Canadian Social Research Links
Alberta

Sites de recherche sociale au Canada
Alberta

Updated April 23, 2008
Page révisée le 23 avril 2008

[ Go to Canadian Social Research Links Home Page ]

NEW

Alberta Budget 2008 (April 22, 2008)
- NOTE: in addition to links to budget documents, this page presents detailed budget highlights for the following areas (click on any plus sign (+) or link on that page for more info):
* Communities * Businesses * The environment * First Nations and Métis Settlements * Parents * K-12 students * Post-secondary students * People with disabilities * Albertans with lower incomes, seniors, and Albertans in need * Affordable housing * Farmers * Community groups and the arts * Tax cuts * Surplus and savings

Alberta Budget 2008 supports strong social programs for Alberta's growing population
Further investments made in programs for families, seniors, people with disabilities, children, and new Albertans
News Release
April 22, 2008
Budget highlights:
* $76 million more for quality, affordable child care
* $46 million more for affordable supportive living for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities
* $58.5 million more for housing targeting lower-income Albertans and homeless people
* $41 million more for increased support to contracted social agencies
* $15.3 million more in supports to help immigrants, including $1.8 million more in settlement services
* $12.5 million more in resources to address Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
* $3.5 million more in support for community-based social programs

Source:
Government of Alberta

Related Web/News/Blog links:

Google Search Results Links - always current results!
Using the following search terms (without the quote marks):
"Alberta budget 2008"
- Web search results page
- News search results page
- Blog Search Results page
Source:
Google.ca

- Go to the Canadian Government Budgets Links page: http://www.canadiansocialresearch.net/budgets.htm

NEW

Previous Alberta budget (this link takes you further down on the page you're now reading)

Hotlinks
The links below will take you directly to the following 
Alberta government and non-governmental web pages: 

Alberta Government Home Page
Alberta Ministries
Alberta News

Government Employees Directory

Alberta Connects

Legislative Assembly
Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry (formerly Human Resources and Employment)
Children's Services

Alberta Finance

Alberta Health & Wellness

Education
Advanced Education
Alberta Seniors and Community Supports
Auditor-General

Pembina Institute
Canada West Foundation (CWF)

Alberta Committee of Citizens with Disabilities

The Parkland Institute

Wild Rose Foundation

Alberta Council on Aging

Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre
Edmonton Social Planning Council



Education investment of $500 for each child born in 2005 or later
News Release
February 17, 2004
"Babies born in Alberta in 2005 or later will benefit from a $500 investment by the Alberta government into individual education savings plans. The Alberta Centennial Education Savings Plan Act, which is the first bill introduced in the spring sitting, sets the stage for a new program that will encourage parents to open a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for their child with a $500 grant from the government."

Alberta Centennial Education Savings (ACES) Plan website
- program info and links to related resources

Quicklinks (these links take you further down in the page you're reading now)

Multilateral Framework for Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities

 

Guide to Services for Lower-Income Albertans
Government of Alberta
Revised to March 2005
- available in five formats:
Website with images - Suggested for people reading on a monitor or who want to print specific pages of the booklet, including graphics.
Website without images - Suggested for people reading on a monitor or who want to print specific pages of the booklet, without graphics.
Adobe PDF Document (2.7MB, 31 pages) - Suggested for people with a high-speed connection who want to download or print the guide.
Text Document (68 KB) - Suggested for people who use screen readers.
If you wish to order a paper copy of the guide, click the top link in this box and scroll down to the regular and toll-free telephone numbers.

 

Key welfare links

Department responsible for welfare
Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry

(changed from Human Resources and Employment Dec. 13/06)

Name of the welfare program
Income Support - part of Alberta Works
NOTE: Welfare and grant funding for students (ESL, upgrading and occupational training) are under the Income Support program

Legislation
Income and Employment Supports Act

- Child and Adult Support Services Regulation
- Employment and Training Benefits for Persons with Disabilities Regulation
- Income Supports, Health and Training Benefits Regulation
===> main welfare regulations
- Recovery Regulation
- Recovery, Administrative Penalties and Appeals Regulation
- Temporary Employment and Job Creation Programs Regulation
- Training Provider Regulation
- Administrative Procedures Act
- Financial Administration Act
- Adult Interdependent Relationships Act

Policy Manual
Income Support Program Policy
Expected to Work/Not Expected to Work Policy & Procedures ===> main welfare policy
--- News and Updates
Learner Policy and Procedures
--- News and Updates

See also:
Alberta Works Policy Manual
On this page, you'll find links to:
Employment and Training Programs (Programs and Services, Accountability, News and Updates)
Child Support Services (Child Support Services Policy, News and Updates)
H
ealth Benefits Programs (General Policy Health Benefits Card Coverage, Alberta Adult Health Benefit, Alberta Child Health Benefit, Health Benefits Review Committee, News and Updates

Welfare Statistics
Number of People on Welfare, March 1995 to March 2005 (PDF file - 133K, 1 page)
Source: National Council of Welfare

Welfare rates (benefits)
See Schedule 1 (Core Income Support Payments) and Schedule 2 (Continuous Supplementary Benefits) at the end of the Income Supports, Health and Training Benefits Regulation
See Income Support for info on the treatment of the National Child Benefit Supplement
Historical: see Alberta Supports Low-Income Families Through the National Child Benefit (July 30, 2001) - includes a detailed backgrounder with rate calculation information

Related Links
Publications (Annual reports, business plans, fact sheets, policy manuals, etc...)

