2016 Edmonton Vital Signs Report

Community foundations taking the pulse of Canadian communities.
Community foundations taking the pulse of Canadian communities.

WHAT IS VITAL SIGNS?
Edmonton Vital Signs is an annual check-up conducted
WHAT
IS VITAL
SIGNS?
by Edmonton
Community
Foundation, in partnership with
the
Edmonton
Social
Planning
to measure
how our
Edmonton
Vital
Signs
is an Council,
annual check-up
conducted
community,
is doing
with a focus
on a specific
This yearwith
we
by Edmonton
Community
Foundation,
in topic.
partnership
are
looking
at
Edmontons
immigrant
and
refugee
population.
the Edmonton Social Planning Council, to measure how our
Community
Canada
are topic.
reporting
community, isfoundations
doing with aacross
focus on
a specific
This on
yearhow
we
their
communities
are doing
and how and
Canada
is doing
overall.
are looking
at Edmontons
immigrant
refugee
population.
Community foundations across Canada are reporting on how
their communities are doing and how Canada is doing overall.
VITAL Information:
Information:
IMMIGRANT: A person who migrates to another country,

VITAL
usually to live permanently. In Canada immigrants are
given
the legalAstatus
of who
permanent
residents.
IMMIGRANT:
person
migrates
to another country,
usually
to live
permanently.
Canada
immigrants
are
REFUGEE:
A person
who is In
forced
to flee
from
given
the legal
oflocated
permanent
residents.
persecution
andstatus
who is
outside
of their home
country;
also
protected
REFUGEE:
A called
persona who
is forcedperson.
to flee from
persecution
and whoTWO
is located
outside
their home
CANADA
ACCEPTS
CLASSES
OFof
REFUGEES:
country; also called a protected person.
Convention refugee class A person must be outside
CANADA
ACCEPTS
TWOand
CLASSES
OFwell-founded
REFUGEES: fear
their country
of origin
have a
being persecuted
for reasons
race,bereligion,
of
Convention
refugee class
A personofmust
outside
nationality,
membership
of a have
particular
social groupfear
or
their country
of origin and
a well-founded
political
opinion.
of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion,
social
group
or
nationality,
Country ofmembership
asylum classof a
A particular
person who
has fled
their
political
country opinion.
and is asking for protection in another country
continues
to beclass
seriously
and personally
affected
and
Country
of asylum
A person
who has fled
their
by
civil war
armed for
conflict,
or hasinsuffered
country
and or
is asking
protection
another massive
country
violations
of human
and continues
to berights.
seriously and personally affected
by civil war or
armed who
conflict,
or has suffered
massive
NEWCOMER:
A person
has arrived
in Canada,
violations
of
human
rights.
whether as an immigrant or refugee in the past five years.
WHO ARE WE?

Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) is the fourth-largest
WHO
ARE
WE? in Canada. ECF helps stimulate change
community
foundation
and
community
growth by
working with
donors
grant in the
Edmonton
Community
Foundation
(ECF)
is theto
fourth-largest
following
community
and social
services;
arts, change
culture
communityareas:
foundation
in Canada.
ECF helps
stimulate
and community
heritage; health
wellness;with
education
and
learning;
growthand
by working
donors to
grant
in the
environment;
recreation
and leisure;
and social
enterprise.
following areas:
community
and social
services;
arts, culture
and heritage; health and wellness; education and learning;
Edmonton Social Planning Council (ESPC) is an independent,
environment; recreation and leisure; and social enterprise.
non-profit, non-partisan, social research organization.
Established
in 1940,
ESPC conducts
analysis into
Edmonton Social
Planning
Council research
(ESPC) is and
an independent,
a
wide range non-partisan,
of topics, particularly
the areas oforganization.
low income
non-profit,
social in research
and
poverty.inThe
councils
and reports
provideinto
the
Established
1940,
ESPCpublications
conducts research
and analysis
public
and
government
with
current
and
accurate
information
a wide range of topics, particularly in the areas of low income
to
support
informed
decision-making.
and
poverty.
The councils
publications and reports provide the
public and government with current and accurate information
to support informed decision-making.
(For
the purposes
of this who
report).
NEWCOMER:
A person
has arrived in Canada,
whether as an immigrant or refugee in the past five years.
(For the purposes of this report).
We are all immigrants.

We are all immigrants.
There are many historical reasons people immigrated to Canada and Edmontons population reflects this.
Unless you are Aboriginal, your ancestors came from somewhere else.
There are many historical reasons people immigrated to Canada and Edmontons population reflects this.
you are Aboriginal, your ancestors came from somewhere else.
Immigration Act of 1976 (proclaimedUnless
in 1978) established
1973 Chileans escape persecution and the authoritarian rule of General Pinochet
for the first time the fundamental objectives of Canadas

immigration policy, setting the cornerstone of modern
Immigration
Act of 1976 (proclaimed in 1978) established
immigration policy
for the first time the fundamental objectives of Canadas
immigration policy, setting the cornerstone of1976
modern
immigration policy
1972 Ugandan Asians expelled from Uganda by dictator Idi Amin

1973 Chileans escape persecution and the authoritarian rule of General Pinochet
442,365
442,365
1976
1978
Southeast Asians, known as

boat people, flee after
1978
fall of South Vietnamese
Southeast
Asians, known as
regime
boat people, flee after
fall of South Vietnamese
1914
regime
Large scale immigration ends with start of WW I
1999
Volunteer enlistment in the army
1914
Transfer of
Large scale immigration ends with start of WW I
sovereignty
1999
Volunteer enlistment
over Hong
1915in the army
Transfer
of
Kong from
Biggest flood in Edmonton history
sovereignty
Britain to
(down from 72,516 in 1914)
overChina
Hong
1915
Kong
from
(1997)
Biggest flood in Edmonton history
Britain to
(down from 72,516 in 1914)
1918
China
(1997)
WW I ends /
Influenza epidemic
1795
72,516
72,516
1918
WW I ends /
Influenza epidemic
752,412
752,412
1946
Immigrants mostly from

post-war Europe
2008
Immigrants mostly from

post-war Europe
6,600 Bhutanese
refugees from Nepal
2008
begin to arrive in
6,600 Bhutanese
Canada
refugees from Nepal
begin to arrive in
Canada
1947
Federal Government allows entry
of
persons
displaced
by WW II
Leduc
#1 oil discovery
2014
Iraqi refugees
come to Canada
Federal Government allows entry of

persons displaced by WW II
8,350
8,350
700
700
147
POP.
POP.
1878
147
First
municipal
1878
census
First
record
municipal
census
record
Iraqi refugees
come to Canada 2015-16
Syrian refugees
come to Canada
2015-16
Syrian refugees
come to Canada
EDMONTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
9910 103 Street NW, Edmonton AB, T5K 2V7 ecfoundation.org
EDMONTON SOCIAL PLANNING COUNCIL
EDMONTON
COMMUNITY
Suite 37, 9912 106
Street NW, FOUNDATION
Edmonton, AB T5K 1C5
9910
103
Street
NW,
Edmonton AB, T5K 2V7 ecfoundation.org
edmontonsocialplanning.ca
EDMONTON SOCIAL PLANNING COUNCIL
Suite 37, 9912 106 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 1C5
Sources
for these statistics are available at ecfoundation.org
edmontonsocialplanning.ca
Sources for these statistics are available at ecfoundation.org
1904
1894 becomes a city
Edmonton
Town of Edmonton was established
1894
1892Town of Edmonton was established
Agricultural settlement begins, CP railway

reaches South Edmonton
1891
1892
Agricultural settlement begins, CP railway

Ukrainian
settlement
begins
reaches
South Edmonton
Canadian
government
1967
introduced new
Canadian
immigration laws
government
that apply equally
introduced
new
to all immigrants
immigration
emphasis laws
that
applyand
equally
on skills
to
all immigrants
economic
emphasis
demand
in
on skills refugee
and
Canada,
economic
policy
reflective
demand
in
of humanitarian
Canada,
refugee
concerns
policy reflective
of humanitarian
concerns
1891
Ukrainian settlement begins
223,549
223,549
1956
1951
Hungarian revolution
1956
The UN Convention Relating to the

Hungarian revolution
Status of Refugees was created
1951
The UN Convention Relating to the

Status of Refugees was created
POPULATION OF CITY OF EDMONTON
2014
1967
Alberta becomes a province with

Edmonton as capital
Alberta becomes a province with
1904
Edmonton as capital
Edmonton becomes a city
1947
Leduc #1 oil discovery
1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia
1905
114,976
114,976
1946
393,593
393,593
1905
59,339
59,339
53,000
53,000
First permanent settlement

by Europeans when
1795
Ft. Edmonton was
First permanent
settlement
officially founded
by Europeans when
Ft. Edmonton was
officially founded
1972 Ugandan1968
Asians Soviet
expelled
from Uganda
by dictator Idi Amin
invasion
of Czechoslovakia
899,447
899,447
POPULATION OF CITY OF EDMONTON
1962
Chinese immigrants begin
to arrive in larger numbers
1962
Chinese immigrants begin

to arrive in larger numbers
WHY IMMIGRATION IS
IMPORTANT
ECF VITAL Work
Multicultural Family Resource Society has

received $100,000 to assist with a holistic
plan for social inclusion of refugee families,
including cultural brokers to bridge
newcomer families and key agencies.
TO CANADA
In 2026, the first of the baby boomers will reach the age of 80 and the number of
deaths will increase significantly.
Using a medium immigration rate of 7.5 immigrants per 1,000 population and a
typical fertility rate of 1.7 children per woman, the migratory increase would account
for 80% of Canadas population growth. Without a level of immigration sustained
at current levels, or a substantial increase in fertility, Canadas population growth
could, within 20 years, be close to zero.
BOTTOM LINE: Canadians are aging faster than we are giving birth. Without
immigrants we wont have a work force to sustain the growing number of seniors.
NEWCOMERS ARE
ENTREPRENEURIAL:
Many newcomers start their own business, often
employing other Canadians in the process.
(Immigrants who entered Canada before 1980 are
considered non-immigrant for this statistic.)
CREATE
JOBS:
5.6%
of immigrants are
self-employed
compared to:
of the
non-immigrant
population
ECONOMY:
51.
9%
A higher percentage of employed immigrants,

over the age of 24, worked full time in 2014:
.0%
COMPARED TO THE PROVINCIAL
AVERAGE OF 83.5%.
84
of incorporated
immigrant businesses
had one or more
employees.
Of immigrants who have entered Canada

after 1980:
7.6%
IMMIGRANTS
CONTRIBUTE TO THE
ENTREPRENEURIAL
IMMIGRANTS
EDMONTON IMMIGRANTS
ARE HIGHLY
NEWCOMERS MAKE
OUR POPULATION
EDUCATED:
YOUTHFUL:
On average, immigrants arriving in Edmonton are

more highly educated than non-immigrants.
Almost the same amount of immigrants

(4.6%) and non-immigrants (4.8%) owned
incorporated businesses.
.1%
Only
of immigrants and refugees are 45
years and older when they settle in Edmonton,
compared to 38.2% of the total population that
are 45 years and older.
IN 2011 THOSE WHO HAD OBTAINED A POSTSECONDARY CERTIFICATE OR ABOVE
53.8% OF ADULT CANADIAN-BORN

