The City of Edmonton will be dishing out over one million tax dollars to local organizations that apply for an anti-racism grant program.

Although Edmonton is struggling financially, $1.395 million in grants will be awarded.

The goal of program is to address “deep-rooted societal inequities that privilege certain groups while disadvantaging others based on race, affecting various social institutions and outcomes.” 

The Anti-Racism Grant Program is designed for non-profits, and further seeks to “identify and eliminate racism by changing systems, institutions, policies and attitudes that perpetuate racism.” 

Organizations are expected to use the grant funds to facilitate reconciliation efforts and support communities in sharing their experiences and impacts of racism.

Applicants must state which sector they will focus on between mental health, employment, education, disabilities, or food security. 

The city emphasized that individuals who are not Indigenous, Black, or racialized will have a significantly lower chance of receiving the funding.

 Citizens face tax hikes for mismanaged spending

Some Edmontonians are worried that the anti-racism grant program will further strain their finances, already burdened by increased taxes from previous mismanagement. 

Commenting under the City of Edmonton’s post regarding the grant program, one user stated “It’s no wonder property taxes went up 8.9%. We need a new municipal government.”

After squandering $82 million on unsuccessful electric ETS vehicles, the city nearly hit its debt limit last spring.

As a result, Edmonton struggled to fund essential services like transit stations, LRT cars, and homeless shelters, leading to a substantial tax increase for residents.

Edmontonians recently experienced their highest tax hike in over a decade, with property taxes rising by 8.7%.