END POVERTY IN A GENERATION

A STRATEGY DECEMBER 2015 Edmonton is a prosperous city. Our city is growing and thriving. Unless we see or experience poverty first hand, we may not realize that our prosperity is not shared by all of us. POVERTY EXISTS IN THE MIDST OF OUR PROSPERITY One out of every eight people living in Edmonton – 100,870 of us – is living in poverty1. Those twelve per cent of us do not have the means to assure stable secure housing, adequate nutritious food or the conditions that foster health, safety and basic quality of life. One out of every five Edmonton children – nearly 33,000 – is living in poverty. Just over one in three Edmonton children who lives in a lone-parent family live in poverty.2 In addition, almost one in two Aboriginal children lives in poverty. Those children’s living conditions are less likely to foster their healthy development or enable them to get the full benefit from their education. That limits their opportunities to thrive into successful adulthood.

POVERTY HURTS ALL OF US Poverty has an economic impact – Aside from the cost of services that might not be needed if one in eight of us did not live in poverty, our fellow Edmontonians who live in poverty are consumed with meeting their survival needs. They have little energy or time to contribute their creativity and skills to the greater economy and community. They do not have the financial means to be employees, customers and clients of our businesses. Poverty has a human rights impact – The United Nations Charter highlights “…the right of people to live in freedom and dignity, free from poverty and despair… with an equal opportunity to enjoy all their rights and fully develop their human potential.” Too many of us do not experience those conditions.

WE CAN CHANGE THIS – AND WE MUST In March 2014, EndPovertyEdmonton was appointed as a Task Force by City Council. Building on a history of collaborative work led by the City and the United Way Capital Region, the Task Force is moving ahead boldly to identify collective and tangible actions needed to eliminate poverty in Edmonton.

THE GOAL: END POVERTY IN ONE GENERATION …A child born in poverty today will not live in poverty as an adult. …One generation later, that child’s child will not be born into poverty. There are no quick fixes. The Task Force has identified actions that Edmontonians can take now to have an immediate impact and that address the root causes of poverty. Ultimately these actions will enable Edmontonians to become their own agents of change and fulfill their aspirations for a better life in our city. Join the movement to end poverty in one generation.

Mayor Don Iveson Rt. Rev. Jane Alexander City of Edmonton Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Edmonton EndPovertyEdmonton Task Force Co-Chair EndPovertyEdmonton Task Force Co-Chair THE EndPovertyEdmonton STRATEGY AIMS TO DO THREE THINGS

1. Paint the picture so Edmontonians know the reality of poverty in our city – what it is, what it means in people’s lives, and how it affects all of us. 2. Set priorities that begin to have an immediate impact for people who are living in poverty now, while we address root causes and generate long- term solutions that will end poverty. We don’t just want to help people cope with poverty. We want to END POVERTY in one generation. 3. Kick start a movement We are nearly a million strong. We have a track record of amazing accomplishments. We can do this.

2 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS

EndPovertyEdmonton PRIORITIES AT A GLANCE______4 Build a movement PAINT THE PICTURE: Poverty in Edmonton 7 “To be successful, to end poverty, this has to be What is poverty?______7 a movement. It’s about ______Who is more at risk of living in poverty? 8 building a truly inclusive Root causes of poverty and vulnerability______8 city for all.” Poverty may be temporary – or not______11 Mayor Don Iveson, ______What does poverty mean in people’s lives? 12 EndPovertyEdmonton Meet four Edmonton families living in poverty______14 Task Force Co-Chair THE CASE FOR ENDING POVERTY______17

SET PRIORITIES: The EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy 20 PRIORITIES______23 Five criteria______23 Toward true reconciliation ______25 Justice for all______29 Move people out of poverty______32 Invest in our poverty-free future______37 Change the conversation: Build a movement to end poverty______42 How the priorities can help our four families ______44

KICKSTARTING A MOVEMENT: Next Steps to Implement Change 47 Because we can: Cities are drivers of change______48 PRIORITIES AT A GLANCE – WHO TAKES THE LEAD?______50 THANK YOU______52 EndPovertyEdmonton______53 WORKING GROUP MEMBERS______54 REFERENCES______56

End Poverty in a Generation 3 EndPoverty Edmonton PRIORITIES AT A GLANCE

TOWARD TRUE RECONCILIATION 1. Establish an Aboriginal culture and wellness centre 2. Initiate people-first and trauma-informed policy and practice 3. Implement a community witness program 4. Provide opportunities where Aboriginal people in poverty can “show and grow” their talents 5. Make systemic changes to better reflect the needs, interests and culture of Aboriginal people

JUSTICE FOR ALL 6. Eliminate racism 7. Decriminalize poverty 8. Make it easier to vote and participate in elections 9. Make Edmonton a “human rights city”

MOVE PEOPLE OUT OF POVERTY 10. Advocate for livable incomes for Edmontonians 11. Make transit reliable, accessible and affordable for Edmontonians 12. Improve and expand transit services 13. Negotiate with other orders of government to increase funding for affordable and supportive housing as well as rental subsidy programs 14. Develop a community-based learning group to look at housing and zoning innovations 15. Improve skills training to help people gain sustainable employment 16. Improve literacy 17. Reduce barriers to getting information and accessing City programs and services 18. Help people navigate systems in order to access resources and opportunities 19. Improve timely access to mental health and wellness services and addictions supports

4 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 INVEST IN OUR POVERTY-FREE FUTURE 20. Grow social enterprises to build sustainable livelihood and assets Why is it important to eliminate poverty? 21. Invest in food security-oriented enterprises aimed at increasing food access and gainful employment “The idea of merely 22. Partner with community organizations and other stakeholders to create reducing poverty implies a community development corporation that it is acceptable at 23. Plan and implement a system of early learning and care some level. Our numbers 24. Reduce barriers for children and families to access services, including tell the story and it is out-of-school care and respite care obscene. We want a 25. Advocate to the provincial government for the implementation of community where everyone culturally sensitive curricula and for standards that require well-educated has the opportunity to be staff in all early learning and care centres successful.” 26. Advocate to the provincial government for sustainable, predictable Bishop Jane Alexander, and adequate funding for school-based wrap-around services EndPovertyEdmonton 27. Keep the individual at the centre in providing care, services and supports Task Force Co-Chair

CHANGE THE CONVERSATION: BUILD A MOVEMENT TO END POVERTY 28. Launch a collaborative broad-based community engagement and education initiative to change people’s attitudes about poverty

End Poverty in a Generation 5 Photo provided by Boyle Street Community Services Artist in Residence Program

”About 70 per cent of the They are also often supporting large families. people who are living below So we haven’t really the poverty line are working – addressed some of the deeper challenges.”

often two or three jobs. Mayor Don Iveson, EndPovertyEdmonton Task Force Co-Chair

6 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 PAINT THE PICTURE: POVERTY IN EDMONTON

What is poverty?

Poverty is defined as when people lack, or are denied, economic, social and cultural resources to have a quality of life that sustains and facilitates full and meaningful participation in the community. (Task Force definition, 2014)

The Cree word for “poor” is POVERTY EXISTS IN okitimâkisiw, which loosely translated EVERY PART OF OUR CITY into English means “a person in need, one who is poor,” or kitimakatchihow, When thinking about poverty which means “he lives poorly” with no in Edmonton, many of us picture direct reference to money. homeless people downtown. You may be surprised to know that You can be monetarily poor, but rich poverty is experienced all over our with your traditions, culture and family city. Some neighbourhoods have to sustain you. You can be monetarily a higher proportion of people in rich, but poor without a circle of true poverty, but poverty is experienced 19.5% friends or values to guide you. in every quadrant of our city. For many Aboriginal people, these of all employed terms also refer to loss of culture, MOST PEOPLE LIVING Edmontonians earn traditions, language and spiritual IN POVERTY ARE connections. Being “poor” is about EMPLOYED – THEY ARE missing out on someone’s potential, THE WORKING POOR less than gifts and talents, or losing access to the wisdom of Elders or the support Most Edmontonians have good jobs of family. and make decent wages. However, $15/hr. in 2012, 12.3 per cent earned a low In Edmonton, our definition is income. Even after working full time about more than just money, because for a year, their salaries brought in poverty as experienced by diverse an annual income below the poverty Edmontonians – from First Nations line. Poverty among those who to newcomers – is more complex work exists because a significant than an economic circumstance. proportion of jobs are low-paying. When people live with poverty, they These low-paying jobs are often have fewer choices and chances to precarious: lacking job security achieve their dreams, and a reduced without fixed hours of work and ability to contribute to society. By with few or no benefits. necessity, they expend their energy In 2013, over three-quarters on survival. The daily stress takes (75.2 per cent) of jobs in Edmonton its toll. Children often don’t receive were in generally low-paying sectors what they need to break free of the like retail, accommodation and food cycle of poverty. Many feel defeated services, janitorial, private security before they enter adulthood. And the and personal care.3 cycle begins again.

End Poverty in a Generation 7 Who is more at risk of living in poverty?

The 100,870 people living with Several populations are over- “If I get sick for two weeks, a low income include… represented among our fellow I lose my wages.” } Edmontonians who live with poverty. } 42,200 persons in low-income “Some of the hardest- couple families These are… working people are paid } }} Children and youth } 30,600 persons in lone-parent the least.” families }} Aboriginal people }} 26,070 single adults, and }} Working poor Focus Group participants }} 2,000 others. }} Newcomers The highest poverty rate is }} Women, and experienced by lone-parent families, }} Persons with disabilities. followed by single adults and then couple families.

Root causes of poverty and vulnerability

EndPovertyEdmonton aims to eliminate poverty, not just manage it or help people to cope with it. Therefore it is important to understand the root causes of poverty. Where does it come from? What conditions increase the probability of poverty? If we know the answers to those questions, that should help us to identify where to focus our work to end poverty.

Four sources of vulnerability can increase the risk of poverty: “Poverty is not about }} Personal vulnerability laziness, or having too }} Life stages many children, or poor }} Disruptive events, and people making poor }} Systemic barriers. choices with their money. The poverty of our fellow citizens is a choice we, all Edmontonians, make every day when we don’t demand something different and better from our politicians and policy makers.” Sarah Eadie, EndPovertyEdmonton Task Force member

8 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 ROOT CAUSES OF POVERTY

Sources of Vulnerability*

PERSONAL VULNERABILITIES low education, lack of skills, generational, language (ESL), disability, women

DISRUPTIVE EVENTS LIFE STAGES migration, job loss, disability, children, youth, family breakdown, illness, seniors, parents recession, gender-based violence

SYSTEMIC BARRIERS household debt, access to services, asset-stripping, discrimination/racism, stagnant or low wages, credential recognition

*Source: Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative, 2013

End Poverty in a Generation 9 IN MARCH 2015, 14,794 PEOPLE WENT TO THE FOOD BANK. 40% of people served by Edmonton’s food bank ARE YOUTH under the age of 18.