Government increases AISH rates and supports employment (Jan. 31/08)
Low-Income Review presents a vision for the future (May 22/02)
- incl. (all in the same file) : Backgrounder - Government Response Checklist - Low-Income Fact Sheet

From Alberta Seniors and Community Supports:
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
- AISH Policy Manual
From the CD Howe Institute:
Alberta welfare reforms a model for other provinces, says C.D. Howe Institute study (PDF file - 668K, 38 pages) - April 1997

Latest search results on Google.ca for
"welfare, -child, -animal, Alberta"

- Web search results
- News search results
- Blog search results



For more information about welfare in other Canadian jurisdictions,
see the
Canadian Social Research Links Key Provincial/Territorial Welfare Links page

Servicealberta - "one stop. thousands of answers"
Links to scads of information about Alberta Government programs and services. I've added hyperlinks to only a few of the more relevant sites - you'll have to go to the servicealberta site for the rest...
- life events (finding a job, getting married/divorced, becoming a parent, moving to/around Alberta, dealing with death)
- popular topics (Acts & Regulations • Agriculture • Arts, History & Culture • Alberta Economy • Children & Families • Consumers • Employment • Energy • Environment • Financial Assistance & BenefitsGovernmentHealth • Home & Community • Justice & Law Enforcement • Licensing, Registration & Certificates • Land • School & Students • Science & Technology • Transportation • Travel & Tourism)
- quicklinks (Aboriginal People • Businesses • Employees & EmployersParents & ChildrenPersons with Disabilities • Property Owners • Seniors • Students & Teachers • Tourists)
- also includes online services, government publications, departments and more...


From CBC News:

Albertans elect historic 11th straight Tory government
Progressive Conservatives gain 11 more seats in worst turnout in provincial history
March 4, 2008
Despite an apparent appetite for change, voters in Alberta stuck with tried-and-true blue, giving the Progressive Conservative party an unprecedented 11th consecutive majority government in Monday night's provincial election. (...) Various polls showed anywhere from 20 to 45 per cent of voters were undecided during a campaign that saw few sparks. Voter turnout dropped even further from a dismal 44.7 per cent in the 2004 campaign to about 41 per cent on Monday night, the worst turnout in Alberta history, according to preliminary numbers.
Source:
Alberta Votes 2008
- incl. results, leader profiles and party platforms, riding and voter information, candidates and issues, and much more...
* Alberta Votes 2008 Headlines <=== links to dozens of Alberta Election 2008 articles and analyses!

Also from CBC:

Albertans to vote March 3
February 4, 2008
After weeks of election speculation in Alberta, it's official: there will be a provincial election March 3. Conservative Leader Ed Stelmach made the announcement less than an hour after the speech from the throne outlined his government's plans, including eliminating health care premiums over four years, increasing the number of health care workers and spending more on crime reduction.

-----------------------------------

Alberta Provincial Election 2008
- from NoDice.ca

-----------------------------------

Stelmach wins 87% of the seats with 53% of the votes from 41% of the people
March 4, 2008
The Conservatives won their 11th straight election last night, in what could be considered -- on the surface -- an impressive victory. But when you add up the numbers, they don't exactly paint a picture of a content electorate. Out of a possible 2,252,104 votes possible this year, the Stelmach government received just 501,028. However, the combination of low voter turnout and Alberta's first-past-the-post system means that even with such a low number of actual supporters, the Conservatives ended up with a majority government.
Source:
Canadian Union of Public Employees

-----------------------------------

Related Web/News/Blog links:

Google Search Results Links - always current results!
Using the following search terms (without the quote marks):
"Alberta provincial election 2008 "
- Web search results page
- News search results page
- Blog Search Results page
Source:
Google.ca

.

Alberta Government Home Page

Alberta News

Performance Measurement Publications - The Measuring Up component of the government annual report provides information on the government's progress in meeting social and economic goals published in the previous year's Government Business Plan 
- incl. links to individual ministry business plans

Alberta Connects
"A new way to talk to your government"

Report on Alberta's role in Canada released
August 11, 2004
The report of the government MLA Committee on Strengthening Alberta's Role in Confederation makes 26 recommendations that reflect what it heard from Albertans. (...) The recommendations cover a number of issues, including:
the Canada Pension Plan * tax collection * the Kyoto Protocol *employment insurance * the federal gun registry * federal transfer payments * health care.
- incl. links to more information concerning the appointment of the government MLA Committee on Strengthening Alberta’s Role in Confederation (November 15, 2003), the list of recommendations, the complete report and more

Complete report (PDF file - 10.9MB, 77 pages)
RANT: Why do governments post these types of reports as huge PDF files? Do they hope/expect that regular folks won't bother downloading them?
If your organization uses PDF files on its website, please ensure that the filesize is reasonable, or else offer an HTML version of the content. This humongous file contains cute but useless colour photos of all of the Committee members in addition to other graphic and page layout approaches that reflect either (1) an ignorance of how to manage the size of files in Acrobat (the software that creates PDF files), or (2) a blatant disregard for the folks who actually want to read the report content.

Related Link:

Will unfettered control strengthen Alberta's role in confederation? (PDF file - 70K, 2 pages)
INFO SHEET August 2004
"This is ESPC's response to the recently released report and recommendations of the Alberta MLA Committee on Strengthening Alberta's Role in Confederation."
Source:
Edmonton Social Planning Council (ESPC)
More ESPC links (this link takes you further down on the page you're now reading)

Source:
Alberta Government

Alberta Catalogue of Statutes and Regulations

Legislative Assembly 
Legislative Assembly Proceedings - Bills, Hansard, House records, links to Committees

.

Alberta Government Departments

.


Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry (changed from Human Resources and Employment Dec. 13/06)
- incl. links to: Working in Alberta * Career & Employment Services & Programs * Workplace Health & Safety * Employment Standards * Financial, Child Support & Health Benefits * Resource Room * Labour Market Information

Stelmach sets new Alberta agenda: New government structure
will focus on building a stronger Alberta and improving Albertans' quality of life
December 13, 2006
News Release
"(...)
Mandate of Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry (EII) [ new Department in Alberta responsible for welfare]
The ministry will include the existing programs provided by Human Resources and Employment. Takes over immigration programs (now in Human Resources and Employment; Economic Development and Advanced Education). Also responsible for economic development programs (now in Economic Development), rural development (now in Agriculture Food and Rural Development) as well as the Northern Alberta Development Council."
- includes five priorities for Stelmach's new administration and new government structure (changes in dept. mandates)

Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry (EII)
Departmental home page

Alberta Works implements debit card program province wide:
Debit cards save government and Albertans with low incomes time and money

February 12, 2007
Edmonton... Starting in summer, 2007, Albertans who receive income support through Alberta Works and who do not have bank accounts will have the option to receive their benefits with a debit card. A successful six-month pilot project showed debit cards to be faster and less expensive to administer than conventional cheques and that Albertans on social assistance overwhelmingly preferred the cards. The program is the first of its kind in Canada.
- includes a backgrounder on the pilot project

Alberta Income Support Class Action Settlement
READ THIS if you or someone you know received assistance from
AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped), Widows Pension or Income Support between 1979 and 2005.

