The Edmonton Chapter is one of about 40 Chapters of the Council of Canadians (www.canadians.org) across the country. In the Edmonton Region, about 3000 CofC supporters are represented by a volunteer-run Steering Committee who coordinate activities. National organizational Values include democracy, accountability, non-partisanship; social, environmental and economic justice. The Mission of ‘b
ringing people together through collective action and grassroots organizing to challenge corporate power and advocate for people, the planet and our democracy’ guides our Chapter activism, as does the Vision of creating a more just world. The National Goals of clean water, dignity and respect for all, governments that work for the public good and protection of the ‘commons’ are aligned with our local Chapter goals. Our Chapter Values are geared towards Activism, Education and Community support. We are action-oriented, collegial, collaborative, inclusive. We make decisions by consensus, foster a shared community and respond to issues that are important to our members. We cherish our supportive interpersonal relationships and value diversity/pluralism. We work towards a caring society, environmental sustainability, responsible government for the people, corporate accountability, a strengthened democracy and judicial system. We protect the Commons – ecological, social and cultural resources shared by all – from privatization and abuse. We promote environmental stewardship of our natural resources. Organizational Approach:
Working Groups are coordinated by the volunteer Edmonton Chapter Steering Committee. Working Groups are creative, somewhat autonomous and collaborate with allies where and when possible. Together, we create effective People Power, amplifying calls for government accountability and transparency. At our most effective, we educate the public and lobby governments for improved policies/legislation for social, environmental and economic justice. We welcome new members and even new Working Groups, within our limited capacities as volunteers. The Regional Organizer and National Staff/organization do provide some training opportunities. Indeed, the Edmonton Chapter provides some capacity building resources such as issue/Working Group specific webinars and, when possible, in person workshops and informative Town Halls. Effective introductory activities for new volunteers include: issue/wroking group specific research and building connections with current and potential allies. Of course, we’re open to your suggestions as well and you’re welcome to attend our on-line monthly Steering Committee Meetings. If you’re interested, please drop us an email at [email protected]
Current and a Few Aspirational Working Groups: (If you have any questions about our Working Groups or would like to help out in any way, send an email to [email protected]
Alberta Beyond Coal: This group is really more of a coalition with a number of major Alberta environmental groups, including significant volunteer contributions from Edmonton Chapter Steering Committee members. A very active and effective initiative which has vigorously challenged Alberta Government coal policy. For more information see: www.albertabeyondcoal.ca
Pesticide Free Edmonton Working Group: Another active and effective initiative in this case vigorously challenging municipal pesticide policies and practices. Currently focused on building citizen support and lobbying the City to implement an effective Cosmetic Pesticide Ban. For more information and to show your support, follow the link below and provide your contact information: https://edmontoncouncilofcanadians.ca/pesticide-free-edmonton/
The Commons Edmonton: Podcast On Civil Society and Democracy. https://thecommonsedmonton.org/ An “arms length” podcast project, operating independently from the Edmonton Chapter and the Council of Canadians as a whole. Welcomes help with research, episode ideas and other production assistance. The Onoway River Valley Conservation Association Working Group: For 20 years, this volunteer group has worked to protect the Sturgeon River watershed and, in particular, to challenge ecologically damaging sand and gravel/aggregate strip mining along the Sturgeon River just north and west of Edmonton. Web page under construction, though, much information is available here: https://thecommonsedmonton.org/pagee-1
Reclaim Alberta: Web site under construction
Building Alliances/Other Projects: This is a place for new working groups and for aspirational projects. More to come! Web site under construction.