60.9% OF ALL IMMIGRANTS
OTHER
CATEGORIES
1.2%
ECONOMIC
IMMIGRANTS
70.8%
OF THE 47,185 PERMANENT

RESIDENTS WHO SETTLED IN
ALBERTA IN 2015:
IMMIGRATION
CLASSES
33,410 (70. )
8%
came as economic immigrants,

6%
VITAL Information:
9,740 (20. )
IN CANADA THERE ARE FOUR

CATEGORIES OF IMMIGRANTS:
under family reunification categories,

3%
as refugees
2%
in other categories.
3,455 (7. )
580 (1. )
economic immigrants (skilled

workers and business people),
family class (closely related

persons of Canadian residents
living in Canada),
refugees (people who are escaping

persecution, torture or cruel and
unusual punishment), and
other (people accepted as

immigrants for humanitarian or
compassionate reasons).
VITAL
Information:
FAMILY
REUNIFICATION
CATEGORIES
20.6%
REFUGEES
7.3%
People who have been

granted permanent resident
status in Canada must live in
Canada for at least 730 days
(two years) within a fiveyear period or risk losing
their status. Permanent
residents have all the rights
guaranteed under the
Canadian Charter of Rights
and Freedoms, but they do
not have the right to vote in
elections.
EDMONTONS NEWCOMER POPULATION ON THE RISE

PERMANENT RESIDENT
ADMISSIONS TO
EDMONTON:
WELCOMING SYRIAN
REFUGEES
The number of persons arriving as permanent

residents has increased 178.2% in ten years.
Between November 4, 2015

and March 1, 2016:
2005
Edmonton
Canada
2015
6,016
16,739
262,242
271,820
178.2%
3.7%
26,141 Syrian refugees

entered Canada.
3,356 settled in Alberta.
In the first quarter of 2016 Edmonton had 5,747

new permanent residents settle of 86,184 who
arrived in Canada.
1,446
SETTLED IN
EDMONTON
0.16%
of the Citys
population
The 1951 Refugee Convention

was developed in the aftermath
DID YOU of the Second World War. People
KNOW
were determined not to repeat the
mistakes that occurred during the Holocaust,
when many countries,failed to offer asylum to
Jewish refugees, contributing to the death toll
in the genocide (Canada, to our shame, was
one of the worst offenders).
In 1993 Canada became the first country in the
world to adopt gender guidelines for refugee
claims (fear of gender based persecution) and
set a precedent for other countries.
Canada is also the only country to have
privately sponsored refugees. Canadians can
individually (or as a self-organized group)
sponsor a refugee or refugee family.
VITAL Insight:
Unlike the uncontrolled migration into many

European countries, Canada uses strict criteria to select refugees overseas
for both government and private sponsorship. The focus of refugee selection
efforts has been on helping families with children resettle in Canada.
IN A 2016 LEGER SURVEY:

Almost half (49%) of Edmontonians feel that the most positive thing immigrants
bring to our city is diversity. 40% feel that refugees bring the same positive effect.
59% of Edmontonians believe that immigrants make Edmonton a more prosperous
and livable city. 43% believe the same about refugees.
Unless otherwise stated, Edmonton refers to Edmonton or Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) as interchangeable
terms. The Edmonton CMA includes the City of Edmonton, the City of St. Albert, Parkland County, Strathcona County (including
the Hamlet of Sherwood Park), Sturgeon County, Leduc County, and all incorporated urban centres and First Nations located
within the boundaries of those counties.
Source: Statistics details/page.
VITAL
Information:
PROUD TO BE CANADIAN
In a 2016 public opinion survey,
83% of Muslims in Canada say
they are proud to be Canadian.
In the same survey, 73% of nonMuslims said they are proud to
be Canadian.
FINDING
A PLACE
Story by Elizabeth Bonkink
ECF VITAL Work
EPS: TEACHING WHAT IT

MEANS TO BE CANADIAN
The Edmonton Mennonite Centre for

Newcomers received $94,000 over two years
to support a partnership with Bent Arrow
Traditional Healing Society and Edmonton
Emergency Relief Services Society to help
newcomers to Edmonton establish homes.
IMMIGRANT
HOMEOWNERSHIP:
Edmontons recent immigrants (those who arrived
in the previous 5 years) have a home ownership
rate of 38.7%, higher than the Canadian average
of 36.5%
Sergeant Gary Willits, and Iman Saidi, Community Operations Co-ordinator, who work in
the Equity, Diversity, and Human Rights Division of Edmonton Police Service (EPS) are in
many ways the faces that Edmontons newcomers recognize. The pair work to take away
the stigma of the uniform with those who have little trust for government officials.
Last January they began working with community partners including Catholic Social
Services and Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers to reach out to these
vulnerable communities. Willits, who has 24 years with the EPS child protection unit, and
Saidi, an Arabic speaker whose parents escaped the Gulf War, work together to create a
sense of trust and to help newcomers understand their rights. The pair are often invited
to attend reception houses, community BBQs, and other events to meet and learn about
Edmontons newcomers. We are just a spoke in the wheel of partnerships, said Willits.
NEWCOMER MEDIAN
INCOME
The 2011 National Household Survey found that
immigrants have a lower median income than
non-immigrants.
Non-immigrants $43,358
Immigrants $39,612
ECF VITAL Work

Cultural Connection Insititute The Learning
Exchange received $7,535 to support
the delivery of Saturday adult English as a
Second Language (ESL) classes.
ENGLISH
LANGUAGE
LEARNERS ON
THE RISE:
The growth in the number of
students enrolled in Edmonton
English Language Learning (ELL) is
significantly higher than enrolment
growth overall.
The increase in the number of ELL students from
2010/11 to 2015/16:
Edmonton Public Schools - 77.9%
Edmonton Catholic Schools - 117.8%
ALBERTA ATTRACTS
FEWER INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS:
Although there has been steady growth in the
number of international students attending
Albertas educational institutions, Alberta has only
about 5% of Canadas international students but
has 12% of Canadas population.
Willits says that outreach and introduction often leads to drinking a lot of tea as face-toface contact is what makes the impact. On our first visit they are usually very quiet, said
Willits, advising that newcomers experience with police is often very different than what
we expect here in Canada. Newcomers visits are designed to break down distrust. They
approach us eyes down, avoidance out of respect. In Canada this [behaviour] may be
viewed as sketchy.
While they have been working closely with Syrian refugees, they are quick to stress this
program applies to all newcomers. They do not understand their value and that they
have a voice. They do not want to ask for assistance or complain as they are fearful the
government will view this as being negative and causing problems, said Willits.
One example they shared was the story of a newly-housed Syrian family that had been
experiencing issues with safety. The family was living on the bottom of a three-storey
walk-up and frequently individuals would bang on their windows, or buzz their door to
be let into the building. It is suspected that the suite previously belonged to people who
worked in the drug trade. When following up with the family we learned that the father
was robbed while doing laundry, said Willits. They did not want to cause trouble. Saidi
added, the father stayed up all night to protect the family. They couldnt continue to live
like that. Willits and Saidi were able to explain to the family that they had the same rights
as every Canadian. The family was eventually moved to better housing.
You need to appreciate where they come from and what they have been through. You
are dealing with people who have been through violence, loss of jobs, and have family
members in refugee camps, said Willits. You hear their fears and anguish, said
Saidi. The pair also explained that social media can play a negative role in the refugees
understanding of Canada. They have been told that their children will be taken away from
them, said Willits. Saidi said, They worry that Canadians will think they are terrorists.
The Syrian newcomers want to integrate into the community and give back. The
willingness to be part of the community shows immediately, said Saidi. This Easter the
Muslim Syrians held an Easter-egg hunt for the Christian Syrians, and it was well-covered
by the media that many of them fundraised for Fort McMurray. There was lots of support
[for Fort McMurray]. It was a glimpse of what these people had gone through, said
Willits.
Saidis and Willits advice for Edmontonians is to remember the newcomers have a lot
to learn. A plane ride [to Canada] wont change hundreds of years of cultural learning.
Put yourself in someone elses shoes. Remind yourself of your family history, said Willits,
referring to the fact that most of our ancestors went through similar experiences when
settling. For many of them settling here will be a success because their kids will never
know what it is like to be a refugee, said Saidi.
SETTLEMENT SERVICES:
Many newcomers to Canada access services to

help with their successful settlement including
help finding housing, language training, job
search, and skills training.
DID YOU
KNOW
Centre for Race and Culture received

$1,125 in bursaries for individuals
working in the non-profit sector to attend
a three-day anti-racism workshop.
Within 10 years of first study in Canada

49% of those arriving with advanced degrees
In the 12 months between April 2015 and March

2016, 61,188 unique clients received such services
in Alberta from settlement service providers.
ECF VITAL Work
The most highly educated international students are the

most likely to become permanent residents.
32% with Bachelors degree, and

26% with post-secondary diplomas and certificates
below a Bachelors degree has become permanent
residents.
VITAL
Insight:
With median incomes significantly lower
than the non-immigrant population,
foreign credentials often requiring
Canadian certification, and the need to
learn language skills (which may be difficult
to get into), adaptation to Canadian
culture has many newcomers struggling.
The adjustment may be more difficult than
even the newcomer anticipated.
60% of Edmontonians believe that refugees often experience discrimination.

