City of Edmonton
Edmontonians want to create a welcoming, inclusive and diverse city that is free from racism and other forms of discrimination. The City of Edmonton’s works with Edmontonians to address racial discrimination through the work of the Aboriginal Relations Office, our Human Resources' Diversity and Inclusion Consultants and through community partners in organizations such as Racism Free Edmonton.
Linda Cochrane – General Manager, Community Services
City of Edmonton
Racism Free Edmonton CEO Committee Member
In her current role as General Manager of Community Services, Linda Cochrane leads more than 3,000 employees in six distinct lines of business: Neighbourhood and Community Development, Fire Rescue Services, Community Facility Services, Parks, Community Standards, and Community Strategies.
Community Services is committed to creating a safe, healthy and vibrant city. This involves working closely with Edmonton’s diverse communities to develop programs and services that enable full inclusion in the life of our city.
“I take great pride in my role on the Racism Free Edmonton CEO Committee. It allows me to fully champion this important initiative within the City of Edmonton, and to more broadly encourage the City’s workforce to live up to the City’s Diversity and Inclusion Policy by being more inclusive and respectful with one another and the community at large.”
Mike Kroening – Director, Aboriginal and Race Relations
Racism Free Edmonton Management Action Team Chairperson
Mike Kroening's interest in race relations extends back almost 40 years to volunteer experience in Africa and subsequent work with Aboriginal and racialized community members as an instructor with the Grant MacEwan Social Work Program.
In 2005, Mr. Kroening was asked to create the City's Office of Diversity & Inclusion. This was in addition to his roles in Administration's coordination and support of City Council's Multiculturalism and Immigration and Settlement Initiatives, and management and support of the collaborative Racism Free Edmonton initiative. He also represented City Administration in collaborative development of the Edmonton Urban Aboriginal Dialogue and Accord processes. In 2006, this resulted in the City's creation of its Aboriginal Relations Office within the Office of Diversity & Inclusion.
Mr. Kroening has been involved from the outset in the City's consideration of the opportunities presented by the Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination, and Administration's recommendation of Council's declaration of membership in the Coalition as well as approval of the Racism Free Edmonton Action Plan.
He has 30 years experience with the City of Edmonton in management and leadership roles. His extensive experience includes: preventive social service and recreation program development and service delivery; social policy planning and service evaluation functions; and collaborative innovations such as the City's Spousal Violence Intervention and Elder Abuse Resource Teams, Vibrant Communities Initiative and Families First Edmonton.
