Civic engagement is when people actively participate in their community through voting, volunteering, and other activities to drive positive change and improvement. It's important to know the different levels of government and how you can engage with your local representatives. This page has resources to get you started.
Project
Civic Engagement and Community Connections
Learn more about who to connect with on the issues you care about
3 July 2024
Getting involved can help drive positive change
Local
City Council consists of the Mayor and City Councillors, one representing each of Calgary’s 14 Wards. Councillors represent the citizens in their ward in making Council decisions that have local and city-wide impact. Some areas that fall into their jurisdiction include:
- Public transportation
- Libraries & parks
- Housing
- Police and fire departments
- Garbage & recycling
- Water & sewage
- Roads & parking
- Municipal taxes
Provincial
Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) represent people from across Alberta's. MLA's advocate for their constituents on provincial issues, including:
- Healthcare
- Housing
- All levels of education (K-12 and university-level)
- Workers' compensation
- Income support benefits
- Child care
- Labour standards
Federal
Members of Parliament (MPs) represent their constituents across Canada on federal issues, including:
- Housing
- Employment insurance benefits
- Immigration
- Canada pension
- Old age security
- Criminal law
- Income taxes
Community Connections
Getting to know your neighbour is one way to make an impact on poverty reduction. There are a lot of ways you can strengthen community connections. Every little thing we do helps make our communities stronger and creates brighter futures for all. Click on the items below for some ideas.
Whether it's helping an older neighbour with a chore or being friendly, try to meet five new people in your community.
Mutual aid means people helping each other. You can cook a meal or provide child care for a friend who needs it.
Visit your library or community centre for fun activities and chances to meet new friends.
Help with projects like making a garden, adding food to community pantries, or cleaning up the neighborhood.
When you vote in municipal, provincial, and federal elections, you get to choose who represents you and the policies we follow.
Get involved
Enough for All relies on bringing together change-makers in Calgary to help us reduce poverty in our city. Whether you're an individual, a company, or an organization, you can take action to reduce poverty in Calgary.