Let's Talk Poverty

Michelle James sits down with Dr. Andrew McGee, associate professor at the University of Alberta and Courtney Mo, Director of Community Impact at Momentum, to discuss the findings of new research on Alberta's Gig Economy. Led by the Calgary Social Policy Collaborative, this new report exposes the pressures facing Alberta's gig workers and the policy tools that could better support them.

Jaclyn Silbernagel sits down with members of the Enough for All Lived Experience Network — a group of individuals who have personally experienced poverty in different ways. Together they discuss the need for a compassionate society, the lasting impacts of intergenerational experiences, and how listening to people's lived experiences can change how we see poverty and one another. Their diverse voices and perspectives deepen our understanding of poverty. At Vibrant Communities Calgary, centring these voices is essential to advancing the work of poverty reduction. These stories and insights are lived expertise, informing how we address the systems that keep poverty in place.

Jaclyn Silbernagel sits down with four executive directors of legal guidance organizations across Alberta to discuss access to justice, the need to provide free or low-cost legal advice and representation, and why we need to influence broader systemic change. Many thanks to our guests, Executive Director of Calgary Legal Guidance Lisa Stebbins, Executive Director of Edmonton Community Legal Centre Debbie Klein, Executive Director of Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic Kathy Parsons, and Executive Director of Lethbridge Legal Guidance Society Carrie Larson.

In this episode of Let's Talk Poverty, Jaclyn Silbernagel connects with Buddie Dixon and Shawna Morning Bull, the co-chairs of the Indigenous Gathering Place. They discuss the need for a purpose-built and culturally rich gathering space dedicated to ceremony and the sharing of Indigenous knowledge.

In December 2024, VCC hosted 25 Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members for a pipe ceremony to honour their work, strengthen connections, and discuss Indigenous perspectives on building a future where there is enough for all. Aligning with Indigenous teachings of oral storytelling traditions, this reflection captures the conversations, wisdom, and experiences shared during the gathering. Rather than a conventional summary, this blog follows the flow of dialogue and storytelling, allowing the voices of those present to guide the narrative. The audio recording by Elder Wanda First Rider offers an opportunity to hear these reflections in their intended form; spoken, shared, and lived.

In this episode of Let's Talk Poverty Meaghon Reid speaks with Kate Koplovich from Calgary Economic Development to discuss and explore how dynamic strategies like Uplook can drive meaningful social and systemic change. In this episode Explore the role of Calgary Economic Development and the Uplook strategy in driving economic development that directly impacts poverty reduction, with a focus on creating opportunities for all Calgarians. Learn how Uplook incorporates elements of community development and how Calgary Economic Development partners with local organizations to ensure accessibility and inclusivity in economic opportunities. Understand how Uplook plans to evolve in response to emerging challenges and opportunities, and the importance of balancing formal economic strategies with community-led initiatives to shape Calgary's economic future. Three key takeaways How the Uplook strategy is committed to fostering inclusive economic growth by addressing poverty through targeted initiatives that ensure equitable access to opportunities, paving the way for a more balanced and resilient economy. Community-centred collaboration is key to building a more inclusive economy, where partnerships with local organizations make economic opportunities accessible to everyone, especially those who have been marginalized. The future of Calgary's economy depends on adaptive strategies that combine formal economic planning with community-led initiatives, ensuring a sustainable and resilient economy shaped by both professional expertise and local leadership. About Kate Koplovich Born and raised in Calgary, Kate's purpose and passion is the city of Calgary. In her work with Calgary Economic Development, as the Director of Strategy, she does this by leading Uplook: An Action Plan for Our Economy, Calgary's long-term economic plan, and Calgary Economic Development's internal corporate strategies. Prior to Calgary Economic Development, she was with Deloitte's Sustainability & Climate Change team. I hold an MSc in Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment from University College London and continue to do economic policy analysis at Calgary Economic Development. Outside of work she is an avid outdoors(wo)man, has completed two Half Iron (wo)Mans, and is passionate about music and the arts in all its forms. To give back to the community, she volunteers with the Calgary Youth Justice Society's In The Lead program and sits on the Board of Directors for Connecting Environmental Professionals Calgary, a grassroots networking organization for young professionals in the environmental and sustainability sector. Useful Information/Resources/ Show Notes: Read more about the 'The Uplook Strategy' from Calgary Economic Development Learn more about Kate's book recommendations mentioned in the episode–' American Dirt' by Jeanine Cummins and 'The Stuff of Thought' by Brian Steven Pinker. Subscribe to Let's Talk Poverty on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Share your thoughts. Have an idea for us to explore or a question for us? Send us a message!

