The research mandate of the Canadian Poverty Institute is to provide research opportunities for scholars, non-profit organizations and students in all areas affected by poverty in Canada. The Institute works with government, non-profit organizations and churches to research areas of community concern and seek solutions. Research at Ambrose is based on the pillars of diversity and peer-review. Research is intended to contribute to our academic disciplines, the public of Alberta and Canada, and the international partners we serve.
Current projects
Inclusive Business for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises: Addressing Barriers and Building Capacity
Research has shown that companies that adopt inclusive practices do better in the long run. Despite the advantages accruing to inclusive practices, many businesses fail to adopt them. This research project aims to better understand these constraints faced by Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in order to increase the adoption of inclusive practices leading to more decent work for Canadian workers.
past projects
Calgary Hailstorm Impact Study
On June 13, 2020, communities of the Northeast quadrant of Calgary experienced a catastrophic hailstorm that caused upwards of $1.2 billion in insured damages. Using a Community-based Participatory Research approach, the purpose of this project was to capture the current narratives from community members about the impact of the hailstorm and identify gaps in insurance, community and government disaster responses in order to inform current and future recovery efforts. This project is made possible by the generous support of The Co-operators Insurance company.
Covid19 and the Newly Vulnerable
The global pandemic has created massive disruption in life as usual. In particular, it has affected a new group of people termed “newly vulnerable”. These are people who were not previously in poverty but have been put at significant risk due to economic and social pressures linked to COVID-19. This research focuses on these newly vulnerable households to understand their characteristics and how best to serve this group to prevent even more Canadians from falling into poverty. Funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
Covid Recovery Strategy
In response to the social and economic disruption of Covid19, the Canadian Poverty Institute worked with partner organizations to assess the long-term impacts of the pandemic and prepare an integrated strategy for recovery.
The role of the church in poverty reduction
What is the preferred role for Canadian churches in poverty reduction? This project tackles that question, informed by community-based research with the intent of mobilizing knowledge and inspiring community action. Conducted with a grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) in partnership with the Canadian Council of Churches, the Centre for Community Based Research, and Food for the Hungry Canada.
Poverty and the New Economy
New inclusive business practices and forms of economic activity have the potential to generate quality employment. This research initiative reviewed the adoption of new business and economic practices in Ontario to assess their potential impact on poverty reduction. Sponsored by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Justice Sector Coordination Project
In order to increase access to justice services, The Justice Sector Coordination Research Project examined the justice sector service system in Alberta to identify barriers to service coordination and integration and develop recommendations for more effective service integration in order to increase access to justice for vulnerable Albertans.
Financial Risk and Resilience of Low-income Canadians
This research explored the financial risks and risk management needs of people living in poverty or at the fringe of poverty, as well as indigenous peoples, recent immigrants, and seniors. This research was undertaken in 2019 to contribute to the development of appropriate products and services to meet the unmet financial needs of low-income Canadians. Sponsored by The Cooperators.
1000 Voices: Community Assessment and Sustainability Planning
In 2017-18, the Canadian Poverty Institute supported the ongoing development of the 1000 Voices initiative at the Genesis Centre in NE Calgary by
Conducting a Community Assessment using a Participatory Action Research approach that assessed the assets and issues of the North of McKnight area to inform the ongoing development of responsive programs and services.
Prepared a Sustainability Plan based on organizational analysis and the results of the Community Assessment to provide to ensure the organizational and financial viability of the initiative over the medium term.
A Multi-Dimensional Definition of Child Poverty
This research project addressed both the lack of a national definition of child poverty and the need for coordination in addressing child poverty in Calgary. The objectives of this project were to develop a multi-dimensional definition of child poverty in Calgary that accounts for factors such as material, economic, social / cultural, psychological, spiritual and moral needs. The project further assessed the alignment between a multi-dimensional definition of child poverty and key social and economic policies and programs impacting children and their families in Calgary.