AISH, Income Support and Widows' Pension clients given more time to make claims
January 11, 2007
Edmonton... The deadline for submitting claims under a class action settlement involving social benefits has been extended to March 31, 2007.

Financial, Child Support & Health Benefits
- incl. links to: * Alberta Works * Income Support * Child Support Services * Health Benefits * Financial Support for Training * Alberta Works For Farmers * Canadian Agricultural Skills Service * National Child Benefit * Settlement of Class Action

Alberta Works
Alberta Works focuses on training people for employment.
The goals of Alberta Works are to help unemployed people find and keep jobs, help employers meet their need for skilled workers, and help Albertans with low incomes cover their basic costs of living. Alberta Works achieves these goals through its four program areas: Employment and Training Services, Income Support, Health Benefits and Child Support Services.

Income Support
Income Support provides financial benefits to individuals and families who do not have the resources to meet their basic needs, like food, clothing and shelter.

Child Support Services
Child Support Services helps single parents and parents living in blended families get the legal agreements or court orders they need to obtain child support.

Health Benefits
Through Alberta Works, people who are eligible for income support receive health benefits for themselves and their dependants.

Financial Support for Training
Tuition, books and supplies, and living allowance may be available if you qualify as an eligible learner.

Alberta Works...for farmers
A program to help farm families through brief periods of financial difficulty.

Name of the welfare program:
Income Support
- part of Alberta Works
NOTE: Welfare and grant funding for students (ESL, upgrading and occupational training) together are under the Income Support program

Alberta Works replaced:
* Widows’ Pension - eff. April 2004
* Supports for Independence (Alberta's welfare program) - eff. May 2004
* Skills Development Program living allowances for continuing and new students beginning a training term - eff. August 1, 2004.

Alberta Works enhances benefits to working families and learners
News Release
June 25, 2004
"Edmonton... Thousands more Albertans will benefit from extended Government of Alberta medical, dental and optical benefits under changes to programs offered through Alberta Works."
Alberta Works
Alberta Child Health Benefit
"The Alberta Child Health Benefit (ACHB) program is part of Alberta’s role in the National Child Benefit – a series of programs designed to address child poverty across Canada. The ACHB is a premium-free health benefit plan that provides dental, optical, emergency ambulance, essential diabetic supplies and prescription drug coverage for children living in families with low incomes."

Financial Benefits Summary (PDF file - 61K, 2 pages)
Welfare rates (benefits)
This fact sheet summarizes financial benefits that may be provided to eligible people through Income Support.

Legislation
Income and Employment Supports Act

- Child and Adult Support Services Regulation
- Employment and Training Benefits for Persons with Disabilities Regulation
- Income Supports, Health and Training Benefits Regulation
===> main welfare regulations
- Recovery Regulation
- Recovery, Administrative Penalties and Appeals Regulation
- Temporary Employment and Job Creation Programs Regulation
- Training Provider Regulation
- Administrative Procedures Act
- Financial Administration Act
- Adult Interdependent Relationships Act
Source:
Alberta Works Regulations and Legislation

Policy Manual

Income Support Program Policy
Expected to Work/Not Expected to Work Policy & Procedures ===> main welfare policy
--- News and Updates
Learner Policy and Procedures
--- News and Updates

See also:
Alberta Works Policy Manual
On this page, you'll find links to:
Employment and Training Programs (Programs and Services, Accountability, News and Updates)
Child Support Services (Child Support Services Policy, News and Updates)
H
ealth Benefits Programs (General Policy Health Benefits Card Coverage, Alberta Adult Health Benefit, Alberta Child Health Benefit, Health Benefits Review Committee, News and Updates

Welfare rates (benefits)
See Schedule 1 (Core Income Support Payments) and Schedule 2 (Continuous Supplementary Benefits) at the end of the Income Supports, Health and Training Benefits Regulation
See Income Support for info on the treatment of the National Child Benefit Supplement
Historical: see
Alberta Supports Low-Income Families Through the National Child Benefit (July 30, 2001) - includes a detailed backgrounder with rate calculation information

Other key links in Alberta
Publications (Annual reports, business plans, fact sheets, policy manuals, etc...)
Low-Income Review presents a vision for the future (May 22, 2002)
- incl. (all in the same file) : Backgrounder - Government Response Checklist - Low-Income Fact Sheet


More supports help families invest in children's futures - Alberta
News Release
March 15, 2005
Edmonton
"Effective April 1, 2005, changes to Alberta Works will increase the time low-income parents have at home with young children, make it easier for youth to finish high school and help families save for their children's education."
Changes include:
- a parent receiving income support will have one year instead of the current six months to stay home with a child before being required to seek or accept employment
- the requirement to be out of school for one year before receiving training benefits to complete high school is waived.
- a new one-time $100 benefit for Albertans receiving income support to help offset the costs of setting up a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) to participate in Alberta's Centennial Education Savings program (to help cover costs such as the fee for obtaining a birth certificate and the initial deposit required to open an RESP account).
- to better address domestic violence, the existing $1,000 allowance to set up a new household for a person fleeing a violent spouse will now be extended to anyone eligible for income support and who needs help to leave an abusive situation, such as individuals who experience abuse by people other than a spouse.
Source:
Alberta Works
(Human Resources and Employment)

Other key links in Alberta
Human Resources and Employment Publications and Statistics
2004-2005 Alberta Human Resources and Employment Annual Report
(PDF file - 1.3MB, 262 pages)
Guide to Services for Lower-Income Albertans (Revised to March 2005)

Low-Income Review presents a vision for the future
May 22, 2002
- incl. (all in the same file) : Backgrounder - Government Response Checklist - Low-Income Fact Sheet

Selected News Releases:

April 24, 2006
Alberta Works [welfare] debit card pilot a Canadian first
A new six-month pilot project is using debit cards and direct deposit to deliver Alberta Works benefits, instead of traditional paper cheques. The pilot is the first of its kind in Canada.
Related News Release - April 24 --- includes a detailed backgrounder
Source:
Government of Alberta News Page