10 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 Poverty may be temporary – or not

Poverty may be temporary or short Sometimes conditions of poverty “Someone has a good term for people who experience can be passed on to individuals, paying job and then a disruptive event, or whose families or communities trapped in gets injured or ill. In that vulnerability is, for example, a the complexity of poverty’s causes situation, their assessed skill gap which can be learned with little or no access to help get income from the year (transitional poverty). out of it (intergenerational poverty). looks high, so they’re not Poverty may be persistent when Each type of poverty requires eligible for help. There’s people experience a continuous spell different approaches in order to no safety net.” of low income lasting ten years or end it. The priorities suggested later more, caused by a combination of in this report offer actions that can Focus Group participant many factors beyond the individual’s impact different types of poverty. control (chronic poverty).

“When I was back home I used to own a big business, would send my kids to school, buy whatever I wanted to buy and help others. But when I came here because of 62% war, everything was lost. of low-wage When I moved to Canada, workers are I was ‘supported’ instead of ‘supporting.’” women. Focus Group participant 77% of low-wage workers are 20 years or older.

End Poverty in a Generation 11 What does poverty mean in people’s lives?

Shared abundance and shared prosperity are about more than just “As an emergency income. They are also about shared equity and shared opportunity. medicine physician Living in poverty impacts every aspect of people’s lives. practicing in a busy inner city hospital, I see on a Fewer choices. When people nurturing. The family may live in a daily basis the impact of live with poverty, they have fewer neighbourhood that feels unsafe, choices, less potential to achieve so outdoor play is limited. Organized poverty on the health of their dreams and a reduced ability sports or involvement in arts and these individuals. This Task to contribute to society. culture are not possible within the Force to End Poverty is family income. The prosperous- Stress. By necessity, people living bold, timely and can serve appearing families they see in media, in poverty expend their energy as a catalyst and rallying or even among other children at on survival. When you are one cry for much needed school, are nothing like those they paycheque away from disaster, societal change. Make no see around them. Children and youth simple things become complicated mistake about it. Poverty may feel defeated before they enter and small things become big. adulthood – and the cycle continues. impacts your health – One fewer shift at your job, or one Chronic stress also affects children’s almost always negatively.” unexpected expense, can shake early brain development with everything. The daily stress takes Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti, potentially lifelong consequences. its toll. EndPovertyEdmonton Growing inequality. Poverty does Task Force member Poorer health. The World Health not just impact individuals and Organization has declared poverty families; it impacts society as a to be the single largest determinant whole. Between 1982 and 2012, of health. Poverty impacts health the income of the top one per cent in several ways. of Edmontonians grew by 50 per cent When families are short of money while the income of the remaining and they cannot lower expenses 99 per cent of Edmontonians for rent or public transit to get to increased by less than ten per cent.4 work and school, one of the first This income gap shows a pattern places they cut expenses is on food. of growing inequality in our city. Many turn to cheap starch products This pattern is also occurring across since they cannot afford the cost of Canada. healthier options such as fruits and History, and the experience of other vegetables. There’s no money for cities and countries, tells us that prescription drugs or dental care growing inequality has a tipping not covered by Alberta Health. point that can have a disruptive Poor nutrition and lack of medical impact on society. care impact health. EndPovertyEdmonton priorities Factors such as these, combined include actions to address immediate with ongoing grinding stress, can stressors while helping individuals lead to illness. In turn, illness can lead and families move out of, and stay to intensified poverty due to missing out of, poverty. These actions, work, resulting in decreased earnings combined with other actions that or being fired for absenteeism. tackle root causes of poverty, will Children suffering. With the adults close the door on poverty and in their lives being under constant increase shared opportunity and stress, children also feel the tension. abundance for all Edmontonians. Parents working two or three jobs may not have time or energy for

12 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 “Stress wears on you. The ripple effects… either too stressed to eat well or can’t afford to eat well – a cycle of poor emotional and physical health.” Focus Group participant

End Poverty in a Generation 13 Meet four Edmonton families living in poverty

Here are profiles of four Edmonton families who have experienced life below the poverty line. These are real Edmonton families who told their stories during recent research.5 To protect their privacy, the names of individuals have been changed.

MEET LING MEET JULIE AND NICK Ling is an immigrant single mother Julie and Nick live in a north-central who gave birth to a daughter, neighbourhood with their three Katelyn, in Edmonton five years elementary school-aged children. after she arrived from China. She Due to a workplace injury, Nick has was a teacher in China and has needed six operations and is no had her credentials assessed by longer is able to work. Julie works Government of Alberta as equivalent part-time and, together with Nick’s to that of a teaching certificate. disability payments, they live below Initially, she had a lot of difficulty the poverty line. Even though they securing employment because she cannot always afford sufficient food, was unable to get suitable childcare they do not access the Edmonton for her baby daughter, even for job Food Bank, relying instead on interviews. She is also entangled contributions from their church. in a child support lawsuit with her The family does not own a vehicle daughter’s father, which is very and walks or takes the bus to get stressful for her. She takes transit to places. Julie would like to take their her destinations, which is difficult in children to different city activities winter with a baby. She eventually during school holidays but cannot determined the challenges of finding afford the bus tickets. They own work, transportation, childcare, and their house; however, due to their the legal system to be too much and restricted incomes and Nick’s made the difficult decision to send disability, the family cannot complete Katelyn to China to live with Ling’s all the repairs that the house parents. Since then Ling has taken desperately needs. Nicks receives a two jobs, both temporary, and works notice from WCB stating his benefits seven days a week. She is currently will soon stop. He is now looking out of poverty. for work even though he is in no condition to be working. Julie and Nick are currently entrenched in poverty.

14 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 MEET CLAY MEET KIM Clay is an Aboriginal single father Kim is a single mother of Euro- of two children under the age of Canadian background, who was born 12. He is a very committed father and raised in Edmonton. Kim, along and likes to stay active with his with her teenaged son, Brandon and children. The family does not feel preteen daughter, Erica, live with safe in its neighbourhood since her father in a two-bedroom home. there have been several stabbings It is too small for the family and is and assaults in the area. Clay does in need of major repairs; however not have much in the way of friends the rent is cheap. Despite a 13-year and family. Despite a lengthy career history of paid employment, Kim is in construction, Clay got behind currently not working due to multiple in his bills after a brief period of physical and mental health issues. unemployment. He began working Brandon, who has bipolar disorder again but, to get by, the family and is over six feet in height, has accesses the Edmonton Food Bank. been violent with both Kim and During this time Clay is informed Erica. After continuously missing by the after-school daycare that his classes, he eventually drops out of children are no longer welcomed school, having achieved a Grade 9 as the daycare is tired of dealing level of education. The family does with subsidy arrangements. Now not own a vehicle and struggles with he has to work part-time to care transportation. They are also reliant for his children, and is let go by his on food banks, and the thrift stores employer one week later. Clay finds and the Goodwill for clothing. Kim new jobs, but has trouble keeping and her family are entrenched in them due to interpersonal conflicts. poverty. He is eventually employed full-time once again. Clay now struggles to find help for his daughter, who has Later in this document we will just revealed she had been abused see how the EndPovertyEdmonton when she was younger and living on the reserve. Clay and his family cycle priorities have the potential to in and out of poverty. improve the quality of life for Ling, Clay, Julie and Nick, and Kim.

End Poverty in a Generation 15 Chronically homeless people cost taxpayers directly and indirectly over $100,000 a year per person. (Direct costs include emergency shelters, services and programming; indirect costs include correctional, justice and health system costs) PROVIDING SUPPORTS & HOUSING FOR A HOMELESS INDIVIDUAL GENERALLY COSTS ABOUT $35,000 A YEAR.

16 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 THE CASE FOR ENDING POVERTY

THE ECONOMIC CASE That means poverty is costing each adult Albertan between “Because cities are Poverty is currently one of the largest $2,700 and $3,600 every year. burdens on the economic, healthcare the crossroads where and criminal justice systems in Canada. The cost of poverty is unsustainable. resources and creativity Finding realistic solutions to move It makes good business sense intersect, we become people out of poverty will save to create a strong economic and labs where ideas reach social legacy for future generations. taxpayers money in the long run. their tipping point and Investing in finding solutions will not We cannot afford to have people become reality. Nowhere live in poverty. It’s that simple. only yield a healthier, more engaged, more productive populace, but it will is that more true than in We can strengthen the economy also save us money. Edmonton.” by helping unemployed or Mayor Don Iveson, underemployed people to get jobs THE HUMAN RIGHTS CASE that support them and their families. State of the City Address It will also reduce costs to taxpayers. Poverty is more than living with a lack May 2015 Our future economic growth is of income; it robs individuals to live dependent on continued labour a life in dignity. We must affirm the force expansion: we can ensure each basic human rights and freedoms of Edmontonian is equipped to play his all Edmontonians to participate in THE PUBLIC or her role. the civil, cultural, political, social and OPINION CASE economic dimensions of society. Business and the not-for-profit Edmontonians do not need to be sectors stand to benefit from ending If we do not acknowledge these convinced that addressing poverty poverty. Increased incomes mean basic rights, we are tacitly accepting, is a good idea. for example, that a child needs to more purchasing power to buy A Leger survey of Edmontonians be “deserving” enough in order to more goods and services. Workers in February 2015 showed strong have adequate food, shelter and with adequate wages contribute support for ending poverty.8 to increased productivity. The educational opportunities. Is eliminating poverty a good leadership and innovation offered by Edmontonians and Canadians prove, use of taxpayer dollars? YES. the business and the not-for-profit time and time again, that we believe sectors will be key to ending poverty. in the value and dignity of each }} Seventy-two per cent of respondents agreed that poverty Here are the facts. child – we only need our actions and public policy to rise to that belief. is a core issue in the city and it }} In 2011, the federal government should be prioritized. spent $19.9 billion on employment Ending poverty does not just mean }} Ninety-four per cent believe insurance and an additional that individuals, families and children that eliminating poverty will $4 billion on transfers to low- have adequate income, housing and benefit society. income families6. food. It also means all people have }} In Alberta, calculations have the opportunity to be engaged in Can poverty really be eliminated? YES. shown poverty costs the province our city, to contribute to the solutions }} Eighty-seven per cent of between $7.1 and $9.5 billion and to be involved in shaping the respondents agreed that poverty every year7. community we live in. can be eliminated or drastically Together we must challenge reduced if enough efforts are made. stereotypes and combat injustice }} Eighty-seven per cent of in every neighbourhood. Now is the respondents agreed that everyone time for us all to share in Edmonton’s plays a role in ending poverty. prosperity. We have made the case to end poverty. Now it’s time to act.

