Category: Research Links and Resources

Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL)

The AFL is a voice for unions and working people in Alberta, working to ensure that workers get the protection they deserve. AFL has undertaken several campaigns including one on minimum wage in which they are advocating for a living wage. This site offers an overview of labour-related issues, as well as research  reports, publications, and an Alberta arbitration database.

Alberta Human Services: Employment and Immigration: Wage and Salary Information     

Information on the Alberta Government’s Employment, Immigration and Industry Department website. Links to the Alberta Wage and Salary Survey results, minimum wage data, and WAGEinfo database.

Centre for Social Justice 

The Centre for Social Justice is an advocacy organization that seeks to strengthen the struggle for social justice. It conducts research, education and advocacy in a bid to narrow the gap in income, wealth and power, and enhance peace and human security. Key areas of focus include: democracy & corporate power, economic inequality, racial inequality, gender inequality, health inequality, and peace & justice.

Economic Policy Institute (United States) 

The Economic Policy Institute is a US-based non-profit think tank dedicated to broadening public debate about strategies to achieve a prosperous and fair economy. Various US statistics are offered, including a comprehensive guide to living wages, fact sheets, key resources and links, and case studies of cities that have implemented a living wage. Great for those seeking general info and knowledge of what has been done in terms of a living wage campaign in the US.

Government of Canada: Department of Labour: Databases on Minimum Wages

Database from Human Resources and Social Development Canada. Gives background information on minimum wages, including the history, current legislation, minimum wage boards and review processes, and categories of workers covered or excluded. Also includes information on current and forthcoming minimum wage rates, and historical wage rates since 1965 for Canada and the provinces and territories.

Institute for the Study of Labor

The Institute for the Study of Labor is a private, independent research institute based in Germany. IZA focuses on the economic analysis of national and international labour markets. Research program areas include: evaluation of labour market programs, labour markets and institutions, employment and development, and more.

Living Wage Learning Initiative: Vibrant Communities

One of Vibrant Communities’ campaigns is the Living Wage Learning Initiative, in which members are investigating the possibility of implementing a living wage through regulatory or voluntary approaches. Page includes an overview of the project and the communities involved, as well as links to various reports and case studies from Canada and the United States, a Living Wage Manual, and links to other living wage resources.

Vibrant Communities Calgary

Part of the national Vibrant Communities initiative, Vibrant Communities Calgary (VCC) is a convening organization that brings together individuals concerned about poverty and its effects, and is committed to developing and implementing long-term strategies to address the root causes of poverty in our community. VCC is currently working on three initiatives: Fair Fares, Living Wage, and Vibrant Workplaces. The Living Wage section of the site provides living wage fact sheets and links to other relevant resources.

WAGEinfo: Alberta Wage and Salary Survey results

A sub-site of the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS). WAGEinfo displays the results of the Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, which covers over 475 occupations and provides information on wages and salaries for full-time and part-time employees in Alberta by occupation, geographic area, and industry group.

Action for Healthy Communities

Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) is the working name of the Edmonton Healthcare Citizenship Society (EHCS), a nonprofit community organization operating in central Edmonton since 1995. Its strategy involves working together with residents and self-defined community members (based on such criteria as age, ethnicity, geography, life stage, and values) of ten economically challenged and culturally diverse neighbourhoods in central Edmonton. 

Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies

AAISA provides an association by and through which the members can work towards addressing the needs of immigrants, the agencies that serve them and the larger community which welcomes them. Site contains information on settlement services, links to relevant websites, and reports and publications.    

Canadian Council for Refugees    

The Canadian Council for Refugees is a non-profit umbrella organization committed to the rights and protection of refugees in Canada and around the world and to the settlement of refugees and immigrants in Canada. Site contains a large collection of recent and historical information and publications, as well as links to relevant websites.

Canadian Immigration Integration Project 

CIIP is an innovative project funded by the Government of Canada to help those immigrating to Canada under the Federal Skilled Workers Program in China, India and the Philippines. While completing final immigration requirements, principal applicants and their partners will be offered advice and guidance to help prepare for employment in Canada.