Alberta's minimum wage to rise to $7.00 an hour, government confirms
News Release
February 9, 2005
"Edmonton... Alberta's minimum wage will increase to $7.00 per hour from $5.90 per hour. This is an increase of nearly 20 per cent. Employers and other Albertans will be consulted regarding the implementation of the new minimum wage and will have the opportunity to recommend whether the increase should be introduced all at once or in stages. (...) ...other Albertans will be consulted regarding the implementation of the new minimum wage and will have the opportunity to recommend whether the increase should be introduced all at once or in stages."
Affected stakeholders and other interested Albertans can provide feedback, beginning February 24 on the Employment Standards website (the next link below)
Source:
Employment Standards
[ Alberta Human Resources and Employment ]

Alberta Works… for farmers (PDF file - 73K, 1 page)
June 2004
"Alberta Human Resources and Employment office can help farm families through brief periods of financial difficulty and with long-term planning for the future."

More families qualify for free health benefits
Alberta Works News Release
September 9, 2004
"Edmonton... More families are now eligible for premium-free health benefits for their children through the Alberta Child Health Benefit because eligibility levels have been increased. 'This benefit has a positive impact on children's health and parents' workforce participation,'said Clint Dunford, Minister of Alberta Human Resources and Employment. 'More than 70,000 children are receiving health services, and increasing the qualifying levels will help us extend coverage to even more.'"

Related Link:

Alberta Child Health Benefit
"The Alberta Child Health Benefit (ACHB) program is part of Alberta’s role in the National Child Benefit – a series of programs designed to address child poverty across Canada. The ACHB is a premium-free health benefit plan that provides basic dental, optical, emergency ambulance, essential diabetic supplies and prescription drug coverage for children living in families with low incomes."

Alberta Works focuses on training people for employment
News Release
March 30, 2004

Supports for Independence is changing : What you need to know about your benefits (PDF file - 100K, 4 pages)
Alberta Works Pamphlet
"New Alberta Works Income Support Program starts with May benefits"
NOTE: on page 4 of this pamphlet, you'll find the following under Asset rule changes:
"The following assets will not affect your benefits:
• Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) for your children,
• Up to $5,000 per adult in the family in a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), and
• Up to $5,000 equity in vehicles and any amount of equity in a vehicle adapted to accommodate a disability."
[RRSPs and RESPs were formerly subject to lower exemption limits, as they are in many Canadian jurisdictions]
In my view, this is a progressive asset-based welfare policy initiative. Well done!
[ For more info about asset-based social policies in Canada, go to the Canadian Social Research Links Asset-Based Social Policies page ]

Source:
Alberta Human Resources and Employment
Hot Topics - March 30, 2004

Department of Alberta Human Resources and Employment
Ministry Annual Report for 2002/2003
(PDF file - 2.7MB, 298 pages)
NOTE: Is the following plagiarized from the Mike Harris Common Sense Revolution (1995 provincial election Conservative party platform?)
"For example, the Income and Employment Supports Act was introduced and builds on our belief that social programs must offer a hand up, not a handout while providing longer-term assistance to those who are unable to work."(HRE 2002-2003 Annual Report, page 5)
Other Alberta Government Ministry Annual Reports for 2002-2003
Source : Alberta Finance

New Act strengthens link between income support and training
News Release
December 17, 2003
"Legislation building on Alberta's success at helping people move from income support to the work force will be phased in starting in January 2004. The Income and Employment Supports Act establishes how the government will help families meet their basic needs and help employable people find and keep jobs."
Source:
Alberta Human Resources and Employment

Benchmarks in Alberta's Public Welfare Services:
History Rooted in Benevolence, Harshness, Punitiveness and Stinginess
By Baldwin P. Reichwein, MSW (equiv.), RSW
Research Report prepared for the Alberta College of Social Workers
© December 2002 (Updated February 2003)
Edmonton, AB
History of social assistance in Alberta from from pre-Confederation to date, from the perspective of a social worker with thirty years of experience in the field. Includes a bonus section on implications of the Supreme Court ruling in the Gosselin case (for more on the Gosselin case, see the Canadian Social Research Links Case Law / Court Decisions / Inquests page)
Complete report - PDF version (983K, 53 pages)
Complete report - Word version (189K, 59 pages)
Baldwin Reichwein is an Edmonton-based (retired) social worker with a career background in statutory social programs and services for people with disabilities. Over the past few years, he has conducted historical research. The current research report was prepared for the Alberta College of Social Workers, as background information on public welfare services and complement to the college's advocacy in the interest of Alberta citizens on low income.

Income increases for SFI families with children
Alberta Government News Release
July 18, 2003
"About 12,000 families receiving Supports for Independence (SFI) benefits will have more money for their children due to Alberta's decision not to offset a federal increase under the National Child Benefit (NCB) program. This is the second phase of a two-stage increase for families with children included in Budget 2003."
Related Links:
Budget 2003 targets additional assistance to people most in need (April 8, 2003)
The National Child Benefit in Alberta
Supports for Independence (SFI)

Two new information resources to help low-income Albertans
July 16, 2003
Edmonton... Albertans looking for information on the province's income support programs and the appeals process will now be able to find what they need through a new guide to the Supports for Independence (SFI) [welfare] program and a new Appeals Secretariat Web site.

Your [SFI] Guide (PDF file - 565K, 44 pages)
July 2003
"...will be of use to Albertans with questions on SFI, the provincial program that provides employment supports, financial assistance, and health benefits to people who cannot meet their basic needs. The guide includes information on conducting job searches, how financial benefits are calculated, the amount of assistance available, how earning exemptions are calculated, and the rights and responsibilities of SFI recipients."

---------------------------------------------------------

Appeals Secretariat website
"An additional source of information on the right to appeal decisions made on income support programs such as SFI or Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) is the new Appeals Secretariat Web site, which outlines how the government's appeal process works from beginning to end."

---------------------------------------------------------
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) - income assistance for Albertans with disabilities

Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) Policy Manual
May 2004
"Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) provides financial and health benefits for adult Albertans with a permanent disability that severely impairs their ability to earn a living. The level of benefits depends on income and assets. The maximum financial benefit is $850 per month."