End Poverty in a Generation 17 THE ECONOMIC CASE. THE HUMAN RIGHTS CASE. THE PUBLIC OPINION CASE. We have made the case to end poverty.

18 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy - September 2015 NOW IT’S TIME TO AC T.

End Poverty in a Generation 19 SET PRIORITIES: THE EndPovertyEdmonton STRATEGY

EndPovertyEdmonton STATEMENTS OF BELIEF TASK FORCE From the beginning, the In March 2014, EndPovertyEdmonton EndPovertyEdmonton Task Force was was formed as a Task Force. The guided by these Statements of Belief: mandate: develop a strategy to end }} We believe that ending poverty poverty in Edmonton within one means supporting each and every generation. The Task Force built on Edmontonian to feel included the work of the previous Edmonton and valued. Poverty Elimination Initiative which }} We believe that finding solutions was co-chaired by the United Way involves the whole community – Capital Region and the City. most importantly Edmontonians In addition, EndPovertyEdmonton living in poverty. acknowledges the Housing First }} We believe that ending poverty vision of Edmonton’s 10-Year Plan to means changing hearts and minds End Homelessness released in 2009. so, as a community, we can all Indeed, that provision of affordable commit to ending poverty. quality housing to those living in }} We believe that investing in people the cycle of poverty is a pillar of and communities is the right EndPovertyEdmonton’s work. Ending thing to do – and it’s financially poverty is a critical success factor responsible. for achieving our city’s plan to end homelessness. }} We are in this for the long term: poverty is complex, systemic and deeply rooted. }} This is our opportunity to transform our community: to think creatively and take bold action. The Task Force began by consulting with two Round Tables, reviewing past work and commissioning new research. Most importantly, people who were living with poverty talked about the real, tangible things that would make the greatest difference to them. Based on what they learned, the Task Force engaged roughly 200 people in seven Working Groups to focus on specific aspects of poverty.

20 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 FIVE DEFINING FEATURES As information was generated from 3. Start a movement research and the Working Groups, Ending poverty in Edmonton is Why do you believe the Task Force identified that its not something that the Task Force – we can end poverty strategy and priorities for action to or any group – can do alone. An in a generation? end poverty speak to five defining ambition like this must involve the features. whole community in a movement “We just have to. It’s 1. Honour the Treaty spirit that takes on a life of its own. A not right to have people community champions a movement Our city has a surging number wanting for the basics here in big and small ways because it of First Nations, Métis and Inuit in Alberta. And particularly cares and it wants change. By actively people who seek a bright future for children – we need engaging all Edmontonians as part in our city. Many of these people to give them a chance. of the solution, this grassroots have been dramatically affected EndPovertyEdmonton movement We’re all they’ve got.” by the intergenerational trauma of is the catalyst for change. residential schools and assimilationist Justin Archer, policies, and poverty represents a 4. Tackle root causes EndPovertyEdmonton Task Force member legacy of inequities and injustices We need to address the systemic that continue today. underlying causes of poverty. While Edmonton is located on Treaty 6 we are taking action on behalf of our territory, and City Council declared most vulnerable people, we are also 2014-2015 a year of Truth and working to address underlying issues – Reconciliation in Edmonton. Mayor racism, unresponsive systems, the Don Iveson points out, “we are all widening income gaps – that will Treaty people.” Starting from this take longer to change. perspective, the EndPovertyEdmonton 5. Lever local partnerships strategy has been shaped by its vision One of the things the Task Force that Edmonton become a city where discovered during its work is how all can enjoy prosperity and equity, quickly and easily new partnerships a city that lives and breathes the treaty can be formed. Most people want spirit, and a city that uplifts us all. to rally together. By connecting 2. Change attitudes them with others having different EndPovertyEdmonton is about perspectives, new possibilities actions, but we know that actions emerge. Within partnerships of grow out of beliefs and attitudes. diverse stakeholders, we may Only by correcting inaccurate discover how to use technology in beliefs and changing attitudes new ways, or how to adapt concepts about poverty will our actions be from business, industry, philanthropy, effective. Clear thinking based on medicine, community development, accurate information, and attitudes faith communities and education in of openness and willingness to order to end poverty. change will open up opportunities for new solutions and innovations to emerge.

End Poverty in a Generation 21 Photo provided by United Way of the Alberta Capital Region

“Many people who live in poverty are seen with disgust and disregard; we need to address this before we can truly end poverty in Edmonton. One way to promote dignity for all is to ensure that individuals on the margins are heard and included in speaking about the barriers they face.” John Humphreys Centre, Youth Action Project on Poverty February 2015

22 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 PRIORITIES

From the stories and experiences of people living with poverty, from the research and background information, and from the expertise and experience of the two Round Tables and seven Working Groups, more than 80 recommendations and 400 actions were generated. In order to determine priorities, the Task Force used five criteria. Five criteria

1. Foundational and sustainable Using the five criteria, the Task change - Recommendations that Force arrived at a set of priorities focus on tackling root causes, that represent actions and steps addressing systemic or structural needed to begin the work of change and, if achieved, would on eliminating poverty. They include a their own contribute to eliminating suite of policy initiatives, program poverty in a measurable way, investments, service enhancements fundamentally shift our thinking and community-driven activities. and create lasting change. They address poverty from multiple 2. Impact on vulnerable dimensions, including responding to urgent and immediate needs, populations - Recommendations removing barriers to change, and that will reach and improve the tackling the root causes of poverty. lives of those who are most at–risk of, or impacted by, poverty such The priorities are closely linked as Aboriginal people, children and and they affect each other in many youth, working poor, newcomers, ways. The priorities are grouped women and persons with disabilities. to show how best to tackle urgent 3. Upstream and prevention needs, while working through those that need more time to implement. focus - Recommendations that However, they are inter-related and make the most impact on people priorities listed in one section often and represent long-term thinking have relevance for those in other to create conditions for all people to sections. enjoy healthy and prosperous lives. The priorities are grouped into four 4. Ripple effects - Recommendations areas, with one overarching priority: that are capable of linking with, and influencing, other priorities, across }} Toward true reconciliation multiple areas and leverage other }} Justice for all efforts. }} Move people out of poverty 5. Achievable - Recommendations }} Invest in a poverty-free future and ideas that are tangible and Overarching priority: feasible. }} Change the conversation: build a movement

As you review the priorities you will see ways that you can make an impact to help end poverty.

End Poverty in a Generation 23 TREATY ROOTS

Amiskwaciwaskahikan, Beaver Hills, was the Cree name for this place before we knew it to be Edmonton. EDMONTONEDMONTON IS ROOTED IS ROOTED IN ABORIGINALIN ABORIGINAL HISTORY. HISTORY. Its location was part of an important Aboriginal trade route and served as a gathering place, which for centuries has been a peaceful and spiritual place of harmony, balance and commerce for many Aboriginal peoples. It was in this place that early relationships led to the adhesion of Treaty 6, the Province of Alberta, and the City of Edmonton.

24 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 Toward true reconciliation

We acknowledge that we reside on Treaty 6 territory and “…No matter what I do. together call upon honoured traditions and our spirit to maintain My people have gone a strong and lasting relationship between the City of Edmonton through this forever – they and First Nations, Métis, Inuit and Non-Status Aboriginal peoples. want to assimilate us. No matter what I do – if I get a This relationship is embodied in Canada’s first peoples have endured job, mortgage, dog – it will memoranda of relationships between centuries of trauma, discrimination the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First and cultural genocide. Their stories never be enough because Nations and the City of Edmonton received the profile they deserve I’m Aboriginal…” as well as the Métis Nation of Alberta through the Truth and Reconciliation Focus Group participant and the City of Edmonton. These Commission and its 2015 report. agreements reflect the spirit of The legacy of the Indian Residential mutual sharing and respect. As well, School system and other government Discrimination plays an enormous City Council in 2005 affirmed its policies and programs contributed role when Aboriginal people try to commitment to building relationships significantly to the reasons there get a job, find a place to rent or with Aboriginal peoples by a are proportionately more Aboriginal even walk down the street. Hurtful declaration which: people living with poverty than any assumptions are made, opportunities other demographic group. }} Acknowledges past injustices are lost, and hope is abandoned. from the legacy of colonialism Nearly 42,000 people in Edmonton The legacy of the residential schools that created the unique challenges identify as Aboriginal.9 Compared has inspired and emboldened facing Aboriginal peoples today to other Edmontonians, Aboriginal Aboriginal people to be hopeful }} people in Edmonton are nearly twice Values and celebrates the unique and resilient. The Aboriginal Round as likely to be unemployed. contributions of Aboriginal Table, composed of members from peoples today in the areas of Further, 44 per cent of Aboriginal First Nations and Métis with diverse enriching Canada’s cultural identity, children under the age of five live backgrounds, worked hard to advancing economic potentials in poverty10 which is more than engage Aboriginal communities to in workforce development and twice the proportion of other develop their priority actions. These improving quality of life for Edmonton children. priorities are important steps towards Aboriginal children Issues related to the physical, a generational journey to healing, }} Recognizes that for many mental, spiritual and emotional improving well-being and building a Aboriginal people, self-governance needs of Aboriginal people need future of prosperity within mutual and is rightfully viewed as a first step in to be addressed in order for those respectful relations between Aboriginal community capacity-building and living with poverty to improve their and non-Aboriginal people. resolution of many of the issues quality of life. experienced by their communities.

End Poverty in a Generation 25 We can – and must – change things. Here’s what the Task Force to End Poverty believes is important.