57% believe the same about immigrants.
75% of Edmontonians believe that addressing issues like racism and
discrimination will contribute to quality of life.
BECOMING
CANADIAN
ECF VITAL Work
It takes a minimum of about

four years after arriving in
Canada for a permanent
resident to become a Canadian
citizen. A large proportion of
permanent residents do go on
to become citizens.
In 2015, 252,152 permanent
residents became Canadian citizens compared
to 271,820 who came to Canada in 2015.
NEWCOMERS FROM
MANY COUNTRIES:
In the five years prior to 2011:
A total of 49,930 people immigrated to
Edmonton from other countries.
The five largest countries of origin for recent
immigrants were the Philippines (10,365),
India (6,695), China (3,840), Pakistan (1,920),
and the United States (1,735).
SECONDARY MIGRATION:
Alberta has high rates of positive net secondary
migration (newcomers that initially settled in
another province). Between 2003 and 2013,
13,435 more newcomers moved to Alberta than
left for other provinces.
Retention rates of immigrants and refugees who
initially settled here was also high.
88% of newcomers who arrived in Alberta
in 2003 were still here in 2013, trailing only
Ontarios 90% retention rate.
TEMPORARY FOREIGN
WORKERS (TFW):
TFWs in
Edmonton
2005: 1,835
2013: 11,075
3,275
2015
Before 2006, most

TFWs were highly
skilled professionals and
tradespeople. In 2006,
the federal government
loosened restrictions to allow
people from other countries
to fill low skill or semi-skilled
positions where there were
labour shortages.
Regulations tightened again in 2015, 3,275 TFWs

arrived in Edmonton and only 985 in the first
three months of 2016. There are more pathways
to permanent residency for TFWs working in
higher-skilled occupations in Canada than TFWs
in lower-skilled occupations.
VITAL Insight:
Many lower-skilled TFWs are seeking the
opportunity to transition to permanent
residency, and may have come with the
understanding that they could stay indefinitely.
Faced with returning home, some TFWs become
undocumented migrants in the underground
economy who are exploited and living at the
margins.
ECF VITAL Work

Council for the Advancement of African
Canadians in Alberta (Africa Centre)
received $120,000 over three years to
support a Programming Coordinator to build
the capacity of the Africa Centre and to
expand programming around the city.
The following are ten sample questions asked on the Citizenship test.
It is tougher than you might think.
1. Who were the United
Empire Loyalists?
a. Settlers who came to
Canada from the United
States during the American
Revolution
b. Aboriginal peoples
c. Mtis
d. Inuit
2. Name two fundamental
freedoms protected by the
Canadian Charter of Rights
and Freedoms.
a. Freedom of conscience and
religion, and Freedom of
association.
b. Equality rights, and to care
for Canadas heritage.
c. Basic freedoms, and
obeying laws.
d. Aboriginal peoples rights,
and to volunteer.
3. From where does the name
Canada come?
a. The Inuit word meaning
country.
b. The French word meaning
joining.
c. The Mtis word meaning
rivers.
d. From Kanata, the HuronIroquois word for village.
4. Which Act granted, for
the first time in Canada,
legislative assemblies
elected by the people?
The Constitutional Act of...
a. 1867 b. 1791
c. 1982 d. 2010
5. When did the British North

America Act come into
effect?
a. 1871 b. 1898
c. 1867 d. 1905
6. Which was the last province
to join Canada?
a. Newfoundland and
Labrador
b. Alberta
c. Saskatchewan
d. British Columbia
7. Name six responsibilities of
citizenship.
a. Getting a job, making
money, raising a family,
paying taxes, mowing your
lawn, voting in provincial
elections.
b. Voting in municipal
elections only, joining a
political party, getting a job,
obeying the law, driving
safely, picking up litter.
c. Caring for the environment,
not littering, paying taxes,
obeying the law, helping
others, respecting others.
d. Obeying the law, taking
responsibility for oneself
and ones family, helping
others in the community,
voting in elections, serving
on a jury, protecting and
enjoying our heritage and
environment.
8. Name the five regions of

Canada:
a. Midwest, North, South,
East, Central
b. Maritimes, Ontario,
Quebec, Prairies, and
British Columbia
c. Atlantic, Central, Prairie,
West Coast, and North
d. West, Central, East, Prairies,
and Territories
9. Approximately how many
Canadians served in the
First World War?
a. 7,000
b. 8 million
c. About 60,000
d. More than 600,000
10. Who was Sir LouisHippolyte La Fontaine?
a. A champion of democracy
and Aboriginal rights.
b. A champion of democracy
and French language rights
and the first leader of a
responsible government in
the Canadas.
c. The first Head of State.
d. The first French-speaking
Prime Minister.
Well, how did you do?

For more tough questions
please go to: citizenship.ca/quiz
Answers:
NEW CANADIAN
CITIZENS:
CAN YOU PASS THE TEST?
1 a, 2 c, 3 d, 4 b, 5 c, 6 a, 7 d, 8 c, 9 d, 10 b.
In 2016 ECF is partnering with the

Skills Society Action Lab to develop the
Edmonton Shift Lab to address racism
and poverty in Edmonton. Building on the
work of many local initiatives, the diverse
collective making up the Edmonton Shift
Lab is stewarding an exploration to develop
potential service, policy, system and
community action prototypes that will help
reduce racism as it contributes to poverty.
Want to know more? Edmontonshiftlab.ca
TALES OF STRENGTH:
MOTHER & DAUGHTER HELPING
NEWCOMERS IN EDMONTON
by Elizabeth Bonkink
Sabah Tahir and Niga Jalal Barzanji are leaders in the immigrant community as well as
mother and daughter. Coming to Canada as refugees from Iraq in 1998 they had to find their way in Edmonton
and have now chosen to make life better for newcomers today. Both are employed as Multicultural Health Brokers
(MCHB) and use their own experiences to help others navigate Canadas health, social services, education, justice,
immigration and employment systems.
Over tiny cups of Kurdish coffee they shared their individual stories of struggle and triumph.
Sabah Tahir is a leader in the newcomer community and has come a long way from Kurdish Iraq where she was an
outspoken advocate of womens rights on her TV show that tackled topics like honour killings.
In 1996 she was forced to flee Iraq with her children when, under the rule of Saddam Hussein, troops attacked their
city. Within a half-hour everything changed for me and my three children, Tahir said. My neighbours said to me,
You had better go fast. Tahir and her children could not make it to the Turkish border and were forced to hide.
Her husband fled his office and made it to Turkey, separating them for three months. We had a privileged life, a
good life. I never planned to be a refugee, said Tahir.
Tahirs spouse, Jalal Barzanji, was a poet and journalist in Iraq. He is the author of The Man in Blue Pajamas: A
Prison Memoir about the time he spent imprisoned by Saddams regime from 1986 to 1989. In 2007 he was named
Edmontons first Writer in Exile. After three months we were able to flee under a different name, fake passports,
said Tahir. They joined him in Turkey as refugees. They entered Canada as refugees in 1998.
Today Tahir is using the same model with newcomers that worked for her. You see the same themes from 15 years
ago, our job is to guide and facilitate. The key is very simple, said Tahir, friendship. Her role is an advocate for
women at MCHB broker and part of the community development leadership team. Woman is the builder of the
family, she said. People believe that Iraqi women dont have a voice, but they have relational power. I am always
surprised by the power each person has. She leads a womens group supporting the individual as well as the
family. The family facilitates community development.
Niga Barzanji, Tahirs daughter, had escaped three wars by the time she was nine years old, and spent a year as
a refugee in Turkey. Now she is also helping newcomers find their way. When she first started working with the
MCHB at age 15, she was meeting youth from other countries. Some I hadnt ever heard of, said Barzanji.
When you hear their stories you see that you are part of a bigger story.
She originally became connected to the organization through the homework club; connecting with other youth who
had similar struggles was very important. It was a safe place for conversations.
Initially the transition was not so ideal. My first six months in Canada felt like another war. You feel alone in
school, alone in the community. Barzanji changed high schools four times due to issues with bullying. Yvonne
Chiu, executive director of MCHB, said schools are not prepared to deal with the impact [of refugees], some
may have trauma. Bullying only creates more conflict and leads to isolation. MCHB assists students who are
experiencing culture shock.
What made a difference for Barzanji was being recognized for strength. I am more than a refugee. I come with
potential and strength to give back to society. Those who saw potential in me are the ones I will remember.

Only 38% of Edmontonians say they
know about the realities of refugees.
50% say they know about the realities of
immigrants.
Considering that unless you are of Aboriginal
dissent, someone in your family was once an
immigrant. This should remind us of our own
family heritage.
Now she uses her experiences to help newcomer youth connect to resources like career counsellors, youth groups,
or volunteering. Barzanji says that the worst thing to do for a refugee is to decide what they need. They have
come from places where the choices have been taken away from them. Give them guidance and support, dont
make the choices for them.
Barzanji graduated from U of A with a degree in Political Science and is now looking forward to returning to
Kurdistan where she would like to work with people living in the camps. She does say, however, that Edmonton is
now her home. I love Edmonton. The door of opportunity is open in Edmonton and we need to learn from each
other. Her advice to Edmontonians to help ease the transition of those new to Canada is, take the time to find
out about the other.
Tahir and Barzanji are both working to make their community a better place for newcomers. I am witnessing good
work [at MCHB]. Niga is a gifted youth leader and Sabah is a gifted community leader, said Chiu. MCHB is a
co-operative of 75 brokers representing 25 different cultural and linguistic communities in Edmonton. They serve
more than 2,000 families a year.
HAPPY TO BE
IN EDMONTON
Patrick Mbarugwa, 39, who works part-
time as a labourer in an Edmonton warehouse, is

a quiet-spoken man with a quick smile. Patrick is
a refugee from Congo. He and his wife Neema,
34, arrived in Canada on December 4, 2012 with
their six-month-old-child. They have since had
another child who is now two and half years-old.
We knew nothing about Canada or Edmonton,
said Mbarugwa, explaining that the destination
was chosen for them. He [the UN official] looked
at me and said You are strong, you will do well in
Edmonton.
The Mbarugwas spent 11 years in a refugee camp
in Zambia to escape war in Congo. Life was very
difficult, very tough in the camp where there are
no jobs and no way to better their circumstances.
They recently learned that their son, who they
believed had been killed when their village was
raided, is alive. He is living in the refugee camp
they left in Zambia. Their son was six when the
fighters took him, said Mbarugwa. He is now 18.
They would like to bring him to Canada, but they
did not mention their son on the paperwork when
they came here. Why would we? We believed
he had died. They have started the process
to reunite the family, but it will take time, said
Mbarugwa and it takes its emotional toll. A man,
he cant cry outright, you know? But I am crying in
my heart. My wife, she cries often.
The family, however, is very happy to be in
Canada. Big, big difference [between Congo
and Edmonton]. You cant find the beauty there
like here in Edmonton. We are very happy
here, he said showing his generous smile.
When asked what he thought of the weather he
laughingly explained that when he first saw snow
on television he thought it was man-made. I
didnt think snow was true, said Mbarugwa. It
was very cold [when they first arrived], but it is
OK. You cant say weather is a big problem when
there is war in my country. There is no peace, no
freedom. You cant compare weather to war.
Soon after arrival in Canada they were connected

with Catholic Social Services which assisted in
orienting them to a new life in Edmonton with
things like English classes, how to use transit,
and how to get to where they need to go. I still
struggle with addresses. Even now it is difficult
for me, says Mbarugwa. He did well in English
classes and hopes to take more but funding ran
out. He also hopes to return to school to study to
be a plumber. I like school. It was the first time
I had gone to school. In my country you have to
pay, he said.
He is looking forward to getting his Canadian
citizenship because he loves Canada. Here there
is not too many problems. People are kind, very
friendly, said Mbarugwa. He was not expecting
to feel welcomed because he is black and also
expected issues with religion or culture, but says,
Canada is full of people from different countries,
we all have that in common. Here you can have
different religions and cultures. People are all
[treated] the same in Canada. He did mention
that the food was a bit of an adjustment, but since
there are African stores he can find food he likes,
and he does try new things, If you just use your
eyes, it is not so good. But if you try it, you find it
is nice.
Patrick shared his hopes for the future. I need to
bring my son here. The Mbarugwas try to send
him money and sometimes he gets it but not
always. Since his son does not have ID, he has to
rely on others to claim it for him. People take
their share, said Mabarguwa who says he speaks
to his son about every two weeks by phone. It is
hard because I remember him as a six year-old.
He says that he talks to his son about Canada, I
tell him Edmonton is very good. Everyone can go
to school or get a job.
He and his wife also dream of owning their own
home. That is what is beautiful about Canada,
you can work to make money to get a house, he
said again showing his big smile. When asked if
he still thinks of the war he responds, No. No,
you have to put it behind you.
HEALTH & WELLBEING