The AISH Review Website
October 2004
- includes background info on the program and consultation as well as links to the Discussion Guide and questionnaire in various formats : PDF - RTF - Braille - Audio
PDF Discussion Guide (201K, 24 pages)
On-line Questionnaire

---------------------------------------------------------

Budget 2003 News Releases:
April 8, 2003
Homeless Shelters integrated with housing programs
Backgrounder: Homeless Shelters and Support Programs

Budget 2003 targets additional assistance to people most in need
- Changes to the Supports for Independence (SFI) program (PDF file - 72K, 1 page)
- People leaving AISH due to increased CPP-D keep health benefits (PDF file - 94K, 1 page)
- more about Supports for Independence
- more about Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped

Bill 32, Income and Employment Supports Act, will help low-income Albertans
March 20, 2003
"Legislation to integrate income and employment training programs, increase accountability for training service providers, and build on Alberta's success in helping people on income support move into the workforce has been introduced in the Alberta legislature. Bill 32, the Income and Employment Supports Act, will establish a new program and benefit structure that will help people meet their basic needs, such as food, clothing and shelter, and provide additional building blocks of support to respond to people's unique circumstances. That might mean academic upgrading, help to get child support, or longer-term financial assistance for people who are unable to work. Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) will continue as a separate program.

Market Basket Measure (PDF file - 142K, 6 pages)
November 2002
"The Market Basket Measure: Calculating the cost of Albertans basic needs"
- incl. links to eight online reports about the Market Basket Measures (at the end of the report)
Source: Alberta Human Resources and Employment
HMMMM - this file was no longer available when I checked July 5/04.
A search of the HRE website turned up only a link to the Market Basket Measure paper produced by the federal government

Working parents leaving SFI keep health benefits
News Release
Oct. 30, 2002
"Effective Nov. 1, parents who find a job and no longer receive financial benefits through the Supports for Independence (SFI) program will be able to keep their health benefits, subject to an annual review based on their net income. To qualify, parents must have dependent children and must be leaving SFI for employment. (...) Offering health benefits to parents who leave SFI for employment is a National Child Benefit (NCB) reinvestment."
Source : Human Resources and Employment

 

Low-Income Programs Review Website (2001) - Alberta Human Resources and Employment
NOTE:
1. this is the program review that led to the development and implementation of Alberta Works.
2. this site is now dead - the above link is to a copy of the page that was saved in 2005 from the Internet Archive - http://www.archive.org

Low-Income Programs Review Reports (Nov. 2001)
* What We Heard (PDF file - 589K, 108 pages)
* What We Recommend (PDF file - 436K, 30 pages)

Low-Income Review presents a vision for the future
Press Release

May 22, 2002

"Social programs will become fairer and more equitable as the government moves to implement the recommendations of the MLA Committee to Review Low-Income Programs. In a presentation to low-income stakeholders in Calgary, Alberta Human Resources and Employment Minister Clint Dunford released the committee's reports and confirmed that their recommendations will set the future direction for income support programs in Alberta."
- incl. (all in the same file) : Backgrounder - Government Response Checklist - Low-Income Fact Sheet


Canada and Alberta sign an agreement to assist people with disabilities

News Release
May 19, 2004
"EDMONTON - Albertans with disabilities will be able to participate more easily in the labour market because of an agreement announced today by the Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Liza Frulla, Minister of Social Development, and the Honourable Clint Dunford, Minister of Alberta Human Resources and Employment. 'Helping people with disabilities to be more involved as full citizens is a priority for all governments,' said Minister McLellan. 'Every Albertan must have the opportunity to make a contribution to our economy and our society. I am pleased this agreement will support programming in our province to support this goal.'"
Source:
Social Development Canada (SDC)

This agreement was signed under the Multilateral Framework for Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities, which replaced the Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities initiative in April 2004.
For more info about the national framework and the agreements signed with other jurisdictions to date, go to the Disability Links page: http://www.canadiansocialresearch.net/disbkmrk.htm

Employability Council calls for action to improve services and raise awareness
April 10, 2002
"Edmonton...An independent advisory committee report suggests new strategies to improve work opportunities for Albertans with disabilities. Breaking Barriers, enhancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities is the final report to government from the Minister's Employability Council (MEC)."

Breaking Barriers - Enhancing Employment Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities
Final Report of the Minister's Employability Council
April 2002
PDF Format (438K, 32 pages)
Text (RTF) Format 
Audio Format (RealAudio)

Rotary Club Speech by Hon. Clint Dunford Minister of Human Resources (PDF file - 19K, 8 pages) 
Edmonton - April 10, 2002 

Disability Related Employment Supports Brochure


SFI earnings exemption increase for families
News Release
November 14, 2001
Edmonton - Single parents and families with two working parents on Supports for Independence (SFI) can now earn up to $230/month before their SFI payment is reduced, doubling the previous employment earnings exemption. This is one of four changes to the Social Allowance Regulation designed to further encourage parents receiving SFI benefits to find and keep a job.
- incl. funding under the NCB

Some of Alberta’s low-income programs are being publicly reviewed by a five-member panel of government MLAs.
June 2001
News Release


National Child Benefit - One-page description of the NCB in Alberta - includes a short overview of services available to Albertans under the NCB and links to more information about each of those services...

Alberta Child Health Benefit
"The Alberta Child Health Benefit (ACHB) program is part of Alberta’s role in the National Child Benefit – a series of programs designed to address child poverty across Canada. The ACHB is a premium-free health benefit plan that provides dental, optical, emergency ambulance, essential diabetic supplies and prescription drug coverage for children living in families with low incomes."
Evaluation of the Alberta Child Health Benefit
October 2001
A recent evaluation conducted by Nichols Applied Management (covering the period from January to April 2001) found "the ACHB is having a positive impact on children's health, child poverty, and the workforce participation of low-income parents and that there is a high level of client satisfaction with the program." The evaluation identified the need to increase awareness of the program among low-income Albertans.
Executive Summary (PDF file - 60K, 4 pages)
Final Report (PDF file - 370K, 100 pages)

Protection of children involved in prostitution  

Alberta Supports Low-Income Families Through the National Child Benefit (July 30, 2001)
- includes a detailed backgrounder with rate calculation information

Alberta families benefit from the National Child Benefit
May 01, 2001
"The news that fewer children are living in poverty and more low-income families are earning money from employment is a very positive sign, says Alberta Human Resources and Employment Minister Clint Dunford..."


