BY CATHERINE BROWNLEE,
PRESIDENT OF ALBERTA ENTERPRISE GROUP (AEG), CALGARY AND EDMONTON CHAPTERS

Crime and disorder are taking a toll on many local businesses. According to a recent Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) report, the share of Alberta small businesses directly affected by crime and safety issues almost doubled between 2023 and 2024, jumping from 24 to 54 per cent.

In the past three years, businesses have spent a median of $5,750 on crime-related expenses, such as replacing stolen inventory and making vandalism-related repairs. The cost, however, goes beyond just dollars and cents, with nearly three-quarters of small business owners worrying about their personal safety and that of their staff and customers.

Impatience has given way to urgent calls for action. Last fall, business leaders from across Canada descended on Ottawa, demanding help from the federal government to improve safety and reduce social disorder in downtown cores.

Speaking to reporters from Parliament Hill, Edmonton Downtown Business Association CEO Puneeta McBryan got to the crux of the problem, arguing that homelessness, the mental health and addictions crisis and public safety issues are all interconnected.

In Alberta, the provincial government has boosted resources for policing, including a promise to add 100 more officers in Edmonton and Calgary and to expand the use of the sheriffs in bail monitoring. Enhanced law enforcement is a good start, but given the interconnected nature of the challenge, better social supports are needed, too.

That’s where experienced, locally connected organizations like enCompass Community Safety Agency come in. Formerly known as the Edmonton John Howard Society, enCompass has worked to improve community safety by addressing the root causes of crime, social disorder and addiction. The local non-profit provides tailored solutions that foster recovery, reintegration and community belonging, reducing the likelihood of recidivism (or preventing people from offending in the first place).

One of enCompass’ most effective programs has been the LOFT, a short-term supported living environment for vulnerable individuals 16 and over. The connection between crime and homelessness is well documented, as these individuals are more susceptible to addiction, desperation and exploitation.

Through this program, enCompass helped a young man who had experience in the trades but was struggling with debt and other challenges. During his time in the program, he worked closely with LOFT staff to learn how to build his resume, upgrade his training and tickets and role-play the interview process. The hard work paid off. He was able to find a secure, good-paying job that allowed him to support himself and pay off debt.

Another successful initiative – WrapED – helps at-risk youth model healthier behaviour and make smarter choices before they become adults. The social return on investment has been undeniable. Every dollar invested has delivered $1.36 in benefits, including significant reductions in policing, justice and homelessness costs.

The program, enCompass, demonstrates the transformative power of small, well-targeted investments. Providing the right guidance, support and opportunities at the right time can save vulnerable people, particularly youth, from falling into a cycle of crime and self-destruction.

It’s true that social support alone won’t deter many repeat offenders, but it can make a difference by setting people down a better path.