Edmonton Social Planning Council

The beginning of April marks the start of Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month.

In a blog post from staff member Susanne Urbina, she reflects on the devastating effects genocide has had around the world and Canada’s own role and complicity when it comes to the Indigenous peoples of this land.

Read more:

Blog: Recognizing the Past, Preventing the Future: April 1st is Genocide Remembrance Day | Edmonton Social Planning Council Blog: Recognizing the Past, Preventing the Future: April 1st is Genocide Remembrance Day by Susanne Urbina | April 1, 2025 | Blog: Racism, ESPC Announcements ‹ Previous PostCommunity Matters (March 2025) — Seniors, Aging, and Older Adults Recommended Posts: Day of Mourning: The Impact of Workpla...

Our latest edition of our newsletter Community Matters is now available!

The goal of Community Matters is to keep our community informed about the issues that impact those who live here. This publication provides readers with the knowledge to connect the dots between social issues, research, and policy.

For our March 2025 issue, we are focusing on the various aspects of aging, particularly the experiences of seniors and older adults. Topics include aging in an Indigenous context, seniors’ income benefits, mental health care for seniors, transit accessibility, elder abuse, intergenerational connection and learning, long-term care alternatives, and issues in continuing care.

Read more: https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/2025/03/27/community-matters-march-2025-seniors-aging-and-older-adults/

A Profile of Poverty in Edmonton seeks to answer the following questions: 

1. What does a dignified life look like in Edmonton? We aim to identify the things that give our lives meaning and are integral to well-being. This includes relationships and belonging, mental health, and sense of meaning. 

2. What does it cost to have this life? This section will dive into cost of living indicators including housing, energy, healthy and culturally relevant food, transportation, health, recreation, clothing, and personal care. 

3. What is needed to afford this life? This section will investigate indicators such as employment rates, quality of employment, incomes, and government supports, and whether or not these are sufficient to cover one’s basic needs.

 4. What supports this life? This section investigates the larger systems that can enhance or impede the ability to get a good job, afford one’s needs, and live a dignified life. This includes access to education and childcare. 

This report will illustrate the answers to these questions through 'scenarios,' including one about Maxim, to bring these numbers to life. While the individuals and families may be fictional, they reflect the real struggles faced by families in Edmonton.