Family Maintenance Program
The Family Maintenance program helps single parents and parents of blended families receive financial support from the other parent of their children. It is a mandatory service for all single parents or parents of a blended family who are receiving welfare [Supports for Independence].

.


Children's Services

Early Childhood Development

---------------------------------------------

Governments of Canada and Alberta sign an Agreement on Early Learning and Child Care
News Release
July 7, 2005
"CALGARY, ALBERTA — Ken Dryden, Minister of Social Development, and Heather Forsyth, Alberta ’s Minister of Children’s Services, announced today an important Agreement in Principle that further supports the development of quality early learning and child care for young children and their families in Alberta."

Moving forward on early learning and child care:
Agreement in principle between the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta
(PDF file - 245K, 10 pages)
July 7, 2005

Early Learning and Child Care Agreements in Principle
- links to the Early Learning and Child Care agreement that each participating jurisdiction has signed with the government of Canada since April 29, 2005 (as at July 8/05):
Alberta - Nova Scotia - Newfoundland and Labrador - Ontario - Saskatchewan - Manitoba

Source:
Social Development Canada

---------------------

Alberta deal props open the door to big box child care
Federal government & province sign deal that forks over cash to for-profit operators
July 7, 2005
"OTTAWA – The federal and Alberta governments have propped open the door to giant commercial child care chains in the deal they signed today, says D’Arcy Lanovaz, president of the Alberta division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). 'Without public delivery conditions attached to the federal funding, the door is now open in Alberta for giant commercial operators to pad their profits with taxpayer dollars,” says Lanovaz.
[NOTE: scroll to the bottom of the CUPE article for links to five more articles about child care .]
Source:
Canadian Union of Public Employees

Related Links:
- go to the Government Early Learning and Child Care Links page: http://www.canadiansocialresearch.net/ecd.htm

---------------------------------------------

Alberta Early Childhood Development Baseline Expenditure and Investments Report
May 2002

Alberta's Promise becomes reality at Children's Forum
May 20, 2003
"The third annual provincial Children's Forum provided the backdrop for the official launch of Alberta's Promise, a government initiative to encourage and recognize partnerships between the business community and not-for-profit agencies helping children."
>
Uniting for Children 2003 - Children's Forum
May 20-21, 2003
Edmonton
"The Children’s Forum Uniting for Children 2003 is designed to expose delegates to new and innovative approaches to service provision for children, youth and families in Alberta, to share what developments have occurred from the recommendations made at Uniting for Children 2001, to explore how government ministries are collaborating on initiatives to improve the services provided to children, youth and families in Alberta and to develop a unified vision, though shared thoughts and ideas, to enhance the lives and futures of young people in Alberta."
- follow the links down the left side of the page to : Accommodations - Community Showcase - Conference At A Glance - Contact Us - Greetings from Mrs. Klein and Iris Evans - Our Speakers - Parking and Transportation - Register for the Forum - Session Synopses - Special Presentations

Mike Harris in province to launch new initiative benefiting children
NewsRelease
May 20, 2003

Alberta's Promise
"Alberta's Promise is based upon the following five promises:
1. Providing a Healthy Start
2. Safety, Growth and Development
3. Interaction, Mentoring and Inspiration
4. Participation and Volunteering
5. Leadership and Innovation"

Related Link:

America's Promise
"The Five promises:
1. Caring Adults.
2. Safe Places.
3. A Healthy Start.
4.Marketable Skills.
5. Opportunities to Serve."


Alberta Adoption profile web site
Source : Alberta Children's Services

Albertans can view children at website
April 2003
"Alberta has changed its photolisting web site to protect the privacy of children listed for adoption. ACC has offered help in developing ethical guidelines for photolistings." More...
Source : Adoption Council of Canada (ACC)
NOTE: This ACC review of the Alberta government adoption photolisting web site is very comprehensive - and it includes links to many other related resources

Uniting for Children Forum
October 2 - 3, 2001 
Calgary Roundup Centre
Calgary, Alberta 
The second children’s forum, Uniting for Children 2001, will expose delegates to new and innovative approaches to providing services for children, youth and families in Alberta. This is an opportunity to develop a united vision for the future of young people in Alberta.

Government responds to recommendations raised in Children's Forum and Task Force on  Children At Risk
Government of Alberta News Release 
November 24, 2000 

Minister to review U.S. children's programs
July 7, 2000 
Alberta Children's Services Minister Iris Evans will meet with children's services officials in California, July 17-19 to discuss common issues and to review their 
programs and services. Meetings are scheduled with the Children's Defense Fund in Oakland, San Francisco Family and Children's Services, California Children's Services and Children's Medical Services. ....more

Children's Forum
Children's Forum report delivered to government
News Release 
February 9, 2000
Additional $24 million allocated to Children's Services
Children's Services 
Press Release 
November 25, 1999 
"This additional funding will offset costs resulting from the growing demand for services and the increasing complexity of services required."
Terms of Reference Released for Review of Children's Advocate
Press Release - Backgrounder 
October 22, 1999 
Recommendations Presented by Children's Forum Participants
October 6, 1999 
Some Service Gaps Identified by Task Force on Children at Risk
October 5, 1999 
Serious Issues Top Children's Forum Agenda
October 4, 1999 
Forum Highlights Children's Week in Alberta
October 1, 1999 
Alberta Children’s Forum [October 5-6, Edmonton] will set priorities
for improving the lives of children and families
July 6, 1999 
.


