Members from North Division, along with Supt. Brad Ward attended an Alberta Somali Community meeting on Friday, January 29th. The meeting showcased the challenges, opportunities, and work to be done at the grassroots level in Edmonton to achieve integration and equality for Canadians of Somali heritage.

Inspiring messages were delivered to encourage young Canadian-Somalis to participate in civic initiatives. “Be the change you want to be,” is the message sent by Ahmed Hussen, National President of the Canadian Somali Congress. “Whether we remain marginalized or fully integrated depends on you and us.”

A report conducted by the Canadian Somali Congress will soon be released outlining the reasons young Canadian youth of Somali heritage are having difficulty engaging in Canadian society. There is an acute lack of access to jobs, and those who are employed are being paid six times below the income of mainstream Canadians. Education is critical and the Canadian Congress is advocating for an increase in mandatory school attendance in Alberta from 16 to 18; something that is already in place in Ontario.

In Canada, 68 per cent of the Canadian Somali community is below the age of 14; and 80 per cent of the population is under 30. To effect change and engage Canadian Somali youth, we need to understand what they are facing and then talk about solutions. A “Youth for Change” program has been developed by the Alberta Somali community and consists of 10 youth workers who organize events, reach out and empower other youths.

The Alberta and Canadian Somali organizations will continue lobbying the government to get funding for much needed services; and advocate in the media to showcase their proud and extraordinary culture and best and the brightest of their youth. Their vision is to see full participation of Canadian Somalis in all aspects of Canadian society.

Responding to the issues of crime, Mahamad Accord, President, Alberta Somali Community Centre says, “A very small segment of the Canadian Somali community in Edmonton is experiencing challenges related to crime and violence. The community acknowledges this fact and wants to have a constructive relationship with EPS in order to deal with this challenge.”

He acknowledges that the community’s trust and work with the police has really improved over the last two years. “We want the relationship between the community and EPS to be one that is based on Canadian values of mutual respect, understanding, equality and integration,” concludes Mr. Accord.

Full integration and equality is looking at issues from an ‘us’ perspective. As Canadians, these challenges are our problem, and not a Somali problem.

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Source: Edmonton Police

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