Bishop of Edmonton to receive award for human rights work

Bishop of Edmonton Jane Alexander, who was elected to the Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council last year, will be honoured by the University of Alberta next week in recognition of her “leadership in local and international human rights initiatives” and “significant achievements and contributions over a number of years.”

The award is one of a small number that the university will present to its alumni. Alexander achieved a master’s degree in education (MEd) from the university in 1993 and a doctorate in 1997, following research into cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease in persons with Down syndrome.

“In Edmonton, Bishop Jane might be most closely identified with the city’s anti-poverty initiative,” the university said, noting that she co-chaired the Mayor’s Task Force for the Elimination of Poverty in Edmonton and now serves as co-chair of EndPoverty Edmonton.

The university noted that Alexander has invited her diocese to reflect deeply on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples—and to grassroots movements drawing attention to missing and murdered Indigenous women.

“Within the church, she has advocated for same-gender marriage, and in 2012, the [Anglican Church of Canada] agreed to bless these unions,” it added.” Her diocese also helped build an HIV clinic and provided education and medical support to a community in Burundi, Africa.”

Alexander will be presented with the award at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in Edmonton on Monday, September 25.