Alberta Finance - incl. links to : About the Ministry - Our Business (Provincial budget, Provincial debt, Taxes/rebates, Insurance, Pensions, Alberta Savings Certificates) - About Alberta (the economy today , economic outlook, Alberta statistics [includes demographic information], Alberta Facts brochure, Profiles of Alberta communities) , Measuring Government (performance measurement, Ministry business plans and annual reports, Measuring Up) - Publications & Forms (budgets, annual reports, business plans, reports and papers) - Career Opportunities - What's New - Search - Links - Notices / Contact info


Budget 2007 addresses Alberta's price of prosperity
April 19, 2007
News Release
Budget highlights:
* 14th consecutive balanced budget; $2.2 billion estimated surplus
* $18.2 billion for infrastructure over three years, including $3 billion for health facilities and equipment and $1.3 billion for schools
* Phase-in of a new $1.4 billion Municipal Sustainability Initiative
* 10 per cent operating spending increase to address growth pressures and improve services
* Nearly $200 million in annual income tax savings for Albertans and $22 million for businesses in 2007
* Increased tax credits for charitable donations and post-secondary students; higher tobacco taxes
* A new in-year surplus allocation policy
* Program spending reviews and tight in-year operating spending limits

Alberta Budget 2007
- incl. links to all budget papers

What's in it for me?
- budget info affecting:
* All Albertans * Parents * Seniors * People with disabilities * Low-income Albertans
Selected budget measures:
* $16 million increase in child-care spending
* $20 million to support grants to the Registered Education Savings Plans for children born in 2005 and later, and students aged eight, 11 and 14.
* increased funding to cover tuition costs
* Increased funding for seniors will help to cover higher dental costs and assist seniors with remaining in their home in their community.
* Increased funding for seniors lodges including funding for more units and for lodge operators to provide supports to clients with higher needs.
* Ongoing funding will continue to deliver the Alberta Seniors Benefit program for low-income seniors, and provides all seniors care coverage, education property tax assistance and Aids to Daily Living support.
* Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) benefits increased by $50/month, bringing the total to $1050 per month. This is the third increase in as many years.
* Program funding for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) increases 3.5 per cent to $526 million (...). Funding for PDD has increased by 90 per cent since 1999 while caseloads have grown by 20 per cent.
* A 10-year cross-ministry plan is being implemented to reduce the incidence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
* Funding has increased for Family Support for Children with Disabilities to address increased demand and improve services in rural areas.
* More support for children with special needs in school.
* A five per cent increase in core income support benefits for people on income support who are considered not able to work or who are temporarily unable to work and to all learners.
* Budget 2007 also continues key programs such as: child health benefits, seniors’ benefits and employment and training programs that assist people in need.

Google Search Results Links - always current results!
Using the following search terms (without the quote marks):
"Alberta provincial budget 2007, analysis"
Web search results page
News searc results page
Blog Search Results page
Source:
Google.ca

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Alberta Budget 2006:
Strengthening Today, Securing Tomorrow

March 22, 2006
In Budget 2006, the Alberta government produces its 13th consecutive balanced budget, which will continue to address infrastructure needs and improve services for Albertans while lowering taxes and increasing savings.
Highlights:
* $4.1 billion surplus forecast: allocated mainly to savings, the Sustainability Fund, and capital investment
* 16 per cent increase in operating funding for post-secondary education
* Additional $127 million in annual funding for continuing care initiatives by 2008-09
* Three-year Capital Plan allocates $13.3 billion for infrastructure, an increase of 45 per cent
* Funding increase for AISH, seniors assistance and services for children
* 80 new RCMP positions, more prosecutors, establishment of organized crime surveillance team
- incl. links to all budget papers

Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped, Seniors, Alberta Works
- budget 2006 increases spending on disabled, seniors and welfare

Google.ca News Search Results:
"Alberta Budget 2006"
Google.ca Web Search Results:
"Alberta Budget 2006"
Source:
Google.ca

Related Link:

Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
- incl. links to: What is AISH? - Am I eligible to receive AISH? - Who receives AISH? - How can I apply for AISH? - Can I work and receive AISH? - Can I appeal decisions about AISH? - Can I receive Alberta Works Income Support benefits while I'm receiving AISH benefits? Where can I get more information about AISH?
Source:
Alberta Seniors and Community Supports

New AISH Act to provide more flexibility to respond to client needs
March 9, 2006
On March 9, 2006, the Government of Alberta introduced the updated Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) Act in the legislature. This new legislation will be debated by government during the Spring Session.

Bill 21: Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) Act

- Go to the Canadian Government Budgets Links page: http://www.canadiansocialresearch.net/budgets.htm

2005-2006 Alberta Budget
April 13, 2005
- incl. links to all Alberta Budget 2005 documents

New funding for AISH and seniors programs in Budget 2005
News Release
April 13, 2005
"Seniors and Community Supports budget highlights:
* $52-million increase for programs to help seniors with the cost of dental and optical care, as well as yearly increases to the education portion of their property taxes.
* $80-million increase for AISH, including $45 million to implement MLA committee recommendations.
* $29-million increase for seniors lodge grants, transitional housing, the homeless, and family and specialized housing."
- includes a backgrounder with detailed info on seniors programs

Google.ca News Search Results : "Alberta Budget 2005"
Google.ca Web Search Results : "Alberta Budget 2005"
Source:
Google.ca

Alberta Budget 2004: On Route, On Course (Budget home page)
March 24, 2004
- incl. quick facts about budget themes: Leading in Learning - Competing in the Global Marketplace - Unleashing Innovation - Making Alberta the Best Place to Live, Work and Visit

Other Budget 2004 Documents:

"Alberta Works is a new program that will integrate income support [welfare], employment and training services, health benefits, and child support services to coordinate benefits and services for low-income Albertans who need support to find a job or meet basic needs."
About Alberta Works (from Alberta Human Resources and Employment)

Alberta Budget 2003 - April 8, 2003
"Nearly 70 per cent of Budget 2003 will go towards three priority areas: improving access to the health system - supporting classrooms and building schools - financing infrastructure"

Google News search Results : "Alberta budget 2004"
Google Web Search Results : "Alberta budget 2004"
Source:
Google.ca

For info on other Canadian jurisdictions' budgets, go to the Canadian Social Research Links Canadian Government Budgets page

.

Alberta Learning

The former ministry of Learning was divided into Alberta Education (for K-12 education) and Alberta Advanced Education (for post-secondary education) effective November 25, 2004.

Education

Advanced Education

.

