The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) and Edmonton Police Foundation (EPF) are pleased to announce the inaugural Safety of Our Cities Conference presented by MHCare Medical. Taking place September 18 – 20, 2023 at the Edmonton Convention Centre, this event will be an opportunity for members of the public safety community to come together to share their insights, expertise, experiences, and solutions to the complex problems cities face locally and internationally.
The conference will also include a Pitch Contest and the announcement of a Global Innovation Challenge, launching an international challenge to improve the safety and well-being of our cities. “We see many cities facing the same issues such as violence, houselessness, and addictions in their downtowns, so that will be the focus of the challenge. Innovators from all around the world will be invited to come together for an integrated solution that can be piloted in select cities and eventually available globally for other jurisdictions to implement,” says Ashif Mawji, Chair for the EPF.
For more information and to register, visit safetycitiesconference.ca.
Addressing challenges such as houselessness, gun violence, addictions, and mental health requires a collaborative approach. Innovative responses involving cross-sector partnerships are necessary to effectively and efficiently promote community safety and well-being in all cities.
“We may come from different cities, professions, and backgrounds, but we all have the same goal of making our communities safer for everyone. Combining our areas of expertise while exploring how to leverage technology means we can develop more integrated and innovative solutions,” says EPS Chief Dale McFee. “Providing the right response and resources at the beginning of a crisis decreases the demand on police, holds the right people accountable for violence, keeps those in need of support out of our justice system and emergency rooms, and greatly increases our chances of success.”
The event invites individuals from police agencies, healthcare, social services community agencies, corporations, and government to come together and:
- Explore how partnerships between sectors are vital to tackle complex public health and safety issues.
- Highlight how research and innovation are critical tools in designing and delivering collective responses.
- Apply new approaches to maximize positive impacts for clients, organizations, and the community.
The conference will also include a Pitch Contest and the announcement of a Global Innovation Challenge, launching an international challenge to improve the safety and well-being of our cities. “We see many cities facing the same issues such as violence, houselessness, and addictions in their downtowns, so that will be the focus of the challenge. Innovators from all around the world will be invited to come together for an integrated solution that can be piloted in select cities and eventually available globally for other jurisdictions to implement,” says Ashif Mawji, Chair for the EPF.
Conference speakers will offer varied insight, focusing on the unique perspectives of the people, places, and issues that make up their cities and communities. Keynote speakers include:
- Ashif Mawji, Investor and Entrepreneur
- Chief Eddie Garcia, Dallas Police Department
- Chief Cadmus Delorme, Cowessess First Nation
For more information and to register, visit safetycitiesconference.ca.