IMMIGRANT
SENIORS
NEWCOMER HEALTH
39,145
Immigrants and refugees tend to be healthier

than those born in Canada. This is likely due to
the selection process as preference is given to the
young and healthy.
in 2011
Adult immigrants tend to fare better for mental

health, chronic conditions, disability/functional
limitations, and risk behaviors.
However, immigrant women have worse maternal
health than Canadian born women.
An analysis done by Alberta Health Services found
that immigrants are healthier, less likely to smoke,
engage in binge drinking, and be overweight or
obese.
The longer an immigrant resides in Canada, the
more likely their health will mirror the Canadianborn.
ECONOMY
EDMONTON IS ATTRACTIVE
TO NEWCOMERS:
Despite the economic downturn, Edmonton will
continue to see many newcomers. In the first three
months of 2016, there were 5,747 new arrivals
in Edmonton, a faster pace than the first three
months of previous years.
The Canadian government expects to admit
between 285,000 to 305,000 new permanent
residents in 2016, compared to 250,000 in recent
previous years.
HIGHER EDUCATION CAN

MEAN HIGHER RATES OF
UNEMPLOYMENT.
According to national Labour Force Survey data for
2015, the unemployment rate was:
UNIVERSITY DEGREE:
RECENT IMMIGRANTS
11.5%
ALL IMMIGRANTS
7.0%
CANADIAN-BORN
3.5%
POST-SECONDARY CERTIFICATE
OR DIPLOMA:
RECENT IMMIGRANTS
10.4%
ALL IMMIGRANTS
6.3%
CANADIAN-BORN
5.5%
The World Bank

estimates that
DID YOU in the second
KNOW
quarter of
2015, the average cost
of sending remittances
was 9.3%. The Canadian
government is looking at
ways to reduce transfer
costs by using online and
mobile technologies.
IMMIGRANT SENIORS
Most immigrants who are now seniors (65 years
and older) have been in Canada for decades
and are largely from European or U.S. origins.
VITAL Insight:
SUPPORT OF FAMILY AND

FRIENDS OVERSEAS:
Since immigrants are now coming from many other

countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, as
these people age, the diversity of Edmontons
immigrant senior population will increase. Services
and supports for this increasingly diverse seniors
population must also change to maintain their
relevance and responsiveness.
The World Bank estimates that residents of

Canada sent $30.7 billion Canadian in money
transfers (remittances) to other countries in
2014. Canada is one of the top ten remitting
countries in the world, and the highest
on a per capita basis.
THINGS YOU CAN DO TO
WELCOME NEWCOMERS
1.
Smile.
2.
Invite a newcomer to your home for dinner or host a diversity day at work.
Be inclusive in the kinds of foods you serve, recognizing cultural or religious differences in diet.
3.
Donate:
a. to the Red Cross Refugee Crisis Appeal.
b. to the Syria Emergency Relief Fund.
4.
Volunteer. Some agencies are seeking mentors, tutors, and even office help. You may make a new
friend or find a new skill. For a list of agencies please go to ecfoundation.org.
5.
Speak out against discrimination and racism. Use social media to help change the conversation
about immigrants and newcomers.
6.
Be aware of different cultures and practices. Strive to be inclusive of individuals of diverse

backgrounds.
7.
Learn about another culture. Eg. Help understand Islam in Canada: http://www.anewlife.ca/
8.
Sponsor a refugee family. To find out more go to: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/refugees/sponsor/
Remittances are sent for many

reasons including supporting family
members who may not be eligible
to immigrate here.
VITAL Insight:
What does this mean?
A lot of money is flowing out of
Canada. This becomes an issue
when those living on low-income go without
because they feel the need to support family
members back home. Some believe that
better pathways to help family members
immigrate could reduce the out-flow of
money.

Edmontonians believe that Policy and
decision makers need to do more to engage
refugee and immigrant communities in
Edmonton.
49% want to see more done for refugees and

52% want to see more done for immigrants.
LIVING
LIVING
IN EDM NTON
IN EDM NTON
POPULATION
CONTINUES TO GROW
DEMOGRAPHICS
Edmonton and the surrounding area has had

a population growth of 30.8% over ten years
and is now the fifth largest metro population in
Canada, after Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and
Calgary.
EDMONTON
and is now thePOPULATION:
fifth largest metro population in
Canada,
after Toronto,2015
Montreal, Vancouver, and
2005
1,041,966
Calgary.
The City of Edmonton is the major population
EDMONTON
POPULATION:
centre
in the metro
region and has 899,447 people
(66.0%)
living
in
the
with the balance living in
2005 1,041,966 city,
2015
the surrounding communities. THIS IS A 23.2%
GROWTH IN THE PAST 10 YEARS; SLOWER
centre in the metro region and has 899,447 people
GROWTH THAN THE SURROUNDING REGION.
(66.0%) living in the city, with the balance living in
DEMOGRAPHICS
POPULATION
CONTINUES TO GROW
According to the City of Edmonton Census data (2016):

There are 463,472 FEMALES and 434,763 MALES living in Edmonton (and 1,212 other).
There are 463,472 FEMALES and 434,763 MALES living in Edmonton (and 1,212 other).
1,363,277
1,363,277
27.67% 27.46%
4.11%
27
MARRIED
NEVER
MARRIED
COMMON
LAW
27
4.10%
2.56% 34.10%
123,109
123,109
SEPARATED/
DIVORCED
MARRIED
NEVER
MARRIED
COMMON
LAW
SEPARATED/
DIVORCED
MEDIAN AGE:
STILL THE
YOUNGEST CITY:
36.0 years MAKING IT THE YOUNGEST

OF CANADAS SIX LARGEST URBAN
CENTRES.
As of July 1, 2015, Edmontons median age is
OTTAWAOF CANADAS
LARGEST URBAN
GATINEAU
MONTREALSIXVANCOUVER
CENTRES.
YOUNGEST CITY:
CALGARY TORONTO
36.3
38.8
CHILDREN FROM
PRESCHOOL TO
GRADE 12 (13.68%)
RETIRED PERSONS
(9.28%)
83,492
According to the City of

Edmonton in August of 2016:
PETS ARE
FAMILY
TOO
There are 195,243
cats and dogs in the city and
there
are only
189,598
According
to the
City ofEdmontonians 19 years
and
younger.
Edmonton in August of 2016:
MEANING
THERE ARE
MORE
PETS
THAN
There are 195,243
cats and
dogs
in the
city and
CHILDREN
UNDER
19
IN
THE
CITY
OF
there are only 189,598 Edmontonians 19 years
EDMONTON.
and younger.
39.3
39.8
40.0
OTTAWAGATINEAU
MONTREAL
VANCOUVER
The city estimates that one in 3 households has a

pet and many have more than one.
39.3
39.8
40.0
RECORD SCHOOL ENROLMENT GROWTH:

Edmonton Public Schools (EPSB) and Edmonton Catholic Schools (ECSD) are experiencing
record student enrolment straining, education budgets during an economic downturn.

SCHOOL
YEAR:
GROWTH
15.8%
ECSD
GROWTH
18.7%
Edmonton
Public
SchoolsEPSB
(EPSB)
and Edmonton
Catholic Schools
(ECSD)
are experiencing
record student
enrolment79,780
straining, education
an economic
downturn.
2010/11
students budgets during 33,776
students
92,358 students
40,100 students
2015/16
SCHOOL YEAR:
EPSB GROWTH 15.8%
ECSD GROWTH 18.7%
95,355 students anticipated 40,870 students anticipated
2016/17
2010/11
79,780 students
33,776 students
92,358 students
40,100 students
2015/16
95,355 students anticipated 40,870 students anticipated
2016/17
HIGH SCHOOL
COMPLETION RATES
ON THE RISE
HIGH
SCHOOL
The three-year high school
COMPLETION
RATES
completion
rate:
ON
THE
RISE
EPSB was 71.8% in 2014-15, an
improvement
The
three-yearfrom
high63.6%
schoolten years
earlier.
completion rate:
81.8%
71.8%
ECSD was
was
2014-15,an
an
EPSB
inin2014-15,
improvement over
the
68.5%
ten
years
from 63.6% ten years
earlier.
81.8%
PROVINCE-WIDE
HIGHinSCHOOL
ECSD was
2014-15, an
COMPLETION
RATE
2014-15
improvement over
theIN68.5%
tenWAS
years
earlier.
COMPARED TO 70.7%
76.4%
RENTAL MARKET:
TEN YEARS EARLIER.