PRIORITIES 1. Establish an Aboriginal 2. Initiate people-first and trauma- Calling upon our citizens to become culture and wellness centre informed policy and practice trauma-informed is important for building cultural awareness that will Ceremonies such as Pow Wows, Racism and the impact of colonialism bring enlightening conversations and special gatherings, and weddings are at the heart of poverty for perspectives on Aboriginal poverty. would be hosted at an Aboriginal Aboriginal people. Greater culture and wellness centre. It will knowledge about these issues 3. Implement a community also function as an Aboriginal “one among non-Aboriginal Edmontonians witness program stop” service hub where vulnerable can help foster better understanding people will be “wrapped around” with of the barriers facing Aboriginal The Truth and Reconciliation many necessary resources (cradle people. Policies and practices will Commission of Canada states that board) to enable them to improve be developed that acknowledge the term “witness” refers to the their lives significantly. Along with and incorporate the historical trauma Aboriginal principle of witnessing, having a suite of core Aboriginal of Aboriginal people as a root cause which varies among First Nations, services, the centre would also of poverty. It would seem timely Métis and Inuit peoples. In a general be able to have outside services and appropriate in the year of sense, witnesses are called to be the including, but not limited to, victim Reconciliation that a trauma- keepers of history when an event of services, housing, income support, informed training and education historic significance occurs. This is system navigators, and access for all City staff be both introduced partly because of the oral traditions to Elders. and adopted as a wise policy. of Aboriginal peoples, but also to recognize the importance of building In the People-First philosophy, Additionally, the centre would work and maintaining relationships in- people are at the centre of all with others for acquiring “spaces person and face-to-face. Through development and recognized as in other places” to host programs in witnessing, the event or work that active agents of change; it means the broader community. The centre is undertaken is validated and that Aboriginal peoples strengthen will provide Aboriginal people provided legitimacy which themselves to be resilient, to take more opportunities for culturally deepens our understanding. appropriate healing practices and control of their healing process teachings. Since colonization has and build their lives in holistic Through the creation of a community eroded many Aboriginal people’s and culturally safe ways. It means witness program, witnesses are sense of self, it is vital to reclaim that solutions to end poverty will asked to store and care for the cultural healing practices in order be intentional in addressing what history of significant events in to address the legacy of residential matters most to Aboriginal people. a person’s life (trauma, injustice, schools. A holistic model such as the sexual abuse, and even successful Trauma-informed practice offers Medicine Wheel is needed to identify achievements) that they witness, tremendous insights for both and address the effects of historical and most importantly, to share it with frontline workers and managers into and intergenerational trauma on their own people when they return the lives of those living with poverty. the spiritual, mental, emotional home. Witnessing has significant This practice has an innovative lens and physical aspects of health. potential to transform people into that encourages people to reflect feeling valued in our community. on what may have happened to persons experiencing poverty, not on what is wrong with them. There are also benefits to receiving people- first and cultural safety training that are complementary to becoming trauma-informed. This training would be extended to the Edmonton Police Service and advocated by the City to the Government of Alberta for trauma-informed staff training and policy adoption.

26 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 4. Provide opportunities where 5. Make systemic changes to Aboriginal people in poverty better reflect the needs, “I would open a house for can “show and grow” their interests, and culture of women where they learn talents and abilities Aboriginal people how to cook, parenting A homeless man from Edmonton Initiate discussions with municipal, skills, life skills, and became a viral sensation when provincial and federal governments financial management.” a video of his piano playing was to reduce barriers to subsidies posted to YouTube. Within 24 hours, and services. For example, income Focus Group participant it drew nearly 800,000 hits. A week ceilings and lack of a mailing address later, almost two million people are barriers to housing, food banks, had watched the video worldwide. day care subsidies and funding. These conditions are often linked to Viewers posted many comments on Poverty, inadequate educational the profound inadequacies of other the quality of his skill and musicality. opportunities, unemployment, tax-funded systems including social His story speaks to the value of the poor living conditions and domestic services, child protection, income multitude of talents and abilities violence all contribute to Aboriginal support, transportation education that people living with poverty people coming into conflict with the and legal aid. have and how they can meaningfully law. The challenges to which the The myriad of conditions that contribute to our community. This criminal justice system must respond contribute to poverty can be greatly can include opportunities to are rooted in addressing these affected if systems are easier to showcase talents in public spaces unfortunate conditions. access, apply for, and use. and promote with social media, support venues for Aboriginal business people to pitch their ideas, and others.

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}}Recognize we are all Treaty people. Read }}Participate in people-first and trauma-informed Treaty No. 6 for yourself; it provides a guide training opportunities. to how we all can cooperate and the role of }}Support local Aboriginal businesses. For more self-determination. For more information on information you can visit: aksis.website/ Treaty 6, please go to jamessmithcreenation.com/ downloads/TREATY6TEXT.pdf. }}Be part of the development of a community witness program in Edmonton. }}Read Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the } Future: Summary of the Final Report of the Truth } Host a viewing of the National Film Board’s and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015) documentary “Trick or Treaty” by Alanis Obomsawin. to learn more about Aboriginal issues. Please go Please go to nfb.ca/film/trick_or_treaty. to trc.ca. }}Participate in Aboriginal events and cultural experiences.

End Poverty in a Generation 27 “Recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world…” Universal Declaration of Human Rights

28 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 Justice for all

Citizenship means that people have full rights and responsibilities “Being homeless increases in the society to which they belong. Our rights and freedoms in the likelihood of ending up Canada are enshrined in federal and provincial legislation. But in jail, while imprisonment what does that citizenship mean in practice? How can we ensure increases the risk of the voices of those living with poverty are heard? homelessness.”

Poverty is more than a lack of principles of human rights relating John Howard Society income – it is a barrier for people to respect, equality and dignity for to participate in the decisions that all. Confronting and eliminating affect their lives. For example, the racism is a critical part of ensuring ability to vote that so many take that everyone can fully engage and “It’s hard when you don’t for granted is unavailable to many participate in our community. have an address or phone living with poverty. Why? Voting The EndPovertyEdmonton Task number (or have a shelter requires a permanent address and Force has identified this and other identification. as an address). Employers issues that inhibit the ability of won’t touch you.” Racism also affects many living with people living with poverty to fully poverty. Racist beliefs, attitudes, participate in society. Focus Group participant and behaviours violate fundamental

In 2011, the average cost to keep an individual incarcerated in a federal institution was $130,305/yr and in provincial institutions was $62,415/yr.

End Poverty in a Generation 29 PRIORITIES Reasons for non-voting 6. Eliminate racism 7. Decriminalize poverty in Alberta are indifference Racism is a set of beliefs, attitudes The justice system can work against towards politics, lack of and behaviors that assert one race the poor as they are often trapped in time, difficulty getting is superior to another because of a perpetuating cycle. Fines for minor voter eligibility and did not their race, color or other physical violations turn into arrest warrants know where to vote. characteristics. These attitudes when there is no means of payment. Parkland Institute Study, and behaviors violate fundamental These warrants turn into jail time 2015 tenets of human rights relating to and criminal convictions that further respect, equality and dignity for dim their chances of acquiring the all. Aboriginal people, immigrants necessary resources to bring them and refugees, women, youth and out of poverty. seniors all experience discrimination Actions in workplaces, housing, services and facilities that exclude them from }} Develop policies and amend opportunities and put them at risk bylaws to provide Edmonton of poverty. Police Service, bylaw officers and Stopping racism begins by learning other peace officers with structured about the experience of people flexibility when issuing minor who have been marginalized from infractions. opportunities to improve their }} Develop alternatives to fines for wellbeing and by understanding minor infractions that warrant the historical and social roots of consequences, such as diversion their experience in Canada and programs, mediation and other in the communities. Taking steps restorative justice initiatives. to eliminate racism will remove barriers to full participation by all Edmontonians in community life.

Actions }} Appropriately resource agencies that support intercultural learning related to Aboriginal history and experiences of visible minorities, particularly for new immigrants. }} Expand human rights, anti-racism and intercultural competence training programs for providers of front-line services as well as City and government workers. }} The City of Edmonton monitors and reports on the diversity of its workforce, particularly gender balance, ethnicity, age and people with disabilities.

30 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 8. Make it easier to vote and 9. Make Edmonton participate in elections a “human rights city” It is important for all people who By ensuring human rights are upheld live in our city to have a say in how in Edmonton, we will make certain the city is governed. Providing that all citizens of every colour, easier access for those in poverty to ethnicity, sexual orientation and participate in the electoral process religious background have equal will ensure the political landscape is access to the resources and more reflective of all who live here. opportunities they need to reach their full potential and participate Actions equally within in the community. }} Develop participation toolkits Actions for organizations serving people in poverty. }} Create and promote a Day of }} Advocate to remove barriers Dignity to elevate the importance that hinder people’s ability to of human dignities. participate in the electoral process }} The City of Edmonton initiate its such as accessible, easy-to-read own statement of human rights resources, transit passes and more. and review its policies and bylaws }} Work with partners to increase to support this statement. the number of Aboriginal }} Work with other orders of candidates, women, youth and government and utility providers people with a range of ethnicities to identify regulations that mitigate including newcomers, to run for utility cut offs for people living elected positions. in poverty.

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}}Start a conversation to better understand }}Recognize the human dignity in every person the experience of people living with poverty. you meet. }}Learn about the costs and impacts of poverty }}As a parent or teacher, take your kids to Edmonton in our city. City Hall School. }}Advocate for anti-racism and intercultural }}Learn more about human rights at competence training in your workplace. albertahumanrights.ab.ca.

End Poverty in a Generation 31 “A living wage is not a Move people out of poverty welfare program. It should We know that 100,870 Edmontonians are living with low income – be based on what it costs one in eight adults and one in five children. Those who live with to live a reasonable quality low income have told us they struggle with five sources of of life. A living wage pressure on a daily basis. should allow parents to invest in the future of their Low income affects their ability PRIORITIES children. If people don’t to afford: save for retirement, they 10. Advocate for livable incomes }} Adequate housing for Edmontonians will cost society more }} Transit fares later on. Shouldn’t a living A livable income is the amount of }} Child care wage be about now and income an individual or family needs tomorrow?” }} Food, and to meet basic needs, maintain a safe, }} Medical and dental care not decent standard of living in their Mark Holmgren, covered by health care. community, and save for future needs EndPovertyEdmonton and goals. The Edmonton Social Task Force member Some of the actions required to Planning Council estimates that for relieve these pressures are beyond a family of four, both parents will the jurisdiction of the City of have to earn $17.36 per hour for Edmonton. However, as a community 35 hours a week to meet the cost we can still ease the pressure of of living in Edmonton. daily living while we work for longer- term change. Actions that relate to The majority of Edmontonians who pressures caused by low income are live in poverty are full-time workers found in this “Move People out of earning less than $15 an hour. In Poverty” section as well as the numerous consultations, those “Invest in a Poverty-Free Future” receiving government transfers and section which follows. income support spoke of the gap between what they are receiving and the actual costs of daily living.

Livable Income Guaranteed Annual Income Providing livable income enables individuals and Guaranteed Annual Income intends to ensure that all families to maintain a decent standard of living. Raising citizens have access to modest but adequate income the minimum wage to that of a living wage and the to meet basic needs.This can be done by a providing implementation of a guaranteed annual income can all citizens the same lump sum cheque every month be two tools to improve economic security of those or providing a lump sum cheque to those that meet in poverty. Providing a guaranteed annual income certain requirements. Similar terms include mincome can also assist those who may not be able to enter (minimum income), universal basic income and the workforce due to age, disabilities, criminal records, guaranteed adequate income. mental health, etc. Sources: Edmonton Social Planning Council Report Living Wage on Minimum Wage. 2015 A living wage is a community-specific hourly rate at Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives on which a household can meet its basic needs once Living Wage. 2015 government transfers have been taken into account. Citizens for Public Justice. Income Security It is calculated on the actual local costs of food, for All Canadians. 2015 rent, utilities, clothing, child care, transportation and communications. A living wage is a current and realistic picture of what it actually costs a household to maintain a modest standard of living. While it covers the basic necessities it does not account for debt payments, savings, vacations or post-secondary education.

