Let's Talk Poverty

For World Health Day, we sat down with Dr. David Campbell and Dr. Amity Quinn, co-directors of the Health Policy Trails Unit at the University of Calgary to ask them questions like: how do we improve health outcomes for Calgarians living in poverty? How can small interventions, like financial incentives, impact patient and physician behavior? Why is it important for academic researchers and community organizations to work collaboratively? 

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 connects with Dr. Brian R. Sinclair about the Quality in Canada's Built Environment research project, including Calgary's role in the project, and the challenges and opportunities of Calgary's urban landscape. 

In this episode of Let's Talk Poverty Meagohn 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!

In this episode of Let's Talk Poverty, Meaghon Reid speaks with Alex Sarian, CEO & President of Arts Commons, to explore how the arts can drive systems change, reduce barriers for patrons and artists, and foster civic dialogue.

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 Lee Stevens, Policy and Research Specialist at VCC and Nick Falvo, a leading researcher on housing and homelessness to discuss the No Place To Go report, its findings and further actions that need to be taken to end homelessness in Calgary. 

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, Lee Stevens connects with Jill Pable, a professor at Florida State University and creator of the non-profit, Design Resources for Homelessness, to discuss trauma informed design principles ofr homelessness. 

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, Meaghon Reid connects with Dr. Richard Lewanczuk, Edmonton-based endocrinologist and Senior Medical Director of Health System Integration for Alberta Health Services to discuss loneliness and its impacts on health and well-being. 

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, Jaclyn Silbernagel connects with Inam Teja, a local advocate and policy expert working to shape the way we think about housing, homelessness and city-building in Calgary. 

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, Meaghon Reid sits down with Catriona Le May Doan, President and CEO of Sport Calgary, to talk about creating a Calgary where sport is accessible to all, breaking down barriers to provide equitable community sports programs and representation in sports. Learn more about Sport Calgary here: https://sportcalgary.ca

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 of Let's Talk Poverty, Meaghon Reid chats with Anna Murphy, a community advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, about trans rights in Alberta, the fragility of human rights and what real allyship looks like. 

In this episode of Let's Talk Poverty, Jaclyn chats with Meaghon Reid, Executive Director of Vibrant Communities Calgary about the state of poverty in Calgary, VCC's Beneath the Surface report and what individuals can do in their spheres of influence to affect poverty reduction and build community wellbeing. They also touch on an array of topics from affordable housing to social disorder to why it matters that we collects metrics and data in more meaninfgul ways. 

In this episode, Jaclyn Silbernagel sits down with Salimah Kassam, leader of Rise Calgary, to explore what it means to move from a scarcity to strength mindset, the concept of designing systems that create slack for people, and what some of the roadblocks are to shifting perspectives on poverty. They also discuss behavioural economics, why collaboration is necessary for solving poverty, and how innovations like mobility coaching are building the capacity for people to create new futures.

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.

In this episode, Jaclyn Silbernagel sits down with James Stauch, executive director of the Institute for Community Prosperity at Mount Royal University, to explore social innovation and social purpose, and how systems mapping is a wayfinding tool that helps deepen one's understanding of a problem. They also discuss a variety of other topics including different social enterprise models, the impact of homogeneous groups designing systems, the skills needed to solve complex challenges, and how truly transformative and sustainable change requires many people, many institutions, lots of trusting relationships, and a deep commitment over time.

In this episode, Jaclyn Silbernagel sits down with Jessica Cope Williams, Co-CEO of Kindred Connections Society to explore how an organization's name can act as a barrier to those trying to access services and what it means to be a connection first organization. They also discuss mental health, poverty and early parenthood, and how investments in collaborative work across organizations shape better pathways to accessing services more easily.

In this episode, Meaghon Reid sits down with the CEO of Calgary Reads, Steacy Pinney, to discuss how Calgary Reads is spreading early literacy across Calgary through the Dandelion strategy, and the importance of literacy and prevention in the early years. They also explore how relationships are the catalyst for progress and change, how literacy is a community responsibility, along with some insights on how we can be bold enough to create space for challenging the status quo and brave enough to admit when it's time to let go.

