1928

The Social Planning Council of Ottawa was created in 1928 by local churches and community groups in order to respond to the then acute socio-economic problems looming as a result of the great depression. Since then, the Social Planning Council has been a place where many ideas took form, including

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Today, the SPC uses modern research and communication methods and works with Ottawa’s social agencies, concerned residents and decision-makers to understand and advocate the social needs of our city. The SPC is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, charitable organization run by an elected Board of Directors.

Mission

Our mission is to provide residents of Ottawa with the means to exercise informed leadership on issues affecting their social and economic wellbeing.

Community members gathered in a planning session
Hands stacked together in a gesture of collaboration

We Value

Equity, collaboration, and practical leadership guide how we work with communities, partners, and public systems.

Social Justice

The pursuit of social justice and the reduction of inequality.

Community Voice

Active involvement of those most directly affected by social issues.

Collaboration

Bringing individuals, organizations, and diverse groups together.

Accountable Leadership

Professionalism, quality, partnership, and responsible public service.

Our Vision is to achieve our mandate through:

Identifying and analyzing the social needs in the community

Providing leadership in planning and establish priorities for meeting the identified needs

Monitoring and evaluating changes in the policy and resource environment

Encouraging informed involvement by our members and the wider public in critical social issues

Encouraging and enabling social service organizations to respond to change

Taking an active advocacy role on social and economic policy

Influencing decision-makers by making them aware of the need for and consequences of social and economic policies.

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