Making Ends Meet is a work from creator Sage Cannon. This project was part of Sage's Master of Fine Arts research at the University of Calgary. Sage had the privilege of working with three young adults who opened themselves up to a creative process and told her their lived experiences of poverty. Sage also includes her own experiences of poverty throughout childhood and adulthood in this project, and the work has been a process of community coming together to share stories. These creations teach us about how people react and talk about poverty and ultimately how we don't talk about it enough. It shines a light on people's vulnerability and storytelling. As one participant said when asked what they wish others knew about poverty, "It's not always extremes, there is always someone closer to you than you think." The reality of people's day-to-day experiences is in sharp contrast to the possibilities our futures can hold. Vibrant Communities Calgary worked closely with Sage to bring these stories to you in different forms. Watch the animation and listen to the entire audio play – a collaboration with over 100 voices that are part of the Calgary community. While you listen, consider what actions you can take to build a future that has enough for everyone.

In this episode of Let's Talk Poverty, Meaghon Reid connects with Leslie Hill, Executive Director of Discovery House, about the realities of support provided to those affected by domestic violence, the need for trauma-informed care and the importance of policy changes to provide long-term support and prevention. Resources 24-Hour Violence Helpline: If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, please call 403-234-7233. This helpline is available 24/7 with supportive professionals on the other end. Learn more about the incredible work being done at Discovery House. Prosperity Project is a national project highlighting salary disparities in different sectors, including the social sector.

In this episode of Let's Talk Poverty, Jaclyn Silbernagel connects with Dan Jones, a police-officer turned academic to discuss human-centered and trauma-informed practices in the criminal Justice system, the victim-offender overlap, and how evidence-based practice can reduce crime. Resources referenced in this episode: Trauma Informed Lawyer podcast I Am More Than My Criminal Record Targeting Domestic Abuse with Police Data Peace and Good Order In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts Art of Racing in the Rain

In this episode of Let's Talk Poverty, Lee Stevens connects with David MacDonald, senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, to discuss his recent report on CEO pay in Canada, taxation and income inequality.

In this episode of Let's Talk Poverty, Meaghon Reid sits down with mental health and addictions advocate Karen Gosbee to discuss the realities of domestic violence, the importance of systems working together to create wraparound supports and how we can shift the mental models surrounding mental health and addictions. Links: https://www.karengosbee.ca/book/ https://www.calgary.ca/social-services/mental-health.html https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/get-help-with-substance-use.html

In this episode of Let's Talk Poverty, Jaclyn Silbernagel sits down with Elder Wanda First Rider to talk about Indigenous ways of knowing and being, the importance of ceremony and teachings, and her perspective on poverty and how everything we need is here.

In this episode, Meaghon Reid sits down with Adam Legge, president of the Business Council of Alberta, to explore what the role of business is in society, how that role is evolving, links between business and a healthy society, and the concept of shared prosperity. They also discuss financial and social prosperity, perspectives on how businesses may intervene, influence or shift policy, and insights into why we need to have the ability to generate income and wealth, while also investing in and sustaining social relationships in order to create a sense of belonging, a sense of well-being, a sense of community, and a sense of place.