The Bishop of Edmonton, Jane Alexander, will be honoured by the University of Alberta next week in recognition of her “leadership in local and international human rights initiatives”. Bishop Jane, who was elected to the standing committee of the Anglican Consultative Council last year, will receive the award in recognition of her “significant achievements and contributions over a number of years.” It is one of a small number of awards that the university will present on Monday to its alumni. Dr 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. “Alexander, the 10th bishop of Edmonton, co-chaired the Mayor’s Task Force for the Elimination of Poverty in Edmonton and now serves as co-chair of EndPoverty Edmonton, working with community leaders to end poverty in the city within a generation.

“Alexander also gives close attention to the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission – inviting 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. Her diocese also helped build an HIV clinic and provided education and medical support to a community in Burundi, Africa.”

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