32 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 Achieving livable incomes can Actions 13. Negotiate with other orders also be viewed from a broader of government to increase }} Free public transportation perspective of narrowing income funding for affordable and for children 12 years and under, gaps to stem the tide of growing supportive housing as well rather than the current six years income inequality. It starts with living as rental subsidy programs and under today. wage and is sustained by adequate }} Edmonton has a significant shortage workplace benefits. Beyond living Provide discounted or free of supportive housing options for wage, employers and corporations passes for agencies to provide people with mental illness, addictions can also explore asset-building tools to youth at risk. and disabilities. A disproportionate such as matched savings, education }} Institute a low-income bus pass number of homeless people have and training grants, home ownership with a 60 per cent discount, these challenges. Providing people incentives and profit-sharing. consistent with the AISH with supportive housing will cost (Assured Income for the Severely less than half of what it costs to Actions Handicapped) pass, based on the leave homeless people on the street. }} same criteria as the City’s existing Implement a living wage policy A report from Homeward Trust Leisure Access Program. for all City of Edmonton staff and notes that a homeless person costs contracted services. 12. Improve and expand taxpayers $100,000 a year in terms }} Implement a recognition program transit services of emergency shelters, programming for businesses that provide living and health care. Providing a wages for workers. Connecting the city with its homeless person with housing and neighbouring municipalities }} Advocate for a guaranteed annual support costs only $35,000 a year. strengthens its role as a northern income that allows individuals and regional hub through an expanded Rent subsidies are the quickest form families to meet their physical, transit system. It helps Edmontonians of affordable housing to implement, emotional and social needs. who work outside city limits, to get and they support inclusive and }} Encourage employers to provide to their workplaces and Aboriginal diverse neighbourhoods throughout employee benefits and incentives people to find opportunities in the the city. Rent subsidies directly that support sustained employment city without having to move from address the problem of limited such as child care and supplemental reserves if they don’t wish to. An income for those who are not earning health and dental care. improved and expanded transit enough to cover the cost of living. system incorporates active modes They also contribute to reducing the 11. Make transit reliable, of transportation such as biking geographic concentration of poverty accessible and affordable and walking in a cycle-friendly and as people have more housing for Edmontonians walkable environment. locations. Public transportation is a critical Actions service for citizens to get to and Actions from work, to shop for basic needs, }} Introduce easy-to-purchase }} Ensure sufficient land and suitable to attend to health needs, and “smart cards” which can be sites for supportive and affordable participate in community life. used to pay for transit trips. housing, including designating Accessible and affordable transit some of the surplus school sites }} In partnership with other regional will make it easier for Edmontonians and reserving land in all new and industry stakeholders, expand to get to work, school, recreation, neighborhoods for this purpose. transit service to nearby worksites. and support services. }} Advocate for new and expanded }} In partnership with other regional, current subsidy programs, such Families living in poverty often governmental and First Nation as a financial program to cover depend on public transit. For a family stakeholders, consider expanding damage deposits for low-income of two adults and two school-age transit service to nearby First renters. children, the cost of monthly adult Nations reserves. and youth transit passes is $316. For }} Explore new and innovative ways }} Make transit routes, scheduling a family outing of two adults and two to build non-market housing that and frequency more responsive school-age children, the return trip does not require subsidies. to shift work hours. cash fare is $25.60. These are high }} Engage citizens and communities }} Expand LRT network across all costs for a low-income family. in awareness and education about parts of the city. non-market housing.

End Poverty in a Generation 33 15. Improve skills training to literacy skills. The business sector will “Where you conduct help people gain sustainable be a valuable partner to extend the business, you have a duty employment reach of literacy, particularly in the area of financial literacy. to serve the city that you Job-readiness for those unemployed are living in, the community and underemployed is a priority to Actions find work and stay in them. It is well you are living in.” }} known that among underemployed Work with Edmonton Public Library Edmonton entrepreneur workers in the city, internationally and other organizations, including trained professionals are those that schools and places of worship, to are most impacted. They end up establish multi-purpose community centres where learners are able 14. Develop a community-based in low-paying jobs because of the to get help in navigating systems, learning project to look at length and stringent requirements access community learning housing and zoning innovations of getting professional accreditation. The City of Edmonton and businesses programs, increase literacy skills Housing should not just be affordable can lead by example in creating and thereby open more doors to but also responsive to changing opportunities for newcomers to higher-income employment. needs of the population. Different find suitable employment. }} Advocate for increased provincial types of housing are appropriate investment in literacy development for larger families, single individuals, Actions programs for families and adults older adults and people with }} Increase the number of paid struggling with literacy. disabilities. Diverse housing design internships within City departments options should be explored with for qualified newcomer residents 17. Reduce barriers to getting the possibility of adapting some seeking to build their Canadian information and accessing options to a larger scale if they work experience. City programs and services prove to be feasible. }} Advocate for increased access to Limited knowledge about City of Actions bridging programs that support Edmonton services and programs }} Examine creative housing design internationally trained professionals remains a significant barrier to using options done in other places such to enter regulated professions. them, especially for those who have as tiny houses, pod apartments, }} Advocate for targeted employment limited literacy or English language lodge-type facilities, green housing support strategies for those who skills. Many Edmontonians have options, and temporary modular face labour market barriers difficulty applying for subsidized housing. through a tripartite partnership programs because the programs }} Look into changing zoning with businesses, agencies and are each administered separately regulations that can meet the Province. and the application process is innovative housing design cumbersome and tedious. These requirements such as building 16. Improve literacy are barriers to participation in City height, stairways, and programs, initiatives, events and Research consistently shows that community engagement processes. emergency exits. people with lower levels of literacy }} Design housing units that also need hospitals and financial Actions support community-building assistance programs more than }} Create a one-access card that through features such as co- people with higher literacy levels. can be used for all City programs location of child care facilities, People with low literacy skills are and services. social services, and recreation also more likely to have a low }} activities. income, and more likely to Make it easier for people to apply for subsidized programs using a }} Actively promote mixed housing spend time in jail. single entry process. to ensure that our neighborhoods Further, employers now seek }} Explore multiple forms of are socio-economically diverse workers with a sophisticated communicating City programs and and inclusive. set of skills that include decision- services to diverse Edmontonians. making, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, information technology, }} Design new ways of engaging communicating effectively and people living in poverty and those a desire to learn. Fewer jobs are with barriers to participation in available to people with low City consultation and engagement processes.

34 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 “Education and Knowledge and learning are keys that unlock the doors to both economic wealth and social well- literacy are the being….Basic educational success and literacy most important proficiency are not just a good thing – they are essential in a knowledge economy.”

springboards Caledon Institute of Social Policy1 out of poverty…

End Poverty in a Generation 35 18. Help people navigate systems 19. Improve timely access to mental respond to this issue. Partnerships in order to access resources health and wellness services and with other levels of government and opportunities addictions supports are needed to provide sustainable resources and supports. The Families First Edmonton study11 The area of mental health remains showed that low-income families who one where the need for services Actions had a worker to help them navigate far outpaces the supply of available }} the complex web of programs and services, especially “talk services.” Advocate for improved ways of services have better opportunities Access to mental health care is providing mental health services for improving their life situations. restricted by the high cost of private such as extending hours of service mental health services which makes and the locations of services, and This finding was echoed in a series it rarely accessible to low-income permitting multiple points of of engagement sessions with over individuals and families. Low-income access, etc. 200 people living in poverty. In persons need more access to }} Advocate for increased funding community discussions, participants prevention-oriented mental health and support for mental health living in poverty said that having services that take into account the and wellness education programs. access to support workers was a challenges of poverty while promoting significant factor in helping them }} Advocate for increased a range of healthy lifestyle behaviours, have a better chance of moving coordination and integration of better coping skills, and good out of poverty. These workers stayed children’s mental health services. interpersonal and relationship skills. with them for a lengthy period of }} Advocate for increased addiction time as the family moved in and out Addiction is an integral part of the services that include holistic case of crisis, doing their best to find ways conversation about mental health. management such as access to to access resources from the system. Research suggests that there is a timely and appropriate treatment, strong correlation between addiction, supportive housing and support Actions particularly drug and alcohol use, and for families with substance abuse }} Strengthen current community- poverty. Those who are unemployed issues. based local navigation and and chronically homeless tend to have }} Increased support for municipal supports initiatives. a higher rate of substance abuse, actions on mental health and }} Bring agencies, and government have more difficulties breaking the addiction such as the City of funders and departments together cycle and often face stigma and Edmonton Urban Isolation/ to design a social innovation discrimination that limit their ability Mental Health Council Initiative. initiative to show effectiveness to fully participate in our community. of navigation support practice Moreover, the impacts of alcohol and across sectors – health, social drug abuse are felt most at the local services, employment and legal/ level and municipalities can best justice system.

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}}Support businesses that pay a living wage }}As a business person, be a mentor and share your and encourage businesses to pay a living wage. business expertise with organizations that find new You can learn more about Edmonton’s living wage solutions to poverty. edmontonsocialplanning.ca. at }} Volunteer with an organization to teach literacy skills. }} Be an advocate for inclusive housing and mixed }} Speak out to reduce the stigma around mental health. income communities. }}As an employer, create healthy workplaces and encourage employees to build their skills.

36 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 Invest in our poverty-free future

Ending poverty in Edmonton in a generation calls for fresh new “A better society means approaches. The priorities in this section speak to new ideas and better business. A better ways of working. They will help transform our economy for the society means a better long term and ensure our children have a strong start. government and better place to live for everyone.” Actions to invest in a thriving, Ending poverty is also intimately innovative local economy will support linked to investing in quality child care Edmonton entrepreneur greater prosperity and security for and early learning – investment that all Edmontonians. Social enterprise, will deeply impact the success and grassroots entrepreneurship and new quality of life of our next generation. business models and partnerships We know education is a tool to move offer opportunities to transform our people – and keep people – out local economy. Investing both human of poverty. Supports to provide a and financial capital in sustainable nurturing learning environment from new approaches will have a positive the earliest ages will offer a solid impact on people’s lives. start and ensure our children get to school, stay in school and complete their education.