PROVINCE-WIDE
HIGH SCHOOL
COMPLETION RATE IN 2014-15 WAS
76.4% COMPARED TO 70.7%
A rising vacancy rate is making Edmonton

rents somewhat more affordable.
RENTAL MARKET:
TEN YEARS EARLIER.
THE APARTMENT VACANCY RATE

ROSE
FROM
1.7%
2014
A rising
vacancy
rateINis OCTOBER
making Edmonton
TO
IN OCTOBER
2015.
rents4.2%
somewhat
more affordable.
BUT
STILL WENT
UP BY
THE RENTS
APARTMENT
VACANCY
RATE
$
ROSE FROM
1.7% INTHE
OCTOBER
2014
INCREASING
AVERAGE
TO
OCTOBER
TO 4.2%
$1259IN
PER
MONTH2015.
FOR A TYPICAL
32
TWO-BEDROOM
BUT
RENTS STILL APARTMENT.
WENT UP BY
$
Edmontons
average
rents are still
INCREASING monthly
THE AVERAGE
30.3%
higher
than
the
average
the combined
TO $1259 PER MONTH FOR Aof
TYPICAL
Canadian
metro areas.
TWO-BEDROOM
APARTMENT.
32
HOUSING
HOUSING
IN A 2016
LEGER POLL:
Only 30% of
Edmontonians
IN A 2016
feel
it isPOLL:
LEGER
easy
find
Only to
30%
of
affordable
Edmontonians
housing
feel it is in
Edmonton.
easy to find
This
number is
affordable
up
from in
2014
housing
(22%)
and
Edmonton.
2015
(21%) is
This number
up from 2014
(22%) and
2015 (21%)
Edmontons average monthly rents are still

30.3% higher than the average of the combined
Canadian metro areas.
24,770
24,770
AFFORDABLE HOUSING:
41% OF CITY OF EDMONTON RENTERS
(47,055 HOUSEHOLDS) LIVE IN UNAFFORDABLE

HOUSING MEANING THEY SPEND MORE
THAN 30% OF THEIR HOUSEHOLD INCOME
OF CITY OF EDMONTON RENTERS
ON HOUSING COSTS.
ON HOUSING COSTS.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING:
41%
FOOD SECURITY
FOOD SECURITY
$
$
DID NOT
RESPOND
The
city estimates
in 3 households
MEANING
THEREthat
AREone
MORE
PETS THANhas a
pet
and many
have more
than
CHILDREN
UNDER
19 IN
THEone.
CITY OF
EDMONTON.
EDUCATI N
EDUCATI N
RENTER HOUSEHOLDS
SPENT MORE THAN
50% OF THEIR
INCOME ON
HOUSING
RENTER
HOUSEHOLDS
SPENT COSTS
MORE THAN
50% OF THEIR
INCOME ON
HOUSING
COSTS
34
RETIRED PERSONS
(9.28%)
PETS ARE
FAMILY TOO
36.0
STILL THE
YEARS
38.8
WIDOWED
83,492
CHILDREN FROM
PRESCHOOL TO
GRADE 12 (13.68%)
Please note these statistics do not represent metro Edmonton but the population solely within the city limits.
EDMONTONS
MEDIAN AGE:
YEARS
36.3
DID NOT
RESPOND
.67%
.46%
.11%metro Edmonton
.10% but the.56%
.10%
Please note
these statistics
do not represent
population solely
within the city limits.
36.0
EDMONTONS
CALGARY TORONTO
WIDOWED
FOOD BANK USE

RISING:
From April 1, 2016 to March 31,
2016 Edmontons Food Bank
served 51,815 different people.
This is an 18.3% increase from
From April 1, 2016 to March 31,
the year before, and 28.3%
higher than two years earlier.
served 51,815 different people.
This includes a rise in the
This is an 18.3% increase from
number of children served from
5,699 to 7,797.
5,699 to 7,797.
FOOD BANK USE

RISING:
2,307
EDMONTONIANS
WERE FOUND TO
BE HOMELESS
(Oct. 2014)
EDMONTONIANS
WERE FOUND TO
BE HOMELESS
(Oct. 2014)
2,307
COMMUNITY HOUSING:
The economic downturn is having a profound
impact on the number of Edmonton residents
waiting for affordable housing.
COMMUNITY HOUSING:
Capital
Regiondownturn
Housing, the
majoracommunity
The economic
is having
profound
housing
provider
in
the
region,
saw its
wait list
impact on the number of Edmonton
residents
more
than
triple
over
the
course
of
the
2015
calendar year.
Capital Region Housing, the major community
AS
OF DECEMBER
FAMILIES
housing
provider in 31,
the2015,
region, saw its wait
list
WERE
WAITING
FOR
ACCOMMODATION,
more than triple over the course of the 2015
AND 231year.
NEW APPLICATIONS WERE BEING
calendar
RECEIVED EACH MONTH.
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015,
FAMILIES
WERE WAITING FOR ACCOMMODATION,
AND 231 NEW APPLICATIONS WERE BEING
COST OF NUTRITIOUS
FOOD BASKET:
The weekly cost of a nutritious food basket
for a family of four averaged $230.30 for
the first six months of 2016. The cost of a
food basket is based on requirements for
an adequate and healthy diet based on
for a family of four averaged $230.30 for
supermarket purchases.
the first six months of 2016. The cost of a
food basket is based on requirements for
an
healthy
diet based on
IN adequate
A 2016 and
LEGER
POLL:
supermarket purchases.
COST OF NUTRITIOUS
FOOD BASKET:
4,163
4,163
THE COST OF HEALTHY

EATING IN EDMONTON
IN
WENT UP
THE
PAST
TEN
YEARS,
THE COST OF HEALTHY
INCLUDING
A 2.1%
EATING
IN EDMONTON
INCREASE
IN
THE
IN
WENT UP
PAST
YEAR.
THE PAST TEN YEARS,
60.5%
60.5%
INCLUDING A 2.1%
INCREASE IN THE
PAST YEAR.
2 in 5 Edmontonians agree food security is a significant

problem in Edmonton. This has been a consistent response
IN A 2016
LEGER
POLL:
since
the poll
started
in 2013.
2 in 5 Edmontonians agree food security is a significant
problem in Edmonton. This has been a consistent response
since the poll started in 2013.
LIVING
JOBS
IN
EDM
NTON
EDM
NTON
EDM NTON
EDMONTON NETTED ONLY 5,000 NEW JOBS BETWEEN

JULY
2015 AND
JULY 2016,
growth in the
EDMONTON
NETTED
ONLYmuch
5,000slower
NEW than
JOBSthe
BETWEEN
labour
force,AND
causing
the
unemployment
rate
to the
rise growth
from 5.7%
to
JULY 2015
JULY
2016,
much slower
than
in the
7.7%
in
the
same
time
period.
labour force, causing the unemployment rate to rise from 5.7% to
7.7% in the
same lost
time21,400
period.jobs and the entire province
Calgary
50,500
Julyand
2015
Julyprovince
2016.
Calgaryjobs
lostbetween
21,400 jobs
theand
entire
COMPARED
TObetween
CALGARY July
AND THE
50,500 jobs
2015 and July 2016.
REST OF ALBERTA, EDMONTONS
COMPARED TO CALGARY AND THE
DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY SHIELDED
REST OF ALBERTA, EDMONTONS
IT FROM THE EFFECTS OF THE
DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY SHIELDED
DECLINE IN ENERGY PRICES.
AVERAGE WEEKLY
IT FROM THE EFFECTS OF THE
EARNINGS OF
DECLINE IN ENERGY PRICES.
AVERAGE WEEKLY
EMPLOYEES
IN
EARNINGS OF
ALBERTA
There are 463,472 FEMALES and 434,763 MALES living in Edmonton (and 1,212
other).
EMPLOYEES
IN $
POPULATION
CONTINUES TO GROW
1,119
1,119
$
$
DEMOGRAPHICS

and
now
the fifth
largest
metro population in
INis A
2016
LEGER
POLL:
Canada,
after
Toronto,
Montreal,
Vancouver, and
ONLY
49%LEGER
OF EDMONTONIANS
FEEL THERE ARE
IN A 2016
POLL:
Calgary.
AVERAGE WEEKLY EARNINGS

HIGHEST
CANADA:
AVERAGEIN
WEEKLY
EARNINGS
In
June 2016, Alberta
earned an average of
HIGHEST
IN employees
CANADA:
ADEQUATE
JOB
OPPORTUNITIESFEEL
IN EDMONTON.
ONLY 49% OF
EDMONTONIANS
THERE ARE
EDMONTON
POPULATION:
THIS
IS DOWN
FROM
69% IN 2015 AND
76% IN 2014.
ADEQUATE
JOB
OPPORTUNITIES
IN EDMONTON.
2005
1,041,966
2015
86%
that
they
feel76%
safeIN
in 2014.
their
THIS of
IS Edmontonians
DOWN FROM agree
69% IN
2015
AND
1,363,277
981
981
$ONTARIO
ONTARIO
925
925
ALBERTA
$BRITISH
COLUMBIA
87%
87%
BRITISH
OF PEOPLECOLUMBIA$885
QUEBEC
EMPLOYED
$
OF PEOPLE
$1,119 per week (including overtime), 2.4% lower than
885
IN CANADA LIVE QUEBEC
In June 2016, Alberta employees earned an average of
EMPLOYED
a year earlier, but still 16.8% higher than the national
AND WORK IN
$1,119 per week (including overtime), 2.4% lower than
IN CANADA LIVE
average of $958 per week.
THESE FOUR
a year earlier, but still 16.8% higher than the national
AND WORK IN
.46%
.11%
.10%
.56%
.10%
PROVINCES.
average of $958 per week.
THESE RETIRED
FOURPERSONS
NEVER
COMMON
SEPARATED/
WIDOWED
DID NOT
CHILDREN FROM
MARRIED
LAW
DIVORCED
RESPOND
PRESCHOOLPROVINCES.
TO
(9.28%)
The
City of80%
Edmonton
is thefeel
major
population
home,
say they
safe
in their
only
.67%
86%inof
Edmontonians
agree
that
theycommunity,
feel safe in but
their
centre
the they
metrofeel
region
andinhas
899,447 people
68%
say
safe
Edmonton.
MARRIED
home,
80%
saycity,
they
feel
in their
but
only
(66.0%)
living
in the
with
the safe
balance
living community,
in
IN A 2016 LEGER POLL:
say they
feel safe inTHIS
Edmonton.
the68%
surrounding
communities.
IS A 23.2%
GRADE 12 (13.68%)
Please note these statistics do notIN
represent
metro
Edmonton
but
the
population
solely
within
the
city limits.AGREE THAT
A
2016
LEGER
POLL:
NEARLY THREE-IN-FIVE (58%) EDMONTONIANS
27
27
EI NUMBERS BETTER BUT

TRENDING
UPWARD:
EI NUMBERS
BETTER BUT
The
number
of
people
receiving
employment insurance (EI) regular
TRENDING UPWARD:
benefits in Edmonton has more than doubled (117.9%) since the

