the barrier of poverty for people living with disabilities in Canada.

        References

        Accessible Canada Act (2019). https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/A-0.6/page-1.html#h-1153414

        Canada Revenue Agency. (2024, January 23). Disability Tax Credit. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit.html

        College of Family Physicians of Canada. (2022, May 5). Family Doctor Shortage in Canada. https://www.cfpc.ca/en/news-and-events/news-events/news-events/news-releases/2022/family-doctor-shortage-in-canada

        Disability Without Poverty. (2024). Disability with possibility: What we learned from people across Canada on shaping the Canada disability benefit. https://www.disabilitywithoutpoverty.ca/shape-the-cdb-final-report/

        Employment and Social Development Canada. (2022, September 20). Legislation to create a new Canada Disability Benefit begins second reading in the House of Commons. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2022/09/legislation-to-create-a-new-canada-disability-benefit-begins-second-reading-in-the-house-of-commons.html

        Employment and Social Development Canada. (2024, September 10). Overview of the Canada Disability Benefit. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disabilities-benefits.html

        Employment and Social Development Canada. (2024, September 13). Additional information on the proposed Canada Disability Act regulations. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disabilities-benefits/additional-information.html

        Enough for All. (2024, August 28). Everything you need to know about the Canada Disability Benefit. https://enoughforall.ca/articles/canada-disability-benefit

        Government of Alberta. (2024). AISH Eligibility. https://www.alberta.ca/aish-eligibility

        Gustajtis, B. & Heisz, A. (2023, January 17). Market Basket Measure poverty thresholds and provisional poverty trends for 2021 and 2022. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75f0002m/75f0002m2022008-eng.htm

        Inclusion Alberta. (2024, August 27). Your advocacy is needed: Advocate for no provincial clawbacks of the Canada Disability Benefit. https://inclusionalberta.org/connections/your-advocacy-is-needed-advocate-for-no-provincial-clawbacks-of-the-canada-disability-benefit/

        Statistics Canada. (2024, April 26). Market Basket Measure (MBM) thresholds for the reference family by Market Basket Measure region, component, and base year. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1110006601

        Statistics Canada. (2023, December 1). International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Removing visible and invisible barriers. StatsCAN Plus. https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/5120-international-day-persons-disabilities-removing-visible-and-invisible-barriers

          [/et_pb_text][dmpro_button_grid _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/dmpro_button_grid][dmpro_image_hotspot _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/dmpro_image_hotspot][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|false|false” border_color_left=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Posted by:” job_title=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9hdXRob3IiLCJzZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJiZWZvcmUiOiIiLCJhZnRlciI6IiIsIm5hbWVfZm9ybWF0IjoiZGlzcGxheV9uYW1lIiwibGluayI6Im9uIiwibGlua19kZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6ImF1dGhvcl93ZWJzaXRlIn19@” portrait_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9hdXRob3JfcHJvZmlsZV9waWN0dXJlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnt9fQ==@” quote_icon=”off” portrait_width=”125px” portrait_height=”125px” disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”job_title,portrait_url” _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#000000″ author_font=”||||||||” author_text_align=”center” author_text_color=”#008ac1″ position_font=”||||||||” position_text_color=”#000000″ company_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”#ffffff” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px|0px|4px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”32px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.65)” header_font_size=”20px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||50px|||” custom_padding=”48px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9jYXRlZ29yaWVzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiUmVsYXRlZCBjYXRlZ29yaWVzOiAgIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJsaW5rX3RvX3Rlcm1fcGFnZSI6Im9uIiwic2VwYXJhdG9yIjoiIHwgIiwiY2F0ZWdvcnlfdHlwZSI6ImNhdGVnb3J5In19@[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

        1. ESPC in the News: What is a living wage 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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”||3px|||” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/COLOUR-BLOCKS_spaced-300×51.png” title_text=”COLOUR BLOCKS_spaced” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” max_height=”75px” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”10px|0px|20px|0px|false|false” global_module=”96648″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”30px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#2b303a” custom_padding=”||32px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9kYXRlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJkYXRlX2Zvcm1hdCI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJjdXN0b21fZGF0ZV9mb3JtYXQiOiIifX0=@[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ text_text_color=”#2b303a” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008ac1″ header_2_font_size=”24px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

          On November 18, 2024, Sydney Sheloff, our Strategic Research Coordinator, was interviewed by Elliot Knopp of City News regarding 2024 Edmonton’s Living Wage.

          “Edmonton is pretty much exactly in the middle of the pack. We have some really big outliers for example, like Jasper is closer to $31/hour is needed to make a living wage, whereas in Medicine Hat, it’s like $17.50”, she said.

          For a brief overview of the Living Wage in Edmonton, take a look at this:

          Curious about how the Living Wage was calculated? Explore the full breakdown here!

           

           

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