PRIORITIES 20. Grow social enterprises to to resources to start a small build sustainable livelihood business. Through its strong and assets corporate social responsibility approach, our diverse Edmonton Social enterprises or social business business sector can provide models are an emerging approach innovative leadership to help build adopted by corporations around the the entrepreneurial capacity of low- world to practice social responsibility income, talented individuals. beyond philanthropy. According to the Harvard Business Review in Actions March 2015, a social enterprise has }} three characteristics: Collaborate with the City’s Emerging Economy and Ignite 1. It seeks to alleviate social Edmonton initiatives to ensure problems, including all forms that inclusive language and access of poverty; points are used to reduce barriers 2. It must be run sustainably – to entrepreneurship. not lose money; and }} Invest in funding and programs to 3. Profits are reinvested in the build the entrepreneurship capacity business rather than shareholders. of low-income Edmontonians. In Edmonton, the full development of }} Apply lessons learned about social enterprises is confronted with business models that feature many challenges: complicated and market-based solutions to poverty costly requirements to start-up a new and reinvestment of profit in the business and limited funding through business. income-generating loans. More often, }} Collaborate with the business funds and resources are directed sector to open opportunities to students with entrepreneurial for social enterprise support interests, or technologically inclined including business partnerships, and highly skilled individuals. As such, small business loans and business there are few opportunities for low- mentoring programs. income individuals to have access

End Poverty in a Generation 37 21. Invest in food security-oriented 22. Partner with business, industry, How has poverty enterprises aimed at increasing community organizations and other stakeholders to create impacted you? food access and gainful employment a community development “The food bank is where corporation Many families living in poverty struggle people would go when to get adequate and healthy food. In Edmonton’s low-income they don’t have food, and a recent survey across the province, neighbourhoods struggle to find a long time ago, I went almost two-thirds of school principals or organize the human, financial or there because my dad was surveyed say teachers are providing technical resources needed to tackle in our home country and “emergency food” to hungry poverty. These neighbourhoods often no one in our family was students in Alberta classrooms. have absentee and/or unresponsive landlords, high-priced convenience allowed to work.” More than accessing food, the idea stores and pay day loan and cheque- of a food systems enterprise creates Child Focus Group cashing services that add more opportunities for employment and participant expenses to the already limited income livelihood. Food systems enterprises of families. Residents often face a lack are comprehensive businesses that of living wage jobs, few affordable include community-supported food housing options, and a shortage of production, food-processing, food basic services such as grocery stores distribution and marketing (support and banks. As well, there are very few for farmers markets) and farmer-to- services that provide job training and table restaurants. These initiatives access to living wage jobs. can help all people eat healthily. This grassroots initiative can be A strategy is needed that allows low- considered as a “niche of innovation” income communities to participate that combines alleviating a basic in finding solutions and taking need while advancing activities that actions on the challenges that they have the potential for transforming face every day. It means mobilizing social and economic situations of the right people and resources to people. provide the tools required to enable communities to thrive locally and be Actions part of Edmonton’s prosperity. }} Advocate for lunch programs Actions in all schools. }} Establish a community }} Work with the Edmonton Food development corporation (CDC) Council and other partners to: that can provide the infrastructure -- support community gardens and sophistication needed to to expand their expertise into engage the community to take food-processing ventures; on these challenges by: -- make more land available for -- supporting the creation of community gardens and/or affordable and supportive housing; connect Edmontonians that -- offering job training/placement, have available land to those investing in appropriate interested in growing food for community based business food systems enterprises; development; and -- organize business-community -- creating new community-owned partnerships to start-up food businesses. systems enterprises; and -- offer community education The CDCs will be engines of programs on all aspects of food development and economic security (food production, food opportunity that require significant processing, distribution and start-up capital and the focused healthy eating). deployment of equity, debt, and grant funding. Although municipalities often play a pivotal role in starting CDCs, these organizations most commonly operate at arm’s length from city government. 38 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 Photo provided by Bissell Centre

“The period from birth to the beginning of formal schooling provides the foundations for a lifetime of intellectual, social, emotional and personal development. High-quality early learning and care – in centres, day homes or with families or kin – contributes greatly to early development and incorporates ample opportunities for children to learn the skills they need to succeed.” Early Childhood Development Working Group

End Poverty in a Generation 39 23. Plan and implement a system 24. Reduce barriers for children 25. Advocate to the provincial of early learning and care and families to access services, government for the including out-of-school care implementation of culturally In Alberta, no single ministry and and respite care sensitive curricula and for no order of government has the standards that require well- clear mandate to provide for the In Edmonton, and much of Alberta, educated staff in all early overall welfare of young children. care for children prior to school learning and care centres An integrated system of learning entry is fragmented and insufficient. and care is critically needed, Supports for stay-at-home parents, Appropriate curricula are essential especially for families in poverty including respite care, are much for ensuring high-quality early or at risk of falling into it. Plus, an in demand but difficult to find. learning and care and for helping integrated system of support for Centres typically are not available all children and their families to early learning and care is one that in low-income areas where the feel welcomed and valued. The helps every child build the core need is particularly high. Costs province needs to have a long-term competencies needed to thrive. are prohibitive and subsidies are educational strategy and regulations insufficient for many low-income to ensure that well-trained and well- A comprehensive system should families. paid early childhood educators are in include centre-based care, day place to make the best use of these homes, respite care, kinship care, A research project known as curricula. The provincial government and other forms of care for young Families First Edmonton identified and the municipality need to work children, as well as supports for stay- the frustrations that many low- together to generate the fiscal and at-home parents and for the people income parents experience in finding regulatory resources required for outside children’s homes who work accessible, affordable and quality high-quality early learning and care. with young children. This system child care. must ensure early learning and care Actions Actions that is high in quality, universally }} Advocate to the Province to available, inclusive, accessible to all }} The City and other partners work develop a culturally sensitive families, and either free or affordable. together to coordinate welcoming curricula and standards for all Early learning and care must also and effective services for children early learning and care centres. be designed to meet the needs and their families who are living of Edmonton’s Aboriginal families, with poverty. }} Advocate to the Province to develop a workforce strategy immigrant and refugee families, }} Advocate for sustainable, for implementing the culturally and families with children who have predictable and adequate funding sensitive curricula, incorporating special needs. for early learning and kindergarten, the demand for high quality early and programs that help children Actions learning and care. living with poverty. }} The City works with the provincial }} Advocate with the Province to }} Advocate to the provincial government and other partners to generate the fiscal and regulatory government to cover school fees identify the unmet needs for high- resources to implement and for field trips, school supplies and quality early learning and care to sustain implementation of the early other learning enrichment activities serve young children and families, learning and care system in the city. from elementary to high school. with special regard to Aboriginal families, newcomer families, and }} Create neighbourhoods hubs children with disabilities. where educational, social and Poverty is… health services can be co-located, }} The City and its partners develop particularly in underserved areas. “They’re homeless and and implement a plan to address hungry. All the food those needs and to coordinate and improve services, such as we waste would mean through a municipal early learning something to them, care service network and a and love would be very municipal early learning and powerful to them.” care advisory board. Child participant in a focus group5

40 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 26. Advocate to the provincial Actions A person-centered and holistic government for sustainable, approach to health and wellness takes }} Review initiatives of school-based predictable and adequate into account the complex needs of wrap-around models in Alberta funding for a school-based low-income individuals and families. and Edmonton. “wrap-around” services It is responsive to the individual as }} Design a school-based wrap- a whole person – his/her needs and School-based “wrap-around” models around program within an capacities to take control of his/her provide a wide range of supports, Edmonton context. care well-being. programs and services for students }} Collaborate with the school to meet the educational needs of boards and community partners Actions the learner, the complex needs of in advocating for funding and }} the whole child and the broader Expand and increase funding for resources to implement the supports required by the family. This programs that have been effective school-based wrap-around model. may include nutrition programming, in providing person-centred care to low-income people. therapy, mental health and addiction 27. Keep the individual at the }} support, after-school enrichment, centre in providing care, Make it easier to coordinate child care and parent supports. It is services and supports services for vulnerable populations a successful model implemented in with complex issues that includes the US, UK, Australia, Netherlands Many service providers are youth at risk, women experiencing and other countries for vulnerable overwhelmed or underfunded violence, isolated seniors and low populations. Successes of wrap- and as a result are often slower income people with disability. in responding or their supports around full-service schools include }} Explore ways to make services are inadequate in scope. As a academic gains, improvement in accessible and easy to navigate consequence, many low-income school attendance, reduction in such as decentralizing services people report waiting too long for high-risk behaviours, increased parent and co-location of services. involvement, lower incidence of counselling, family violence shelter }} Collaborate with Aboriginal and child abuse and neglect, and lower space, and basic and/or specialized newcomer/refugee communities rates of violence in the participating medical care. The lack of sufficiently in making programs and services communities. It should be made co-ordinated and collaborative efforts culturally responsive. available to children K-12. between community agencies results in a fragmented system of care. }} Include anti-racism and intercultural competence education in training and professional development of all those providers.

COUNT ME IN!

HOW YOU CAN HAVE AN IMPACT

} }As an entrepreneur or business person, get }}Participate in a workshop that helps you relate involved in mentoring community groups to create and work effectively with people from diverse social enterprises that alleviate poverty, pay for backgrounds. themselves and allow for reinvestment in the }}Advocate for early learning and care and school- business or community. based wrap-around services. }}Learn about food security issues and initiatives in Edmonton. Check out endpovertyedmonton.ca for other ideas. }}Donate healthy and nutritious foods or help with a community garden. }}Volunteer for an early childhood learning or care organization.

End Poverty in a Generation 41 Change the conversation: Build a movement to end poverty

Ending poverty in Edmonton is not something that the Task Force – “Education is the key in or any group – can do alone. To be successful, an ambition like this eliminating poverty. Only must involve the whole community and generate a sense of civic if people understand imperative and pride in the collective aspiration. something can they act for change! A movement is not a plan or a the conversation from managing campaign – it’s something that poverty to ending it poverty with “Let us talk to them, let emerges from the community and three objectives: us tell them our stories… takes on a life of its own. It is an 1. Enable Edmontonians to re-frame voice our concerns to idea that a community champions in how they see and respond to leaders and politicians.” big and small ways because it cares poverty; and desires change. The movement Focus Group participant 2. Mobilize Edmontonians to be part creates spaces in neighborhoods of or take actions on solutions; and where everyone can be part of the conversation. It will build groups and 3. Engage other Edmontonians to Actions communities that are empowered, join the EndPovertyEdmonton resilient and able to take actions to movement. }}Build on and strengthen local end poverty locally and within the EndPovertyEdmonton must start creative initiatives that maximize greater Edmonton community. with people impacted by poverty opportunities to re-frame the poverty dialogue using diverse Already more than 200 people are and to whom solutions to end tools and media i.e. storytelling, involved in the EndPovertyEdmonton poverty will matter the most. The poetry and music, indigenous art, Task Force, Roundtables and Working movement creates space and ways theatre, music and dance. Groups. Many more are poised to be that make it easy for people living part of the ground-level engagement with poverty to be part of the }} Organize community conversations in the fall of 2015. Still more will be conversation. From their voices, on resilience and strengths, part of a broad-based movement as Edmontonians can understand that discrimination and racism. the EndPovertyEdmonton strategy each one of us has a role to play in }} Integrate education about poverty and plan are completed. eliminating poverty and that this is into all levels of the education within our grasp. curriculum from grade one to We will work with others to build a university. movement that will capture the hearts and minds of all Edmontonians. To do PRIORITY }} Build a new language around this, we need to equalize opportunity poverty to remove fear and stigma. 28. Launch a collaborative broad- for people to reach their full potential based community engagement by harnessing necessary human and education initiative to capital and financial resources. The change people’s attitudes goal of the movement is to change about poverty

COUNT ME IN!