EDMONTONS
The number of people receiving employment insurance
(EI) regular
onset of the economic downturn in late 2014.
MEDIAN
benefits in Edmonton has more than doubled (117.9%) since
the AGE:
THE
NUMBER
OF
EI
BENEFICIARIES
AVERAGED:
onset of the economic downturn in late 2014.
36.0
10,361 16,648
22,578
10,361 16,648
22,578
Edmonton is faring only slightly better than Calgary, which has seen a
THE NUMBER OF EI BENEFICIARIES AVERAGED:
YEARS
2014
2015
in the first six months of 2016
34
123,109
83,492
POVERTY
IS A SIGNIFICANT
IN EDMONTON
NEARLY THREE-IN-FIVE
(58%)PROBLEM
EDMONTONIANS
AGREE(consistent
THAT
with
2015),
while
only
two-in-five
(39%)
agree
that
adequate
initiatives
POVERTY IS A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM IN EDMONTON (consistent
are
place while
to reduce
poverty.
PETS
ARE
within2015),
only two-in-five
(39%)
agree that adequate initiatives
FAMILY TOO
are in place to reduce poverty.
2016 LIVING WAGE:
According to the City of
Edmonton IS
in $16.69
August of 2016:
THE
2016
LIVING WAGEWAGE:
FOR EDMONTON
2016
LIVING
STILL
THE
PER HOUR DOWN FROM $17.36
PER
IN cats
2015.
There
areHOUR
195,243
and dogs in the city and
THE 2016 LIVINGCITY:
WAGE FOR EDMONTON
IS $16.69
YOUNGEST
This is
the wage
that a FROM
family of
four with
parents
PER
HOUR
DOWN
$17.36
PERtwo
HOUR
IN 2015.
2014
2015
in the first six months of 2016
As of July 1, 2015,working
Edmontons
median
ageentire
is
and
younger.
full-time
for the
year
requires
to live in
125.9% increase, and the rest of the province which has seen a 157.3%
This isIT
the
wage
that a family of four with two parents
Edmonton is faring only slightly better than Calgary, which has seen
a
36.0 years
MAKING
THE
YOUNGEST
economic
stability
and maintain a MEANING
modest standard
of living.
increase in the number of EI beneficiaries in the same time period.
THERE
working
full-time
the entire year requires to
live in ARE MORE PETS THAN
125.9% increase, and the rest of the province which has seen a 157.3%
OF CANADAS SIX LARGEST for
URBAN
CHILDREN
UNDER
19 IN THE CITY OF
THE $0.67stability
DROP and
IS MAINLY
TO INCREASED
economic
maintainDUE
a modest
standard of living.
increase in the number of EI beneficiaries in the same time period.
CENTRES.
EDMONTON.
BENEFITS from the enhanced Canada Child Benefit, and
THE $0.67 DROP IS MAINLY DUE TO INCREASED
the new Enhanced Alberta Family The
Employment
Tax Credit.
estimates
OTTAWABENEFITS from the enhanced Canadacity
Child
Benefit,that
andone in 3 households has a
Combined annual
ridershipTORONTO
on Edmonton Transits LRT andGATINEAU
bus network MONTREAL VANCOUVER
CALGARY
pet
and
many
have
more
the new Enhanced Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit. than one.
DROPPED BY 600,000 to 88.7 million in 2015, and could drop by a
Combined annual ridership on Edmonton Transits LRT and bus network
similar amount in 2016 (88.2 million rides as of June based on a
DROPPED BY 600,000 to 88.7 million in 2015, and could drop by a
12-month rolling average).
similar amount in 2016 (88.2 million rides as of June based on a
IN 2014
(130,670 PEOPLE OF ALL
12-month rolling average).
AGES)
OF
THE
TOTAL
POPULATION LIVED IN
Despite ridership growing
IN 2014
(130,670 PEOPLE OF ALL
POVERTY. 14.9% (42,320) WERE CHILDREN
each year from 2005-2014,
AGES) OF THE TOTAL POPULATION LIVED IN
Income inequality in
Despite ridership growing
UNDER THE AGE OF 18.
it is not certain that the
POVERTY.
14.9%
(42,320)
WERE
CHILDREN
Edmonton is growing in line
each year from 2005-2014,
Income inequality in
City will meet its target of
This
is a THE
reduction
compared
to the most recent
UNDER
AGE
OF
18.
with provincial and national
it is not certain that the
Edmonton is growing in line
103 million rides by 2020.
ten-year period for which data is available.
trends.
City will meet its target of
This is a reduction compared to the most recent
with provincial and national
13.0% in 2004 to 10.3% in 2014.
103
million rides
2020. (EPSB) and Edmonton Catholic Schools (ECSD) are experiencing
ten-year period for which data is available.
Between
Edmonton
PublicbySchools
trends. 1982 and 2013, after
13.0% in 2004 to 10.3% in 2014.
accounting for inflation, the
The three-year
Betweenhigh
1982school
and 2013, after
bottom 50% of Edmonton tax
completion
rate:
accounting for inflation, the
filers saw a 3.3% increase and
The 2016
municipal
census EPSB
foundGROWTH
that Edmontonians commutedECSD
via: GROWTH
SCHOOL
YEAR:
bottom 50% of Edmonton
tax
Out of the 668,300 employed people in the EPSB was
the bottom 99%inof2014-15,
tax filersan
an
filers saw
a 3.3%
increase
and
.6%
.7% found.8%
.1%
.7%via:
The 2016
municipal
census
that students
Edmontonians
commuted
improvement
from
63.6%
ten
years
2010/11
students
region
8.9% increase in their after-tax
Out of the 668,300 employed people in the earlier. the bottom 99% of tax filers an
incomes.
CARS,
PUBLIC
BICYCLES
.6% 2015/16
.7% WALKING
.8% students
.1% MOTORCYCLES,
.7%
students
134,800 EARN $16/HR OR LESS (20.2%)
region
8.9% increase in their after-tax
TRUCKS, OR TRANSIT
SCOOTERS &
ECSD was
in 2014-15,
an
By contrast, the top
1% of tax
incomes.
students
anticipated
2016/17
118,800
EARN $16/HR
$15/HR OR
OR LESS
LESS (20.2%)
(17.8%)
CARS,
PUBLIC
WALKING students
BICYCLESanticipated
MOTORCYCLES,
134,800
EARN
VANS
ROLLER BLADES
improvement
over
the
68.5%
ten
years
filers saw a 53.4% increase
TRUCKS, OR TRANSIT
SCOOTERS &
contrast, the top 1% of tax
53,000 MAKE
WAGE
earlier. By
118,800
EARNMINIMUM
$15/HR OR
LESS($12.20
(17.8%)
and the top 0.1% of tax filers a
VANS
ROLLER BLADES
filers
saw a 53.4% increase
PER HOUR) OR LESS (7.9%).
150.2% increase
in their
53,000 MAKE MINIMUM WAGE ($12.20PROVINCE-WIDE
and the topHIGH
0.1% SCHOOL
of tax filers a
after-tax incomes.
PER HOUR) OR LESS (7.9%).
COMPLETION
RATE INin2014-15
150.2% increase
their WAS
Edmontonians
feel POLL:
that it is easiest to
IN A 2016 LEGER
after-tax
incomes.
COMPARED
TO 70.7%
OF LOW-WAGE WORKERS (73,700) IN THE REGION ARE WOMEN.
PUBLIC TRANSIT USE:

PUBLIC TRANSIT USE:
36.3 38.8
39.3
EDUCATI N
39.8EDMONTONS
40.0
LOW
INCOME RATE:
EDMONTONS
LOW10.3%
INCOME RATE:
10.3%
GETTING TO WORK:
GETTING TO WORK:
78
13 79,780
3
78
13 92,358
3
95,355
RENTAL
1
1
15.8%
2
2
33,776
40,100
40,870
commute
in Edmonton
(77% to
easy).
Edmontonians
feel that by
it iscar
easiest
MARKET:
commute in Edmonton by car (77% easy).
A rising vacancy rate is making Edmonton

THUMBS UP EDMONTON
THUMBS UP EDMONTON
ROSE FROM 1.7% IN OCTOBER 2014
TO 4.2% IN OCTOBER 2015.
LOW-WAGE WORKERS:
18.7%
LOW-WAGE
WORKERS:
71.8%
81.8%
76.4%
62%
YEARS EARLIER.
62% OF LOW-WAGE WORKERS (73,700)TEN
IN THE REGION ARE WOMEN.
THUMBS DOWN EDMONTON

THUMBS DOWN EDMONTON
2,307
THE DISASTER OF DISASTER
HOUSING
EDMONTON
GETSWENT
FIRED
BUT RENTS STILL
UPUP
BY FOR FESTIVAL CITY
FORT
MCMURRAY
EVACUEES
$
known for its Festivals and
EDMONTON
GETS FIRED
UP FOR Edmonton
FESTIVALis CITY
32 INCREASING
THE AVERAGE
the
interesting
thing is that no one can say
When
our
neighbours
to
the
north
had
to
FORT
MCMURRAY
EVACUEES
TO $1259
PER MONTH
FOR A TYPICAL
Edmonton is known for its Festivals and
for sure how many there are! According

evacuate
on May 3, 2016,
Edmontonians
TWO-BEDROOM
APARTMENT.
the interesting thing is that no one can say
When
our neighbours to
the north had to
to todoCanada.ca Edmonton has 90+
stepped up quickly to assist close to
for sure how many there are! According
evacuate
on Mayaverage
3, 2016, Edmontonians
Edmontons
monthly
rents
are
still
festivals each year but that number
80,000 people who fled Fort McMurray.
to todoCanada.ca Edmonton has 90+
stepped
quicklythan
to assist
close toof the combined
30.3%up
higher
the average
may be low. The Citys Civic Events and
festivals each year but that number
80,000
people
who fled
Fort McMurray.
Canadian
metro
areas.
Partnership department says they work
may be low. The Citys Civic Events and
with approximately 650 groups that host
Partnership department says they work
events and festivals.
with approximately 650 groups that host
Events are
events
andyear-round
festivals. in Edmonton. The
citys festivals celebrate everything from
Events are year-round in Edmonton. The
fairies to fashion to folk music Fabulous!
RENTER HOUSEHOLDS
citys festivals celebrate everything from
SPENT MORE THAN
fairies to fashion to folk music Fabulous!
50% OF THEIR
INCOME ON
HOUSING
COSTS
24,770
The Citys Emergency Support Response