In this episode, Jaclyn Silbernagel sits down with Sarah Sinclair, a Lawyer who leads the Indigenous justice program, Sahwoo mohkaak tsi ma taas (Blackfoot for “Before Being Judged”) at Calgary Legal Guidance. They discuss creating equal access to justice for Indigenous people, how Indigenous Law brings healing, and the need for systemic change in the legal system.

In this episode, Jaclyn Silbernagel is joined by policy and research specialist Lee Stevens to explore basic income. What a basic income could mean for Canadians and how it could have a positive impact on our social support systems. Insights into why basic income is a bold approach and why it's important now. Providing evidence that debunks some of the misconceptions about basic income and how we have existing benefits in Canada that act as working models for a basic income.

In this episode, Jaclyn Silbernagel and co-host Lee Stevens dig into the topics of child care, women, and the economy with Andrea Cox from YW Calgary and Nevena Ivanovic with the Women's Centre of Calgary. Together they discuss why child care is an economic imperative, share insights into the care economy, and examine why advancements in child care also require investments in the child care workforce

In this episode, Meaghon Reid sits down with the CEO of The Alex, Joy Bowen-Eyre, to discuss what it means to provide dignified services, and how food is a convenor and community builder. They also explore how progress comes from investing energy into policy and advocacy and why it's important to abandon the status quo.

In this episode, Jaclyn Silbernagel is joined by Community Facilitation and Engagement Specialist Hagir Sail to explore allyship. Discussing how Enough for All principles like shared leadership, reducing racism and discrimination and dignity for all relate to allyship. Providing ideas about what active allyship looks like, and how it may require people to sit in discomfort and choose not to avoid the work out of fear of making mistakes. They also examine how individuals and organizations can use their privilege to leverage.

In this episode, Jaclyn Silbernagel is joined by Celestina Akinkunmi with the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA) to discuss how providing resources and supports makes a difference in how newcomers navigate and adjust to life in Canada. They examine the importance of removing language barriers from the equation and how meaningful partnerships help CIWA respond to the unique and individual needs of immigrant women and girls, and their families.

In this episode, Vibrant Communities Calgary and EndPovertyEdmonton's Executive Directors share perspectives on poverty reduction and the future of Alberta. Discussing innovation and public will, the concept of servicing poverty, the role of policy in poverty reduction, and how municipalities are leading the way.

In this episode, VCC's Meaghon Reid sits down with Momentum's Jeff Loomis to talk about financial empowerment, innovations like the QUBER savings app, skills training, reconciliation, and why investing in the local economy and adopting social procurement policies are valuable practices.

In this episode, Jaclyn Silbernagel catches up with Sue Gwynn from Poverty Talks! to chat about the importance of engaging with the voices of lived experience. Hear about why Poverty Talks! challenges perceptions around poverty, how models and systems keep people in poverty, and why poverty is a trap.

In this episode, VCC's Executive Director Meaghon Reid sits down with Mayor Naheed Nenshi. Mayor Nenshi is one of the original champions of the Enough for All strategy and emphasizes how ‘my neighbour's strength is my strength.' Listen to them discuss priorities for Calgary and poverty reduction, insights from over a decade of serving as Calgary's mayor, advice for navigating the multi-jurisdictional landscape, the importance of policy, programs and people, and their optimism for the future.

VCC's Executive Director Meaghon Reid sits down with Karen Young, president and CEO of the United Way of Calgary and Area, to discuss how community partnerships deliver dividends in the poverty reduction space. The United Way is a leader in developing key partnerships that drive results. Get to know what the United Way has learned from initiatives like Community Hubs, how businesses are evolving around social purpose, and how they're taking community action on youth mental health.

In this episode, literary specialist Berniece Gowan discusses how improving literacy levels can shift the needle on poverty reduction. With one in five Albertans experiencing challenges in literacy, numeracy or use of basic digital technology, these individuals can face stigma, employment challenges and increased levels of poverty. Organizations like Calgary Learns are tackling this issue head on with their focus on how to make community-based learning more accessible. Berniece's work on why literacy matters and how to improve foundational learning, have had incredible impacts on the community.