Changing Together  

Changing Together helps women who are newcomers to Canada settle into their new lives.  Founded in 1984, it is a nonprofit, charitable organization operated by immigrant women for immigrant women. Its mission is to help Edmonton and area immigrant women and their families overcome personal and systemic barriers that keep them from participating fully in Canadian society.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada   

CIC is the first stop for Canadians wanting to sponsor family members for permanent residency in Canada, people from other countries wishing to immigrate as skilled workers or refugees, or people wanting to stay or work in Canada on a temporary basis. The site also includes statistics, reports, and publications pertaining to a variety of immigration and integration issues.

Edmonton Immigrant Services Association

The Edmonton Immigrant Services Association provides programs and direct services relating to integration, settlement, adaptation, and education for new immigrants, refugees, and first generation Canadians. Its services include citizenship preparation, English as a Second Language, interpretation, translation, and counselling.

Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers

The Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN) is a community agency that seeks to assist immigrants and refugees coming to the Edmonton area achieve full participation in the community, contributing their experiences and skills to strengthen and enrich the lives of all Canadians.

Edmonton Multicultural Coalition

The Multicultural Coalition is a not for profit organization of community leaders and members from ethnic minority communities who share a common vision of the future of immigrants and refugees in Canada.  

ImmigrantLegal.ca

This website delivers legal resources for newcomers to Canada.  While it's focus is on immigrant populations in the Vancouver area, some of the resources available are applicable Canada-wide.

Integration-Net

Integration-Net is a communications, information and research tool to support the work of the Canadian settlement community. It also provides a means to develop both a national and international exchange of information and ideas about best practices on integration strategies and programs in order to share and learn from the experience of others.

Justicia for Migrant Workers

Justicia for Migrant Workers (J4MW) is a volunteer run political non-profit collective comprised of activists from diverse walks of life (including labour activists, educators, researchers, students and youth of colour). The organization strives to promote the rights of migrant farmworkers (participating in the Canadian Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program and the Low Skilled Workers Program) and farmworkers without status. The website contains a variety of links and resources on migrant worker issues. 

No One Is Illegal

No One Is Illegal has four chapters in Canada, located in Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. The collectives are comprised of immigrants, refugees, undocumented persons, and allies striving to promote and protect the rights of all persons to live in justice and dignity. The website contains information regarding migrant issues, immigration and refugee rights, and advocacy, education and direct action resources.

The Metropolis Project 

The goal of this project is to improve policies for managing migration and cultural diversity in major Canadian cities by enhancing academic research capacity, focusing academic research on critical policy questions, options and delivery mechanisms, and developing effective ways to use research in decision making. This website is no longer being updated.

Canadian Homeless Research Network

The Canadian Homelessness Research Network (CHRN) is dedicated to helping end homelessness by improving the impact of homelessness research on policy and practice.  Working in collaboration with a range of key stakeholders and institutions (in the non-profit sector and in government), this group is committed to enhancing the impact of research on the homelessness crisis. That is, our focus is on establishing effective mechanisms for knowledge exchange and mobilization in the area of homelessness research in Canada.

Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)   

The CMHC is a leader in housing, and is dedicated to providing research and analysis to inform the decisions of policymakers. CMHC has resources specifically for researchers, including a publication library and database providing current data related to housing in Canada and the provinces. Information can be accessed by region or nationally.  Includes regular reports on the rental market and the general housing market (e.g. building starts, completions, etc.), as well as information on CMHC financing assistance, affordable housing, and Aboriginal programs. Good site for statistics and general information.

Capital Region Housing Corporation   

The Capital Region Housing Corporation is a non-profit owner, developer and manager of affordable housing in the Alberta Capital Region.

Cornerstones: Edmonton's Plan for Affordable Housing, 2006-2011

Cornerstones is the City of Edmonton's five-year plan to help increase affordable housing and ensure adequate and decent housing for Edmontonians.

Edmonton Inner City Housing Society   

The Edmonton Inner City Housing Society (EICHS) provides housing and supportive property management for low income people in the inner city.  Site contains newsletters and links to related sites.

