We are pleased to present the Edmonton Shift Lab in partnership with Skills Society Action Lab. Addressing racism is a critical piece of the puzzle in how we reach the goal of ending poverty in a generation in Edmonton.

The diverse collective making up the Edmonton Shift Lab is building on the work of many local initiatives. They are exploring ways to develop potential service, policy, system, and community action prototypes to help reduce racism as it relates to poverty.

The focus of racism and poverty comes from the recommendations of End Poverty Edmonton. Edmonton Social Planning Council 2015 research shows that one out of every eight people living in Edmonton (100,870) lives in poverty. That means 12% of Edmontonians do not have the means to assure stable housing, adequate nutritious food, or the conditions that foster health, safety, and basic quality of life.

Also, discrimination towards Indigenous people, refugees, and newcomers to Canada is especially a problem. Racism makes it hard for people to find good jobs, good housing, helpful services, and a sense of belonging in the community. Racism prevents people from getting out of poverty.

Click here to find out more about the Shift Lab, including how to become involved or to keep up-to-date with what’s happening.