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March 23, 2005
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The Edmonton Civic Panel is presenting its findings today on the extent
to which our city is an inclusive community. The panel, made up of
civic and community leaders, spent the past year collecting stories and
reflections from 200 individuals and groups on their experiences with
social and economic inclusion.
“Far too many people in Edmonton continue to face institutional,
community and personal barriers,” says Edmonton City Councillor Janice
Melnychuk, who has also served as co-chair of the Edmonton Civic Panel
with Lewis Cardinal, Director of Native Student Services at the U of A.
“Those barriers prevent many from being able to participate
meaningfully in the city’s economic and social life,” adds Cardinal.
“Whether they be people from visible minorities, are gay, live with
disabilities or have a low income, many people are marginalized and
excluded from mainstream life.”
Key among the findings is that sustainable income and affordable
housing pose the largest challenges for Edmonton being more inclusive.
“The findings are a wakeup call for policy makers and residents of the
growing gaps in our communities,” says Edmonton City Councillor Michael
Phair, who also co-chairs Inclusive Cities Canada (ICC), the national
organization behind this local initiative.
The report of the Edmonton Civic Panel is one of five reports being
released today across the country. Social planning councils in four
other cities undertook a similar “inclusion audit” of their cities.
On a positive note, researchers across the country found a universal
desire by participants to make their cities work. “The participants
view diversity as an asset,” says Christa Freiler, National Coordinator
of ICC. “And they appreciate the contributions made by public
institutions and services such as schools, libraries, parks and
recreation to urban vibrancy and see their local governments as largely
accessible.”
The Edmonton report with its 19 recommendations covering eight
dimensions of city life will be presented to Edmonton City Council and
other key civic and community bodies.
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Sunday, 05 February 2012 