The Homeless Hub

The Homeless Hub is a joint initiative of York University and the Government of Canada's Homelessness Partnering Secretariat. This mission of this initiative is to be an internet clearinghouse of homelessness research in Canada. In addition to the searchable digital library, which contains thousands of documents and resources, The Homeless Hub is designed to make research and the issue of homelessness accessible to a broad range of audiences through the use of plain language summaries, and stories from individuals that give personal perspectives on the issue. 

The Homelessness Partnering Strategy

The initiative is designed to help ensure community access to programs, services and supports to address homelessness in communities across Canada. Site contains links to community projects underway across Canada. Great site to obtain ideas for projects and intervention plans.

Homeward Trust Edmonton

Homeward Trust works to address the ongoing lack of affordable housing sufficient to meet the needs of the city of Edmonton's lower-income and special needs citizens.  This site contains housing related links, reports, and news.

Laws for Tenants in Alberta

This website, which is run by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta, contains legal information for Alberta tenants. It includes publications, news, and links, as well as fact sheets and frequently asked quesitons on a wide variety of issues, including tenant rights and responsibilities, and landlord rights and responsibilities.    

Local Housing Initiatives Across Canada

This interactive e-map, produced by the Wellesley Institute, tracks housing and homelessness initiatives across the country. It contains information about dozens of housing initiatives in every province and territory, and is being used to build momentum for a national housing and homelessness strategy. 

Raising the Roof   

Raising the Roof is Canada's only national charity dedicated to long-term solutions to homelessness by raising awareness, working with community groups, and developing prevention strategies. Offers fact sheets on issues relating to homelessness, including health, employment, housing, and child welfare. Also offers information on the hidden homeless, a library, and advice on how you can help locally.

The State of Homelessness in Canada 2013

Published by the Canadian Homelessness Research Network in 2013, "this report examines what we know about homelessness, the historical, social and economic context in which it has emerged, demographic features of the problem, and potential solutions. The State of Homelessness provides a starting point to inform the development of a consistent, evidence-based approach towards ending homelessness." (Taken from report) 

Alberta Centre for Active Living  

The Alberta Centre for Active Living has been working with practitioners, organizations and communities since 1989 to improve the health and quality of life of Albertans. One of their priority areas is to understand the determinants of physical activity and health. Site features a resource library that includes such topics as health determinants, advocacy, public policy, and more.    

Canadian Health Coalition   

The Canadian Health Coalition is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting and expanding Canada’s public health system for the benefit of all Canadians. Site offers information on the Coalition’s campaigns, as well as an extensive collection of health care related links.    

Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) 

CIHI is a comprehensive collection of health information, related studies and research findings, and is determined to increase understanding about the determinants of health. It has published several useful resources, such as “Improving the Health of Canadians” which focuses on income, early childhood development, aboriginal people’s health, and obesity.

Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)

The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides essential information on Canada’s health systems and the health of Canadians.  

Centre for Health Promotion Studies: University of Alberta

Created by the University of Alberta in 1996, the Centre for Health Promotion Studies is dedicated to providing health promotion education and research. Site contains numerous publications relating to determinants of health, and various reports and articles published by the Centre.      

Commission on Social Determinants of Health: World Health Organization (WHO)   

A program of the World Health Organization (WHO) created in 2004. The Commission is responsible for recommending interventions and policies to improve the health of the world’s population through decreasing health inequalities by addressing the social determinants of health. Offers facts and figures for numerous nations, as well as articles and other resources related to the determinants of health. Examples of health interventions geared towards the social determinants of health are also provided.     

Friends of Medicare   

Friends of Medicare is a coalition committed to ensuring that all levels of government uphold the five principles of the Canada Health Act, and preserving a single comprehensive public health care system accessible to all citizens. Site includes briefs submitted by the coalition and links to relevant websites.  

Healthy U

Healthy U is a Government of Alberta website that provides Albertans with “current, evidence-based information about healthy eating and active living choices and factors that affect health.”

Population Health

Located on Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) website. This site provides an overview on the key determinants of health. Includes information on the population health approach, the determinants of health, PHAC initiatives, and links to relevant resources and sites.   

Wellesley Institute  

The Wellesley Institute is a Toronto-based non-profit and non-partisan research and policy institute. Its focus is on developing research and community-based policy solutions to the problems of urban health and health disparities. Site offers an extensive collection of publications and resources on key health-related issues, public policy and capacity building.  

