The lack of women in crucial positions in the Canadian economy and their salaries was brought up last week at an Edmonton International Women’s Day luncheon.
January 13, 2021
“There is a vibrant and colorful slice of Jewish life here on the prairies, in one of the most northern Jewish outposts in the world, with people and institutions that continue to provide cultural, educational, religious and spiritual activities for its members, and to honour the history of its founders.”
Edmonton, Alberta was first incorporated as a town in 1892. At that time, there were about 700 permanent residents. Founded on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River on the site of the former Hudson’s Bay Company’s Fort Edmonton, it soon began to attract a growing populace. Abraham and Rebecca Cristall, Edmonton’s first Jews, arrived in 1893. Their children, George and Rose, were the first Jewish children to be born in Edmonton. Abe became a successful businessman and helped to bring more Jews over from his native Bessarabia in Eastern Europe. By 1901, there were 17 Jewish citizens in Edmonton. Three years later, Edmonton was incorporated as a city. I
“Do you mean I will get more to eat than once a day?” he said incredulously.
Welcome to the world of Janine Fraser, executive director of Kids Kottage, the 24-hour, 12-bed shelter for families facing a crisis.
“The situation for many families in Edmonton was previously dire,” she says. “Now it’s double-dire. And children are the hidden victims.
“With ever-increasing COVID-19 numbers, we are seeing more families overwhelmed with worry, grief, job loss, extreme poverty, homelessness and mental and physical health issues.
“Sadly, the fear of spousal abuse and contacting COVID are keeping some mothers away.”
While the children make friends, playing games and eating nutritious meals, parents develop a support network of counsellors who will help break the cycle causing their problems.