Attempting to Address Conditions of Poverty through an Inclusive Economic Approach in Alberta

Authors

  • Bethan Kingsley Community-University Partnership for the Study of Children, Youth and Families, University of Alberta
  • Kirstyn Morley Community-University Partnership for the Study of Children, Youth and Families, Faculty of Extension, University Alberta https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0466-8134
  • Surma Das EndPovertyEdmonton https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7502-1821
  • Maria Mayan Faculty of Extension, University of Alberta https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7623-1230
  • Emma Wallace Community-University Partnership for the Study of Children, Youth and Families, University of Alberta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/cjnser.2021v12nS1a415

Abstract

This article responds to the call to alter current economic and social systems in light of COVID-19 by documenting initial efforts by a community-university partnership to build an inclusive economy. First, the effects of neoliberalism and oil ex- traction are examined to highlight the inequality that existed in Alberta long before the pandemic began. The paper then outlines four key areas of change: employment and training; social procurement and community benefits agreements; living wages; and basic income. It concludes with some initial learnings that may have resonance for others attempting to stimulate economic practices that distribute wealth more equitably.

RÉSUMÉ

Cet article répond à un désir de modifier les systèmes économiques et sociaux actuels en conséquence du COVID-19. Il le fait en décrivant des efforts préliminaires de la part d’un partenariat communauté/université pour établir une économie qui soit plus inclusive. L’article examine d’abord les conséquences du néolibéralisme et de l’extraction du pétrole afin de souligner les inégalités qui existaient déjà en Alberta bien avant le début de la pandémie. L’article présente ensuite quatre domaines clés qu’on aurait besoin de modifier : l’emploi et la formation; les ententes sur l’approvisionnement social et sur les avantages communautaires; le salaire de subsistance; et le revenu de base. L’article conclut en faisant des ob- servations préliminaires qui pourrait inspirer d’autres individus tentant d’encourager des pratiques économiques orientées vers une distribution plus équitable de la richesse.

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Author Biographies

Bethan Kingsley, Community-University Partnership for the Study of Children, Youth and Families, University of Alberta

Bethan Kingsley is a Research Associate at the Community-University Partnership for the Study of Children, Youth and Families at the University of Alberta, 10230 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB, T5J 4P6. Email: bkingsle@ualberta.ca

Kirstyn Morley, Community-University Partnership for the Study of Children, Youth and Families, Faculty of Extension, University Alberta

Kirstyn Morley is a Research Assistant at the Community-University Partnership for the Study of Children, Youth and Families at the University of Alberta, 10230 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB, T5J 4P6. Email: krmorley@ualberta.ca

Surma Das, EndPovertyEdmonton

Surma Das is a Research Coordinator for EndPovertyEdmonton, 15132 Stony Plain Rd, Edmonton, AB, T5P 3Y3. Email: surma@ualberta.ca

Maria Mayan, Faculty of Extension, University of Alberta

Maria Mayan is an Interim Dean and Professor for the Faculty of Extension, University of Alberta, 10230 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB, T5J 4P6. Email: mmayan@ualberta.ca

Emma Wallace, Community-University Partnership for the Study of Children, Youth and Families, University of Alberta

Emma Wallace is a Research Assistant at the Community-University Partnership for the Study of Children, Youth and Families at the University of Alberta, 10230 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB, T5J 4P6. Email: emmalynn@ualberta.ca

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Published

2021-11-02