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
This department of the Alberta government provides statistics related to agriculture and food, including average food prices for Edmonton.

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development: Statistics: Food & Beverages
This Government of Alberta website contains current and historical overviews food basket prices, manufacturing statistics and retail food prices for the Province of Alberta.

Food Banks Alberta
Food Banks Alberta is the provincial association of food banks in Alberta with a mission to strengthen the impact of the Food Banks Alberta network by sharing best practices, innovations, and essential resources between members, stakeholders, and community partners. We are comprised of 84 member food banks across Alberta.

Centre for Studies in Food Security: Ryerson University
The purpose of the Centre for Studies in Food Security is to facilitate research, community action, and professional practice to increase food security. Their primary focus is on the issues of health, income, and the food system. Offer numerous resources including links, books and papers, and discussion groups.     

Daily Bread Food Bank
Based out of Toronto, this site offers statistics (primarily for Ontario and Canada) on food bank users and low-income families, in addition to advocating for the people they serve.     

Edmonton's Food Bank
Canada's first food bank, the Edmonton's Food Bank has been serving families since 1981. Site contains information regarding Edmonton's food bank and those they serve. Site offers statistics on food bank use, and links to other related sites.

Food Banks Canada
This association represents over 235 food banks across Canada and advocates for food bank users. It contains their annual Hunger Count reports, position papers and briefs on food insecurity, as well as information on community action and an online advocacy toolkit.

Food Secure Canada
Food Secure Canada aims to unite people and organizations working for food security nationally and globally. It works for its members, facilitating collaborative activities by members to advance food security by working on the following food security goals: zero hunger, a sustainable food system, and healthy and safe food. The website contains resources, news, links, and documents the work of the organization.

Growing Food Security in Alberta (GFSA)
GFSA's mission is to engage Albertans in strategies to ensure secure access to adequate amounts of safe, nutritious, culturally appropriate food for everyone. Site offers information on food security, local food connections, links to resources, and much more.

HungerCount
Published annually by the Canadian Association of Food Banks, this is an in-depth look at homelessness and hunger in Canada.

Sodexo Foundation
The Sodexo Foundation supports innovative programs to help children and families in the United States who are battling problems like poverty, unemployment, lack of education, and food insecurity.The website includes resources, news, and links regarding hunger and poverty in the US.   

Wecan Food Basket Society
An alternative to the traditional food bank structure, this Edmonton program provides food at an affordable cost to low-income families.

Alberta Education
Alberta Education, a department of the Alberta Government, supports the needs of students, parents, teachers and administrators from Early Childhood Services (ECS) through Grade 12. Site includes publications, surveys, and statistics.    

Alberta Teachers Association 
The Alberta Teachers’ Association, as the professional organization of teachers, promotes and advances public education, safeguards standards of professional practice and serves as the advocate for its members. Site offers information on Alberta’s education system, issues in education, and advocacy resources.   

Edmonton Community Adult Learning Association (ECALA)
ECALA is one of 83 Community Adult Learning Councils funded by Alberta Advanced Education & Technology. The Edmonton Council, like most urban councils, is responsible for allocation of its Annual Grant to Edmonton based non-profit agencies who provide educational services to adults. ECALA actively engages in the community by hosting adult education focus groups on a variety of topics and by partnering on a variety of events.

Edmonton Catholic School Board
The Edmonton Catholic School Board site includes information on education results reports, enrollment, class size, and more.

Edmonton Public School Board
The Edmonton Public School Board site includes annual education results reports and other publications.  

Public Interest Alberta: Education Campaign   
Public Interest Alberta (PIA) is a province-wide organization focused on education and advocacy on public interest issues. One of PIAs areas of focus is Education. The site contains information on the campaign and the results of its province-wide survey.   

Public Interest Alberta: Post-Secondary Education Campaign  
Public Interest Alberta (PIA) is a province-wide organization focused on education and advocacy on public interest issues. One of PIAs areas of focus is Post-Secondary Education. The site contains information on the campaign, and reports on post-secondary education in Alberta.