HOW YOU CAN HAVE AN IMPACT

}}Challenge your own perceptions of poverty }} Develop empathy. Volunteer in organizations that by participating in the United Way’s poverty serve the homeless and those struggling with poverty. simulation exercise. Please check dates at }}Use your creative skills in art, video, music or myunitedway.ca/poverty-simulation. writing, to foster new understanding of poverty and prosperity.

42 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 Photo provided by Bissell Centre

“As we intentionally hear and gather the lived experience of those who live in poverty, I learn more about the importance of the deep and committed engagement of those living in poverty in a genuine process of citizen participation, a continued process of learning from them and involving them in decision-making.”

Yvonne Chiu, EndPovertyEdmonton Task Force member

End Poverty in a Generation 43 How the priorities can help our four families

LING available support and resources for KIM his disability so he is not forced to Ling is a single mother who had to Kim is the single mother of a teenage re-enter the workforce before he send her daughter back to China. An son and pre-teen daughter, living is ready and able to do so. improved and more accessible and with her father in a small two- affordable transit system (#11, #12) Affordable transit services (#11) as bedroom home. would make things much easier for well as a one-access card (#17) would Improving transit and making it Ling from getting to and from work, allow Julie and Nick to take their more accessible and affordable to getting groceries and to other children to different city activities and (#11, #12) would make it easier for appointments (e.g., for her lawsuit). facilities. This could restore a degree Kim and her family to get to medical of childhood joy in the children’s A living wage policy as well as appointments and to school. lives, something that was so abruptly employment programs (#10, #15) taken from them since their father’s In addition, having more affordable could help Ling so that she no longer workplace injury and disability. housing options (#13, #14) would has to work two jobs and can instead allow the family to improve its living gain a sustainable full-time job that conditions. would allow time for rest and other CLAY activities. Clay is an Aboriginal single father Due to Kim’s mental health issues of two school-age children. and Brandon’s bipolar disorder and With a living wage, more secured violent behaviours, the family is in income (through more secured Skills training programs (#15) and desperate need of timely mental employment and child support access to affordable, flexible, and health and wellness services (#19). payments), as well as access to an reliable system of early learning and These services would help improve integrated system of early care care (#23, #24) could greatly benefit Kim’s health condition, and may one (#23, #24), Ling would be able to both Clay and his children. Clay may day help her return to the workforce. bring her daughter home and plan be able to keep his job and therefore for their future together. sustain, or even improve, his family’s In addition to mental health services, income level, and his children’s Brandon may also benefit from JULIE AND NICK development would be better having school-based wrap-around supported. services (#26) that could help him Julie and Nick have three young return to and stay in school, and help Access to mental health and wellness children. Because of an injury, Kim and himself manage his bipolar services that are individual-centred Nick cannot work. disorder and violent behaviours. and trauma-informed (#19, #27) may High-quality early learning and help the family cope with the abuse The family would also benefit from school-based services (#23, #24, that Clay’s daughter endured and having someone help navigate #26) could help Julie and Nick’s ensure the family gets the necessary different systems in order to access children prepare themselves for a supports going forward. needed services (#18). Together the better future as the family struggles services could greatly improve the An Aboriginal culture and wellness with the challenges of poverty and outlook for Brandon’s future and the centre (#1) would be another disability. quality of life for the entire family. valuable resource for the hard- Having someone to guide Julie and working single father as he strives Nick through various government to work on the family’s issues and and community programs (#18) provide the best that he can for would help Nick access and receive his children.

44 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 SIX GAME CHANGERS

Research indicates 1. ELIMINATE RACISM that there are six key areas of actions 2. LIVABLE INCOMES that will make a 3. AFFORDABLE HOUSING significant difference to individuals and 4. ACCESSIBLE & families struggling AFFORDABLE TRANSIT with poverty: 5. AFFORDABLE & QUALITY CHILD CARE 6. ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES & ADDICTIONS SUPPORTS

THESE ARE CRITICAL PLACES TO START AND ALONG WITH OTHER LONG-TERM ACTIONS WILL END POVERTY.

End Poverty in a Generation 45 Photo provided by Bissell Centre

“It will take a Taking these steps will mean real progress in one of the boldest collective approaches community working we’ve ever seen; moving beyond managing together to solve the symptoms of poverty and delivering the many complex solutions that move us closer to ending it.” issues connected Anne Smith, EndPovertyEdmonton Task Force member to poverty.

46 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 KICKSTARTING A MOVEMENT: NEXT STEPS TO IMPLEMENT CHANGE

This Strategy is just the beginning. It is the culmination of months of work and helps to define what we need to do.

The fall of 2015 saw over 1,700 The Roadmap for implementation Edmontonians engaged in face- will outline: to-face conversations and over }} Goals and objectives of the 1,180 provided feedback via our plan (What will be achieved on line survey. After the public in ten years?) engagement activities and further }} Phasing of priority actions review of these priorities, an updated (How will actions be phased EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy will within a ten-year timeline?) be submitted to City Council in December 2015. }} Governance structure (Who is responsible for the leadership COMPLETE A ROADMAP and stewardship of implementing FOR IMPLEMENTATION the plan) }} Accountability (Who is responsible How we take on this work will for which actions?) be the focus of a comprehensive } Roadmap for implementation that } Resources (What is needed will spell out the steps needed to and where will it come from?) carry out the priorities, as well as }} Measuring progress and success the specific measures of progress. (What are the outcomes and how The EndPovertyEdmonton Task will we know we have achieved Force will provide oversight of the our goals and objectives?) implementation planning process, }} This ten-year road map will guided by the experience of people be presented for approval living in poverty and informed by to Edmonton City Council policy, research and practice. in Spring 2016. This ten-year plan will be presented to Edmonton City Council for their approval in Spring 2016.

End Poverty in a Generation 47 MEASURING SUCCESS EndPovertyEdmonton will adopt }} Non-economic measures capture a suite of poverty measures that the social and cultural aspects of capture the economic and social poverty such as access to cultural impacts of poverty. It will allow us resources and experiences of to collect data which are comparable discrimination. nationally and internationally, Measuring poverty will also include but which can also measure our the use of data analytics to examine progress in poverty elimination. how different actions interact with These measures include: each other to produce a defined }} Low Income Measurment-After outcome. Tax (LIM-AT) – means that those The EndPovertyEdmonton Roadmap who have after-tax incomes 50 per for implementation will provide a cent or below the national after-tax more fully developed evaluation median income, adjusted for family framework. It will clearly describe size, are considered to be living in and explain how success will be low income. measured, and how impact will }} Market Basket Measure (MBM) – be assessed. reflects the cost of buying a specified basket of goods and services. Because we can: Cities are drivers of change

Cities are increasingly the place where work is getting done. “There is growing Enterprising cities like Edmonton are the agents of change. awareness that cities fuel the engines of national Cities also generate the conditions of programs and services to residents economies.” for families, individuals, organizations and those who come here in search and businesses to thrive by shaping of a better life. Sherri Torjman, the environment that attracts people Cities at the Centre, Ending poverty requires all of us. and investment. A city like Edmonton Together we can make a difference. Caledon Institute May 2015 is truly a magnet; a regional hub Can we count you in? which offers a strategic platform Imagine a city where… Children don’t go to school hungry, homelessness is a thing of the past and everyone has a chance to thrive and prosper!

48 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 COUNT ME IN!

HOW YOU CAN HAVE AN IMPACT

JOIN THE EndPovertyEdmonton MOVEMENT:

}}Consider how your organization, community league or sector can play a role in implementing the 28 Priorities of this Strategy. }}Share your ideas on solutions and actions to end poverty at endpovertyedmonton.ca }}Spread the word and share this Strategy with colleagues, friends and family. }}Talk with your local elected representatives about ending poverty. }}Champion the cause of ending poverty in your neighborhood.

End Poverty in a Generation 49 PRIORITIES AT A GLANCE – WHO TAKES THE LEAD?

Our 28 priorities were further sorted according to purview or responsibility: City (C) – those actions that are clearly within the City’s mandate City–Stakeholders (C-S) – those actions that involve the City with community leaders and stakeholders Movement (M) – those actions where leadership resides with different stakeholders in the community and are carried out collectively.

TOWARD TRUE RECONCILIATION C-S 1. Establish an Aboriginal culture and wellness centre C-S 2. Initiate people-first and trauma-informed policy and practice C-S 3. Implement a community witness program C-S 4. Provide opportunities where Aboriginal people in poverty can “show and grow” their talents M 5. Make systemic changes to better reflect the needs, interests and culture of Aboriginal people

JUSTICE FOR ALL M 6. Eliminate racism C 7. Decriminalize poverty C 8. Make it easier to vote and participate in elections C 9. Make Edmonton a “human rights city”

MOVE PEOPLE OUT OF POVERTY C-S 10. Advocate for livable incomes for Edmontonians C 11. Make transit reliable, accessible and affordable for Edmontonians C 12. Improve and expand transit services C-S 13. Negotiate with other orders of government to increase funding for affordable and supportive housing as well as rental subsidy programs M 14. Develop a community-based learning group to look at housing and zoning innovations C-S 15. Improve skills training to help people gain sustainable employment C-S 16. Improve literacy C 17. Reduce barriers to getting information and accessing City programs and services C-S 18. Help people navigate systems in order to access resources and opportunities C-S 19. Improve timely access to mental health and wellness services and addictions supports

50 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 INVEST IN OUR POVERTY-FREE FUTURE C-S 20. Grow social enterprises to build sustainable livelihood and assets C-S 21. Invest in food security-oriented enterprises aimed at increasing food access and gainful employment C-S 22. Partner with community organizations and other stakeholders to create a community development corporation M 23. Plan and implement a system of early learning and care C-S 24. Reduce barriers for children and families to access services, including out-of-school care and respite care C-S 25. Advocate to the provincial government for the implementation of culturally sensitive curricula and for standards that require well-educated staff in all early learning and care centres C-S 26. Advocate to the provincial government for sustainable, predictable and adequate funding for school-based wrap-around services M 27. Keep the individual at the centre in providing care, services and supports

CHANGE THE CONVERSATION: BUILD A MOVEMENT TO END POVERTY M 28. Launch a collaborative broad-based community engagement and education initiative to change people’s attitudes about poverty

End Poverty in a Generation 51 THANK YOU

Thank you for taking the time to read this Strategy. It’s important “Sometimes it falls upon for everyone to understand the issues and see some clear a generation to be great. strategies to end poverty in one generation. You can be that great generation.” We also appreciate the contributions of the many people living with poverty who told us their stories and answered many questions. We learned a lot and Nelson Mandela know that we have so much more to learn and do together as we tackle this complex issue. We thank the over 200 people who took part in seven Working Groups and two Round Tables with extraordinary commitment and passion. Working Groups included Aboriginal people and newcomers, young and old, people who work with those living with poverty, business leaders, faith communities, doctors, academics, lawyers, educators, Government of Alberta representatives and others. Finally, we are pleased to recognize the valuable insight provided in the fall of 2015 by over 1,700 Edmontonians who attended in-person engagement sessions. In addition, over 1,180 participants took part in on our on- line survey. Their input has helped strengthen this Strategy and their advice will inform our next steps in implementation.