Team provided 25,000 evacuees with
The Citys Emergency Support Response
services and supports and served
Team provided 25,000 evacuees with
75,000 meals.
services and supports and served
Alberta
SPCA evacuated 1,192 animals
75,000 meals.
(548 cats, 81 dogs, 66 rabbits, 83
Alberta SPCA evacuated 1,192 animals
pocket pets, 161 birds, 159 reptiles, 19
(548 cats, 81 dogs, 66 rabbits, 83
amphibians, 64 fish, 6 crabs, 5 spiders).
pocket pets, 161 birds, 159 reptiles, 19
They cared for the animals until reunited
amphibians, 64 fish, 6 crabs, 5 spiders).
with their owners.
They cared for the animals until reunited
The
pet evacuation in Canadian
withlargest
their owners.
history had 443 volunteers and included
The largest pet evacuation in Canadian
the assistance of many agencies.
history had 443 volunteers and included
Reports
of 400ofvolunteers
per day
the assistance
many agencies.
show up to assist with donation
Reports of 400 volunteers per day
collection and distribution.
show up to assist with donation
Canadians
donated
more than
collection and
distribution.
$299 million to Red Cross with
Canadians donated more than
matching government donation.
$299 million to Red Cross with
Edmonton
Emergencydonation.
Relief Services
matching government
Society led and co-ordinated the early
Edmonton Emergency Relief Services
relief effort helping approximately
Society led and co-ordinated the early
72,000 new individuals.
relief effort helping approximately
Many
business
and restaurants provided
72,000
new individuals.
discounts, freebies and waived policies
Many business and restaurants provided
to make the evacuees lives just a bit
discounts, freebies and waived policies
easier.
to make the evacuees lives just a bit
You
can tell your story or read stories of
easier.
how others stepped up: weallrespond.
You can tell your story or read stories of
makesomethingedmonton.ca.
how others stepped up: weallrespond.
makesomethingedmonton.ca.
INCOME
INEQUALITY
INCOME
IS
GETTING
INEQUALITY
WORSE:
IS GETTING
WORSE:
HIGH SCHOOL
COMPLETION RATES
ON THE RISE
The UN program
develops policies
EDMONTONIANS
and comprehensive
approaches
on
While
it
is
true
that
many
Edmontonians
FOUND
TOthe
THE DISASTER OF DISASTER
The UN programWERE
develops
policies
prevention of andBE
response
to
sexual
stepped
up
with
open
arms
and
open
HOMELESS
IN Ait is2016
and comprehensive approaches
on the
While
true that many Edmontonians
harassment and other
forms
of sexual
wallets,
there
are also many who took
(Oct.
2014)
prevention
of
and
response
to
sexual
LEGER
POLL:
stepped up with open arms and open
violence against women and girls across
the opportunity to dump junk. Relief
harassment and other forms of sexual
Only
30%
of
wallets,
there
are
also many who took
different settings.
organizations were stuck with unusable
violence against women and girls across
the
opportunity to dump junk. Relief
Edmontonians
items like dirty clothing, Christmas
Women
the majority of low-wage
different are
settings.
organizations
stuck with unusable
feel it is orwere
decorations,
things that are unsanitary,
workers:
items
like dirty
clothing, Christmas
Women are the majority of low-wage
easy
find
most
of to
which
will likely end up at the
decorations, or things that are unsanitary,
62%
of low-wage workers in the region
workers:
dump.
affordable
most of which will likely end up at the
are women making less than $16/hour, and
62% of low-wage workers in the region
housing
in the mass volume of items,
Sorting
through
dump.
66% of them make $12.20 or less.
are women making less than $16/hour, and
Edmonton.
especially when so much is not useful, only
Sorting through the mass volume of items,
Maybe
next make
year this
wont
make the
66% of them
$12.20
or less.
complicates
the
work
of
the
relief
workers
This number is
especially when so much is not useful, only
Thumbs
Down
section
of
our
report!
and
that should be allocated Maybe next year this wont make
the
upwastes
from funds
2014
The economic downturn is having a profound
complicates
the work of the relief workers
to(22%)
the disaster.
Thumbs
Down
section
of
our
report!
and
impact on the number of Edmonton residents
and wastes funds that should be allocated
COMMUNITY HOUSING:
The
moral
here folks give cash or if waiting
you
for affordable housing.
(21%)
to2015
the
disaster.
must donate goods, make sure it is unused
Region
Housing,
the major community
RACISM
RAMPANT
The
here that
folkshas
give
cash
or if Capital
you
and moral
something
been
requested.
housing provider in the region, saw its wait list
must
donate
goods,
make
sure
it
is
unused
In
September
of 2016 Jessie Lispcombe
No one needs your used hair brush.
RACISM
RAMPANT
more than
triple over
the course of the 2015
and something that has been requested.
was filming in downtown Edmonton when
year.
September of 2016 Jessie Lispcombe
No one needs your used hair brush. calendarIn
he had racial slurs yelled at him from a
was filming in31,
downtown
when
OF CITY OF EDMONTON RENTERS
AS OF DECEMBER
2015, EdmontonFAMILIES
passenger in a car.
he
had
racial
slurs
yelled
at
him
from
a
In
July
of
2016,
Bashir
Mohamed
was
cycling
passenger
in
a
car.
in
downtown
Edmonton
when
a
woman
RECEIVED
EACH
MONTH.
In July
of 2016,
Bashir Mohamed was cycling
swore and yelled a racial slur at him.
ON HOUSING COSTS.
in downtown Edmonton when a woman
Also
September,
2016 there
sworeinand
yelled a racial
slur atwere
him.several
media reports about the confirmation of
WILL WE SEE EDMONTON
Also in September, 2016 there were several
Soldiers of Odin an extreme anti-refugee
POVERTY-FREE?
media reports about the confirmation of
group in Edmonton. These are just the
WILL WE SEE EDMONTON
Soldiers of Odin an extreme anti-refugee
When more than 130,000 Edmontonians
incidents the media has recorded.
POVERTY-FREE?
EDMONTON INEQUALITY
group in Edmonton. These are just the
are living in poverty, that is hardly a
But
racismthe
isnt
simply
misguided
When more than 130,000 Edmontonians
incidents
media
hassome
recorded.
Edmonton
has
appeared
on
the
Centre
EDMONTON
INEQUALITY
thumbs up, but EndPovertyEdmonton is
individuals
acting
out.
It
goes
far deeper
are living in poverty, that is hardly a
for Policy Alternatives Worst places in
a thumbs up.
But racism isnt simply
some
misguided
Edmonton has appeared on the Centre
THE
COST
OF
in
less
obvious
ways.
If
we
dont
callHEALTHY
out
thumbs up, but EndPovertyEdmonton is
Canada to be a Woman list the past two
individuals acting out. It goes far deeper
for Policy Alternatives Worst places in
strategy aims to end
the blatant acts weEATING
will neverINget
to shine
EDMONTON
aEndPovertyEdmonton
thumbs up.
years in a row and it looks like little has
in less obvious ways. If we dont call out
Canada to be a Woman list the past two
poverty in one generation. This may seem
the light on less obvious
areas
that infect IN
UPget
improved for women in Edmonton:
EndPovertyEdmonton strategy aims to end
the blatant acts weWENT
will never
to shine
impossible but we wont know unless we try. years in a row and it looks like little has
our communities. THE
Poverty
and
racismYEARS,
are
PAST
TEN
poverty in one generation. This may seem
the
light
on
less
obvious
areas
that
infect
The
weekly
cost
of
a
nutritious
food
basket
Sexual
assault
rates
are
up:
improved for women in Edmonton:
inextricably linked.
A 2.1%
impossible but we wont know unless we try.
Poverty and racism
are
for a family of four averaged $230.30 our
for communities. INCLUDING
49 moreassault
reported
sexual
to make a This is also why EndPoverty Edmonton has
Sexual
rates
areassaults
up:
inextricably
linked.
the
first
six
months
of
2016.
The
cost
of
a
IT
COSTS
INCREASE
IN
THE
From April 1, 2016 to March 31, total of 1,039 reported in 2015.
racism asPAST
an important
factor to
food
basket
is based
on to
requirements
for
49 more
reported
sexual
assaults
make a outlined
YEAR.
This is also why EndPoverty
Edmonton has
IT COSTS
end
poverty
and
why
ECF
has
partnered
Edmonton
has a rateand
of 76.4
sexual
an adequate
healthy
diet based on
served 51,815
outlined racism as an important factor to
EACH different
YEAR people. total of 1,039 reported in 2015.
with the Skills Society Action Lab to develop
assaults
per 100,000purchases.
of the population,
supermarket
This
is
an
18.3%
increase
from
end poverty and why ECF has partnered
TO MANAGE POVERTY COSTS
Edmonton has a rate of 76.4 sexual
community action prototypes that will
trailing
only
Winnipeg
(82.4)
in
this
dubious
EACH
YEAR 28.3%
the year
before,
with the Skills Society Action Lab to develop
$2,700
FOR
EACHand
TAXPAYER.
assaults per 100,000 of the population,
reduce racism.
distinction.
TO
MANAGE
higher
than POVERTY
two years COSTS
earlier.
community action prototypes that will
trailingIN
only
Winnipeg
(82.4)
in
this
dubious
A
2016
LEGER
POLL:
$2,700
FOR
EACH
TAXPAYER.
You
mayracism.
be thinking these are only three
Since
many sexual assaults go unreported,
reduce
distinction.
2 in 5 Edmontonians
security
isthe
a significant
number of children served from these numbers
incidences
that
news focused on, so
under-represent theagree
scale offood
may be thinking these are only three
Since many
sexualin
assaults
go unreported,
5,699 to 7,797.
what?
But,a ifconsistent
Edmontonians
dont speak up
problem
Edmonton.
This hasYou
been
response
the problem.
that the news focused on, so
these numbers under-represent the scale of incidences
these incidents will become the norm and
since
the
poll
started
in
2013.
In
what? But, if Edmontonians dont speak up
theSeptember
problem. 2016 the Mayor announced
no longer newsworthy. Ask yourself: Is this
that Edmonton will join a United Nations
these incidents will become the norm and
the Edmonton you want to live in?
In September 2016 the Mayor announced
initiative to make cities safer for women.
no longer newsworthy. Ask yourself: Is this
that Edmonton will join a United Nations
the Edmonton you want to live in?
initiative to make cities safer for women.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING:
41%
4,163
FOOD SECURITY
FOOD BANK USE

RISING:
$7 BILLION
$7 BILLION
COST OF NUTRITIOUS
FOOD BASKET:
60.5%
LIVING
SOCIAL
INCLUSION
IN EDM NTON
BE A SPORT!
According to a City of Edmonton report,

82% of all Edmontonians participate in
sport activities.
Those with the highest income are the
most likely to participate.
18%
30%
39%
43%
LESS THAN $30,000

$31,000 TO $60,000
$61,000 TO $80,000
POPULATION
CONTINUES TO GROW
DEMOGRAPHICS

MEN ARE(and
MORE
LIKELY
There are 463,472 FEMALES and 434,763 MALES living in Edmonton
1,212
other).THAN WOMEN
TO BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN SPORTS.

and is now the fifth largest metro population in
Canada, after Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and
Calgary.
EPL HAS
273,232
ACTIVE CARD
HOLDERS
EDMONTON POPULATION:
2005 1,041,966
2015
1,363,277

centre in the metro region and has 899,447 people
(66.0%) living in the city, with the balance living in
CHECKING OUT
EDMONTON PUBLIC
LIBRARY (EPL)
In the first quarter of 2016 despite a 15% drop

in new members, there was AN INCREASE
IN THE AVERAGE DAILY VISITS BY 33%.
GREATER THAN $80,000
27.67% 27.46%
MARRIED
4.11%
NEVER
MARRIED
COMMON
LAW
4.10%
SEPARATED/
DIVORCED
2.56% 34.10%
WIDOWED
IN 2015, EPL MEASURED A 9% INCREASE

IN ATTENDANCE COMPARED TO 2014.
EDMONTONS
MEDIAN AGE:
36.0 CONTRIBUTION
CULTURE
TO
STILL
THE
YEARS
THE GDP IN ALBERTA BELOW
YOUNGEST
CITY:
THE NATIONAL
AVERAGE
OTTAWAGATINEAU
38.8
39.3
MONTREAL
39.8
61,800
PETS ARE
FAMILY TOO
MEANING THERE ARE MORE PETS THAN

