7.6 KiB
Freedom From State Violence
!!! danger "Urgent: Ongoing State Violence" As Albertans, we must acknowledge that state violence isn't just about physical force - it's happening through policy decisions, resource allocation, and systemic discrimination every day. Through our compliance and silence, we enable a system that perpetuates harm against marginalized communities. This institutional violence threatens everyone's freedom, and we must take responsibility for dismantling it.
!!! quote "Systemic Justice Wisdom" "State violence isn't just about physical force - it's about the systemic ways institutions can harm communities."
Call Alberta Human Rights Commission{ .md-button } Email Human Rights Commission{ .md-button }
Call Alberta Ombudsman{ .md-button } Email Alberta Ombudsman{ .md-button }
Why Do We Need Freedom From State Violence?
Because somehow we went from "government of the people" to "government despite the people." Let's talk about why true freedom means addressing the ongoing impacts of state violence in Alberta.
Our Current "Democratic" System
!!! example "The State Violence Experience Today" 1. We create discriminatory policies 2. We underfund vital services 3. We ignore systemic barriers 4. We blame poverty on the poor 5. We call it "fiscal responsibility" 6. We repeat until someone calls it good governance
Understanding State Violence
State violence encompasses the broader ways that government institutions and systems can cause harm to individuals and communities:
- Systemic discrimination in institutions
- Economic violence through policy
- Environmental racism
- Healthcare inequities
- Educational disparities
- Housing discrimination
- Food security barriers
Forms of State Violence
Institutional Violence
- Discriminatory policies
- Bureaucratic barriers
- Systemic racism in government services
- Language and cultural barriers
- Accessibility issues
Economic Violence
- Poverty-perpetuating policies
- Insufficient minimum wage
- Inadequate social supports
- Housing market failures
- Food desert creation
Environmental Violence
- Environmental racism
- Resource extraction impacts
- Industrial pollution placement
- Climate change inequities
- Infrastructure disparities
Alberta's Context
Our province has specific challenges:
- Resource development impacts on Indigenous communities
- Urban planning inequities
- Healthcare access disparities
- Housing affordability crisis
- Food security challenges
Solutions and Resistance
Policy Reform
- Evidence-based policy making
- Community consultation requirements
- Impact assessments
- Equity frameworks
- Accessibility standards
Community Action
- Grassroots organizing
- Policy advocacy
- Community support networks
- Alternative systems building
- Mutual aid networks
!!! tip "Taking Action" - Engage in policy consultation - Support community organizations - Document systemic issues - Build mutual aid networks - Advocate for policy change
Building Alternatives
Creating freedom from state violence means:
- Building community resilience
- Developing alternative systems
- Supporting mutual aid networks
- Creating accountability mechanisms
- Fostering community power
!!! info "Resources" Connect with local organizations working on: - Policy reform - Community support - Mutual aid - Advocacy - Education
Moving Forward
True freedom requires addressing all forms of state violence. It's about creating systems that support rather than harm, include rather than exclude, and empower rather than oppress.
!!! warning "Remember" State violence affects different communities differently. Understanding intersectionality is crucial for addressing systemic issues effectively.
What Real Freedom From State Violence Looks Like
- Equitable resource distribution (not just "equal opportunity")
- Indigenous sovereignty (not just consultation)
- Economic justice (not just charity)
- Environmental protection (not just corporate profits)
- Community-led solutions (not top-down policies)
But What About The Economy?!
!!! info "Plot Twist" Just governance doesn't mean austerity - it means investing in people and communities rather than corporate welfare.
!!! tip "Pro Freedom Tip" If we think systemic change is too expensive, let's calculate the cost of maintaining oppressive systems.
What Reformed State Systems Look Like
- Participatory democracy
- Community-controlled resources
- Indigenous-led environmental stewardship
- Universal basic services
- Equitable urban planning
- Food sovereignty initiatives
The Economic Reality
When we address state violence:
- Communities thrive
- Innovation flourishes
- Resources are shared
- Environment heals
- Everyone benefits from just governance
!!! warning "Reality Check" Reform without redistribution of power is just oppression with better marketing.
Remember: Real freedom means freedom for everyone, and that includes freedom from the violence of unjust systems and institutions.
Sources & Evidence
Systemic Discrimination
- Indigenous peoples face systemic discrimination across Alberta institutions including healthcare, justice, and child welfare
- LGBTQ+ Albertans face new legal barriers through Bills 26, 27, and 29 (2024)
- Racial profiling concerns persist in policing practices
- Source: Alberta Human Rights Commission
Healthcare Inequities
- Emergency room wait times in Alberta average 3 hours 48 minutes - the longest in Canada
- Mental health services have wait times of 6 months to 1.5 years
- Rural and Indigenous communities face significant healthcare access barriers
- Alberta has only 10.6 psychiatrists per 100,000 people (below national average)
- Source: Canadian Institute for Health Information
Child Welfare Crisis
- Indigenous children make up over 50% of children in care despite being approximately 10% of the child population
- The child welfare system has been described as a continuation of residential school policies
- Foster care outcomes remain poor with high rates of homelessness and incarceration for former youth in care
- Source: Alberta Children's Services
- Source: First Nations Child and Family Caring Society
Housing & Homelessness
- Rental costs increased 17.5% in Alberta in a single year
- Homelessness disproportionately affects Indigenous people, youth aging out of care, and people with mental health challenges
- Social housing waitlists continue to grow
- Source: Statistics Canada - Rental Market Report
Economic Violence
- Minimum wage has not kept pace with cost of living increases
- Income assistance rates leave recipients far below the poverty line
- Food bank usage increased 21.8% in a single year - the highest increase in Canada
- Source: Food Banks Canada HungerCount Report
Environmental Racism
- Industrial pollution disproportionately impacts Indigenous and low-income communities
- Fort Chipewyan and other downstream communities face health impacts from oil sands operations
- Environmental monitoring and enforcement gaps leave communities vulnerable
- Source: Keepers of the Athabasca