Achieving this bold vision will take a generation. Join us in the movement to end poverty in Edmonton!

52 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 EndPovertyEdmonton

TASK FORCE ABORIGINAL CONSULTANTS Mayor Don Iveson (Co-Chair) ROUND TABLE Andrea Beca Rt. Rev. Jane Alexander (Co-Chair) Dr. Daniel McKennitt (Chair) Daniel Buckles Councillor Ben Henderson (Elder) Gilman Cardinal (former Co-Chair) Jacques Chevalier Councillor Amarjeet Sohi Brenda St. Germain (former Co-Chair) Diva Communications Inc. Justin Archer Lisa Weber (former Co-Chair) Sue Heuman Jeffrey Bisanz Rosey Dodman Lift Interactive Fiona Cavanagh Patti LaBoucane-Benson Catrin Owen Kate Chisholm Larissa Kreider Production World Yvonne Chiu Ruby Littlechild Adam Rozenhart Joseph Doucet Elizabeth Potskin Corinne Saad Sarah Eadie Lise Robinson Katie Soles Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti Susan Sinclair Mark Holmgren Rachelle Venne COMMUNICATIONS Sandra Huculak Cheryl Whiskeyjack ADVISORY GROUP Eugene Ip Lisa Wolfe Gord Johnston Gord Stewart (COE Staff Liaison) Justin Archer (Co-Chair) Tanis Liebrich Sandra Huculak (Co-Chair) Alex Abboud Tiffany Linke-Boyko INFORMATION Maria Mayan Kris Andreychuk Dr. Daniel McKennitt AND RESEARCH Lisa Baroldi Carman McNary ROUND TABLE Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti Janice Melnychuk Fiona Cavanagh (Chair) Mark Holmgren Anne Smith Mark Anielski Mike Kluttig Zahra Somani Pieter de Vos Mack Male Brenda St. Germain Peter Faid Zahra Somani John Thomson John Kolkman Jolene Volpe Katie MacDonald Lisa Weber Allan Undheim Jolene Volpe PROJECT TEAM Deanna Williamson Ward Antoniuk Kris Andreychuk (COE Staff Liaison) Shirley Birtch Dallas Dyson CITY OF EDMONTON Kate Gunn ADVISORS Joshua Manego Lucenia Ortiz Lyall Brenneis Mike Chow Bin Lau Mark Torjusen Walter Trocenko Patricia Waismann

End Poverty in a Generation 53 WORKING GROUP MEMBERS

COMMUNITY Gloria Nordin Ilene Fleming WELL BEING Bev Parks Linda Garvin Tracy Patience Jonna Grad Maria Mayan (Co-Chair) Mary Stewart Patricia Grell Robin Mazumder (Co-Chair) Karen Lee (COE Staff Liaison) Eugene Ip Councillor Ben Henderson Eugenia Kowalczyk Dr. Rob Agostinis ECONOMIC SECURITY Annette Malin Sofiat Akinola Susanna Makale Michael Barton Joseph Doucet (Co-Chair) Eileen Marthiensen Chelsea Boos Lori Sigurdson (Co-Chair) Marlene Mulder Amy Dixon Councillor Michael Walters Cindy Olsen Jan Fox John Acheson Liz O’Neill Rajvir Gill Peter A. Carter Nancy Petersen Aretha Greatrix Kate Chisholm Josephine Pon Susan Hopkins Bruce Fafard Rod Rode Liz John-West Roxanne Felix-Mah Edgar Schmidt Pilar Martinez Nick Ford Dan Scratch Carolyn McLeary Patricia Gladue Zedingle Ghebremusse Kylee Nixon Brooks Hanewich (COE Staff Liaison) Brenda Schulz Karina Hurtado Judy Sillito Bernadette Iahtail Jane Slessor Usman Tahir Jutt HEALTH AND WELLNESS Meghan Unterschultz Tiffany Linke-Boyko Dr. Laura Calhoun (Co-Chair) Meghana Valupadas Poul Mark Ashintha de Silva (Co-Chair) Maigan van der Giessen Jane McDade Marilyn Bergstra Lynn Wade Susan Morrissey Deb Cautley Cheryl Whiskeyjack Amaka Ofume Ione Challborn Ben Weinlick Angela Ostafichuk Dave Colburn Tricia Boonstra (COE Staff Liaison) Anne Smith Jean Dalton Katie Walker (COE Staff Liaison) Alysha Visram Kathryn Dong Mike Vivian Sarah Eadie EARLY CHILDHOOD Ryan Young Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti DEVELOPMENT Cheryl Gagnier (COE Staff Liaison) Brandon A. Gladeau Annette Lemire Gloria Chalmers (Co-Chair) EDUCATION David Miller Jeff Bisanz (Co-Chair) Kaley Pederson Councillor Bev Esslinger Janice Melnychuk (Co-Chair) Toby Rabinovitz Karen Bardy Larry Kowalczyk (Co-Chair) Dr. Chris Sikora Marilyn Bergstra Councilor Bev Esslinger Jane Springett Barbara Dacks Sherry Adams Marliss Taylor Eeshani de Silva Marilyn Bergstra Troy Taylor Louise Forest Rosalie Cardinal Avery Miller Vas Lauri Gilchrist Don Carmichael Jolene Volpe Elaine Jones Joan Carr Shelley Williams Jaspreet Khangura Michelle Draper Lianna Chondo (COE Staff Liaison)

54 EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy – December 2015 HOUSING AND Bruno Mercier Mark Cherrington TRANSPORTATION Henry Motta Kate Chisholm Marlene Mulder Dave Colburn Mark Holmgren (Co-Chair) Barry Murphy Pieter de Vos Renée Vaugeois (Co-Chair) Laura Murphy Kanchana Fernando Councillor Ben Henderson Ian O’Donnell Sheila Greckol Gordon Agopsowicz Giri Puligandla Cherene Griffiths Ward Antoniuk Cody Spencer Tony Harder Joelle Badman Brenda St. Germain John Henderson Cristina Basualdo Deidre St. Luke Pam Kaur Michael Brown Shannon Stilet Allan Lefever Karen Bruno Jason Storey Carman McNary Suzanna Brytan Stuart Tate Natasha Nicholson Stephen Carrattini Walter Trocenko Patricia Paradis Mark Cherrington Rachelle Venne Robert Philp Julian Daly Patricia Waisman Suzanne Polkosnik Dicky Dikamba Stephanie White Giselle Rosario Jay Freeman Merle White Micki Ruth Martin Garber-Conrad Joelle Badman (COE Staff Liaison) Lori Shortreed Karen Good Toni Sinclair Nicholas Hermansen David Veitch Todd Herron JUSTICE AND DEMOCRATIC Muriel Stanley Venne Karina Hurtado Lisa Weber Larisa Kreider PARTICIPATION Ben Weinlick Bradley LaFortune Sarah Eadie (Co-Chair) Lisa Wolfe Esther Leung Stephanie Laskoski (Co-Chair) Kaylin Betteridge (COE Staff Liaison) Mack Male Neena Ahluwalia Maureen Matthews Catherine Bell AND... Susan McGee Fiona Cavanagh Bob McKeon ALL EDMONTONIANS

John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, Youth Action Project on Poverty

End Poverty in a Generation 55 REFERENCES

REPORTS A Profile of Poverty in Edmonton, Edmonton Social Planning Council, January 2015. Benchmark Survey on Edmontonians’ Awareness and Attitudes toward Poverty, Leger Marketing, April 2015. Boyle Street Community Services Focus Group, 2015. Boys and Girls Big Brothers Big Sisters Focus Group, 2015. Preliminary Strategic Framework for the Elimination of Poverty, 2013. Edmonton Poverty Elimination Steering Committee. Early Childhood Development Working Group Report, March 2015. EndPovertyEdmonton Working Papers, March 2015. Less Exclusion, More Engagement: Addressing Declining Voter Turn-out in Alberta by Trevor Harrison and Harvey Krahn for Parkland Institute. April 2014. Starting with Families First: Using Real Stories of Families Living in Poverty to Optimize the Draft Recommendations of the Mayor’s Task Force for the Elimination of Poverty in Edmonton, Laura Templeton and Sanchia Lo, Community-University Partnership for the Study of Children, Youth, and Families, May 2015. Statistics Canada, 2011, 2014. What We Heard: Engaging Edmontonians to Thrive and Prosper, January 2013. Edmonton Poverty Elimination Steering Committee. Youth Action Project, John Humphreys Centre, February 2015.

ENDNOTES 1 A Profile of Poverty in Edmonton, Edmonton Social Planning Council, January 2015. 2 Statistics Canada (2014), Table F-18 Family Data – after tax low income, Custom Tabulations re City of Edmonton, referenced in A Profile of Poverty in Edmonton. 3 Statistics Canada (2014), Table 282-0112, Labour Force Survey Estimates. 4 Statistics Canada (2014), Table 204-0002, High income trends of tax filers in Canada, provinces, territories and census metropolitan areas. 5 Starting with Families First, Templeton and Lo, 2015. 6 Vibrant Communities Calgary & Action to End Poverty in Alberta. (2012) Poverty Costs: An Economic Case for a Preventative Poverty Reduction Strategy in Alberta. 7 Ibid. 8 Benchmark Survey on Edmontonians’ Awareness and Attitudes toward Poverty, Leger, 2015. 9 Statistics Canada (2011), National Household Survey. 10 Statistics Canada (2011), National Household Survey. 11 Starting with Families First, Templeton and Lo, 2015.

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