CHILDREN UNDER 19 IN THE CITY OF
EDMONTON.
The city estimates that one in 3 households has a
pet and many have more than one.
VANCOUVER
40.0
ENROLMENT GROWTH:
%
Edmonton Public Schools (EPSB) and Edmonton Catholic Schools (ECSD) are experiencing
LOWER
THAN A DECADE
BEFORE.
SCHOOL YEAR:
EPSB GROWTH 15.8%
79,780 students
92,358 students
2015/16
CRIME SEVERITY
INDEX:
95,355
students anticipated
2016/17
2010/11
The Crime Severity Index (CSI) measures the volume

and severity of crimes reported to the police.
ECSD GROWTH
18.7%
33,776 students
40,100 students
40,870 students anticipated
CALGARY/
EDMONTON
$400
VANCOUVER
$430
THE CSI TRENDED DOWNWARD FROM

141.01 IN 2005 TO A LOW 84.30 IN 2011.
27%
IN 2014,
JOBS
WERE DIRECTLY RELATED
TO CULTURE INDUSTRIES
IN ALBERTA, OR 2.7% OF
THE
According
to2.3
the MILLION
City of JOBS
IN THE
PROVINCE.
Edmonton
in August
of 2016:THIS
IS ALSO BELOW THE
There are 195,243 cats and dogs in the city and
NATIONAL AVERAGE
(3.9%).
and younger.
EDUCATI N
39
83,492
RETIRED PERSONS
WOMEN
(9.28%)
CHILDREN FROM
PRESCHOOL TO
GRADE 12 (13.68%)
Please note these statistics do not represent metro Edmonton but the population solely within the city limits.
CALGARY TORONTO
CRIME SEVERITY
2015 IS
RECORDINSCHOOL
123,109
45%

Culture industries in Alberta contributed $6.5 billion to
GDP (1.8% of provincial GDP). This is well below the
OF CANADAS SIX LARGEST URBAN
national average (3.3%).
CENTRES.
36.3
MEN
DID NOT
RESPOND
Since then, the CSI has been trending up, most

significantly by 16% over year earlier in 2015.
RENTAL MARKET:

Edmontonians are most likely
toHIGH
agree THAT
EDMONTON
SCHOOL
ISCOMPLETION
A CULTURALLY DIVERSE
RATES
CITY (87% agree), that there
ON THE RISE
are adequate opportunities for
The three-year high(82%
schoolagree)
sports/recreation
completion
rate:
and that Edmonton is a city that
values
the 71.8%
arts (77% in
agree).
EPSB was
2014-15, an
improvement from 63.6% ten years
earlier.
Nearly two-thirds (64%)

was 81.8%
in 2014-15, an
ofECSD
Edmontonians
agree
improvement
over
the
68.5%
ten years
TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL
earlier.
MEDIA CONTRIBUTE
PROVINCE-WIDE
HIGH SCHOOL
TO
IMPROVED SOCIAL
COMPLETION
RATE
IN 2014-15 WAS
CONNECTIONS, trending
upward
since
2014.
76.4%
COMPARED
TO 70.7%
TEN YEARS EARLIER.
Among
Canadian
urban centres,
only
A rising major
vacancy
rate is making
Edmonton
Calgary
saw
a
larger
increase
(29%)
than
Edmonton in 2015.
DESPITE
THE1.7%
BIG JUMP,
CRIME SEVERITY
IN
ROSE FROM
IN OCTOBER
2014
2015
IS
STILL
39%
LOWER
THAN
A
DECADE
TO 4.2% IN OCTOBER 2015.
BEFORE.
BUT RENTS STILL WENT UP BY
Over
the past decade, Edmontons non-violent
$
INCREASING
THE AVERAGE
CSI declined
by 48% between
2005 and 2015,
TO
$1259
PER
MONTH
FORinAthe
TYPICAL
compared to a 17.4% decline
violent
TWO-BEDROOM
APARTMENT.
CSI. From 2014 to 2015, however, these trends
reversed,
with
the non-violent
CSI up
15% and
Edmontons
average
monthly rents
arebystill
the
violent
CSI than
up bythe
10%.
30.3%
higher
average of the combined
Canadian metro areas.
32
HOUSING
TORONTO
OTTAWAGATINEAU
IN A 2016
MONTREAL
LEGER POLL:
$310
$150
Only 30%
of
Edmontonians
feel it is
easy to find
affordable
MEDIAN DONATION
housing in
Edmonton.
This number is
up from 2014
(22%) and
2015 (21%)

73% of Edmontonians believe there are
opportunities to get involved in their
RENTER HOUSEHOLDS
community,
and 62% feel it is important
MORE THAN
to SPENT
be50%
involved
in their community.
OF THEIR
24,770
INCOME ON
HOUSING
COSTS
$380
ALMOST HALF (46%) OF

EDMONTONIANS SAID THEY
HAVE VOLUNTEERED in the
past 12 months, significantly
lower than 55% in 2015.
2,307
FOUR-IN-FIVE
(78%)
EDMONTONIANS
WERE FOUND
TO
EDMONTONIANS
DONATED
MONEY TOBE
A HOMELESS
CHARITY or non(Oct. in
2014)
profit organization
the past
12 months, consistent with 2015
(79%).
CHARITABLE GIVING:
280,780 INDIVIDUALS IN EDMONTON DONATED
A TOTAL OF $427 MILLION TO REGISTERED
CHARITIES IN 2014. DONORS TEND TO BE
SOMEWHAT
OLDER
WITH is
THE
AVERAGE
AGE OF
The economic
downturn
having
a profound
EDMONTON
DONORS
51 YEARS.
impact on the
number BEING
of Edmonton
residents
COMMUNITY HOUSING:
Capital Region Housing, the major community

housing provider in the region, saw its wait list
more than triple over the course of the 2015
calendar year.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING:
ALBERTAS
NATIONAL
PARKS
RENTERS
41% OF CITY OF EDMONTON
AS OF DECEMBER
31, 2015, 4,163 FAMILIES
(47,055 HOUSEHOLDS) LIVE
IN UNAFFORDABLE
SEE
THE MOST VISITORS
WE ARE NOT ALONE?
According to a recent Angus Reid
poll the vast majority of Canadians
(79%) say it is either definitely (29%)
or probably (50%) true that intelligent
life exists elsewhere in the universe.

The number ofINCOME
people visiting Albertas national parks and
THAN 30% OF THEIR HOUSEHOLD
historic sites was up significantly in 2014-15 to 6.87 million
ON HOUSING COSTS.
visitors. This comprised over one-half of the visitors to all
of Canadas national parks and historic sites (13.52 million
visitors).
FOOD SECURITY
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
FOOD BANK USE
ERICK AMBTMAN
Edmonton Mennonite
Centre for Newcomers
YVONNE CHIU
Multicultural Health
Brokers
BOB MARVIN
Norquest College
LEO CAMPOSA ALDUNEZ

The Community
Networks Group
RISING:
ALICE COLAK
ASHLEY DRYBURGH
Catholic Social Services
Edmonton
Community
From April
1, 2016 to
March 31,
Foundation
2016 Edmontons
Food Bank
CHERYL DIEBEL served 51,815 different people.
Government of Alberta
BUKOLA
SALAMI
This is anDR.
18.3%
increase
from
University
of
Alberta
RANDY GURLOCK
Citizenship and
JANIS IRWIN
Immigration Canada
Community Member
(retired)
5,699 to MARLENE
7,797.
MULDER
JENNIFER FOWLER
Norquest College
City of Edmonton
Please note: Admission to Canadas parks in 2017 will be

free in celebration of Canadas sesquicentennial birthday.
COST OF NUTRITIOUS
FOOD BASKET:
THE COST OF HEALTHY

EATING IN EDMONTON
IN
WENT UP
THE PAST TEN YEARS,
INCLUDING
A 2.1%
JOHN KOLKMAN
INCREASE
THE
Edmonton IN
Social
Planning
Council
PAST
YEAR.
60.5%

for a familyPALLARD
of four averaged
$230.30
for
JOSEPHINE
CAROL
WATSON
the first
six months of 2016.
The costCommunity
of a
Centre
for Immigrant
Edmonton
food basket is based on requirements
Women
Foundation for
an adequate and healthy diet based on
KATHI
CAMPBELL
STELLA GORE
supermarket
purchases. ELIZABETH BONKINK
Edmonton Regional
Edmonton Community
Edmonton Social
Child and Family
Foundation
Planning Council
IN ADivision
2016 LEGER POLL:
Services
SUSAN MORRISSEY
Alberta
Services
2 in Human
5 Edmontonians
agree food security is a significant
Edmonton Social
problem
in
Edmonton.
This has
been a consistent response
GARY WILLITS
Planning
Council
since
the
poll
started
in
2013.
Edmonton Police Service

2016 Edmonton Vital Signs Report

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Community foundations taking the pulse of Canadian communities.

Community foundations taking the pulse of Canadian communities.

IMMIGRANT: A person who migrates to another country,

WHO ARE WE?

We are all immigrants.

for the first time the fundamental objectives of Canadas

1972 Ugandan Asians expelled from Uganda by dictator Idi Amin

Southeast Asians, known as

Immigrants mostly from

Immigrants mostly from

Federal Government allows entry of

Agricultural settlement begins, CP railway

Agricultural settlement begins, CP railway

The UN Convention Relating to the

The UN Convention Relating to the

POPULATION OF CITY OF EDMONTON

Alberta becomes a province with

Leduc #1 oil discovery

1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia

First permanent settlement

Chinese immigrants begin

ECF VITAL Work

Multicultural Family Resource Society has

A higher percentage of employed immigrants,

Of immigrants who have entered Canada

On average, immigrants arriving in Edmonton are

Almost the same amount of immigrants

IN 2011 THOSE WHO HAD OBTAINED A POSTSECONDARY CERTIFICATE OR ABOVE

53.8% OF ADULT CANADIAN-BORN

OF THE 47,185 PERMANENT

came as economic immigrants,

IN CANADA THERE ARE FOUR

under family reunification categories,

economic immigrants (skilled

family class (closely related

refugees (people who are escaping

other (people accepted as

People who have been

EDMONTONS NEWCOMER POPULATION ON THE RISE

The number of persons arriving as permanent

Between November 4, 2015

26,141 Syrian refugees

In the first quarter of 2016 Edmonton had 5,747

The 1951 Refugee Convention

Unlike the uncontrolled migration into many

IN A 2016 LEGER SURVEY:

Sources for these statistics are available at ecfoundation.org

ECF VITAL Work

EPS: TEACHING WHAT IT

The Edmonton Mennonite Centre for

ECF VITAL Work

Many newcomers to Canada access services to

Centre for Race and Culture received

Within 10 years of first study in Canada

In the 12 months between April 2015 and March

ECF VITAL Work

The most highly educated international students are the

32% with Bachelors degree, and

IN A 2016 LEGER SURVEY:

60% of Edmontonians believe that refugees often experience discrimination.

discrimination will contribute to quality of life.

Sources for these statistics are available at ecfoundation.org

It takes a minimum of about