Health and Wellness
- incl. links to : Health Care Insurance Plan - Health Information - For Health Professionals - News/Media/Resources - Health Regions - About Us

The Health Care Debate

Premier's Advisory Council on Health

Alberta Liberal Caucus

Minister McLellan and Minister Mar announce $54 million to strengthen primary health care in Alberta
News Release
August 28, 2002
Source : Health Canada
"...the Government of Canada is investing over $54 million in initiatives designed to ensure Albertans have access to high-quality, affordable and sustainable primary health care services."

For related links (incl. the Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada) :
- see the Canadian Social Research Links Medicare Debate in Canada Links page

.

Alberta Community Development

- incl. links to : Helping Albertans - Protecting Persons in Care - Human Rights, Diversity, and Equality -- Building Strong Communities - Volunteer and Community Development - Youth - Funding and Partnerships - Human Rights Education Funding - Commissions, Boards, Councils and Foundations - and much more...

New disabilities office to provide better coordination, improved access, increased awareness
News Release
February 20, 2004
"Edmonton... The new Office for Disability Issues, announced in this week's throne speech, will allow government to better coordinate policies and programs. As a central place to discuss disability issues, provincial government departments and stakeholders will have the opportunity to collaborate on and strengthen long-term planning to address the needs of Albertans with disabilities."
NOTE: when the new ODI is added to the Alberta Community Development website, it will be under the Helping Albertans link...

Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD)

Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities

Helping Albertans
"Alberta Community Development is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all Albertans"
- inc.l links to : Protecting Persons in Care - Human Rights, Diversity and Equality - Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) - Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities - Brain Injury Initiative

.

Alberta Seniors and Community Supports

The Ministry consists of four functional units: Seniors Services, Housing Services, Strategic Planning and Supportive Living, and Strategic Corporate Services. In addition, the Alberta Social Housing Corporation (ASHC), and the Seniors Advisory Council for Alberta are part of the Ministry.

Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
- incl. links to: What is AISH? - Am I eligible to receive AISH? - Who receives AISH? - How can I apply for AISH? - Can I work and receive AISH? - Can I appeal decisions about AISH? - Can I receive Alberta Works Income Support benefits while I'm receiving AISH benefits? Where can I get more information about AISH?

Government increases AISH rates and supports employment
January 31, 2008
Edmonton
AISH benefits will increase for the second time in a year, and interested clients are able to access employment supports.

$1.6 billion in benefits provided to Alberta seniors
Information Bulletin
May 6, 2004
- incl. a list and brief description of Government of Alberta benefits to help seniors maintain their well-being and independence; these benefits total approximately $1.6 billion annually
- incl.
Alberta Seniors Benefit - Health Care Insurance Premium Exemptions - Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program - Dental and Optical Benefits - Alberta Blue Cross Coverage for Seniors - Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)


.


Queen's Printer 

Alberta Catalogue of Statutes and Regulations

.

Auditor-General
 
.

Other Alberta Sites - Autres sites de l'Alberta

Child and Family Poverty Too High in Wealthy Alberta
November 26, 2007
Related link:
Wages and Child and Family Poverty in Alberta: Fact Sheet
Source:
Public Interest Alberta

Alberta ready to defy boom bust cycles of the past: TD Economics (PDF file - 100K, 4 pages)
Press Release
September 27, 2007
CALGARY - Are Alberta’s boom-times setting the economy up for a classic bust? TD Economics says no in a report released today at the Calgary Economic Development’s Economic Outlook luncheon. There are a number of “flashing warning signs” such as the decline in natural gas prices and drilling output levels, as well as slower growth in home and consumer goods sales, but TD economists Don Drummond and Derek Burleton consider the “odds of a hard landing to be one in four.”
Source:
TD Economics

Executive Summary (PDF file - 434K, 3 pages)

Complete report:

The Tiger that Roared Across Alberta (PDF file - 1.1MB, 34 pages)

Related link:

Welfare clawback policies stymie labour recruitment, TD report says
September 28, 2007
EDMONTON - Alberta's economic growth could be hurt by excessive clawbacks of benefits received by low-income earners, suggests a report released, Thursday, by TD Bank. The Alberta government has suggested recruiting marginalized workers to offset a widespread labour shortage. But welfare recipients face a major disincentive in taking work because of "the extremely high personal marginal income tax rates as social assistance benefits are taxed back," the TD report stated.
Source:
The Edmonton Journal

The Family Benefit Packages in Alberta and BC Do Not Measure Up (PDF file - 60K, 2 pages)
News Release
March 7, 2007
Author Paul Kershaw (University of British Columbia) examines overall family benefits packages in Alberta and BC for different types of families and then compares them with those of other industrialized countries. His findings show that Alberta and BC rank low by international standards in terms of their combined investment in family benefits. The study serves as a reminder that promoting gender equity, raising healthy children and supporting parents in the quest to balance work and family requires more than rhetoric, it requires real investment.

Summary (PDF file - 48K, 1 page)
Policy Brief (PDF file - 112 K, 2 pages)
Complete study (PDF file - 625K, 44 pages)

Source:
Institute for Research on Public Policy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parkland Op-Ed:
Manningcare failed before, it will fail again.
Private health insurance too costly.
by Diana Gibson
November 6, 2006
Preston Manning identifies real problems with Canada's health-care system, but his prescriptions do not hit the mark. Most notably, he, like his father Ernest Manning, favours private health insurance. Ernest Manning already tried private health insurance when he was the premier and it was a dismal failure.

Source:
Parkland Institute
The Parkland Institute is an Alberta research network situated within the Faculty of Arts at the University of Alberta. It operates within the established and distinctive tradition of Canadian political economy and is non-partisan.

The above column was written in response to the following article
written last week by Preston Manning and Mark Milke:

Will our next premier lead the health-care revolution?
Preston Manning and Mark Milke, Freelance
October 30, 2006
If contenders for Alberta's Progressive Conservative leadership wish to lead the necessary health-care revolution in Canada, they and every Albertan will gain much by considering what an excellent health-care system should look like.
Source:
Edmonton Journal

Earlier Parkland op-eds on the subject of health care:

On Health Care, Stephen Harper Doesn't Walk the Talk
by Diana Gibson
December 18, 2005

Parkland Op-Ed:
Fraud in private health insurance should surprise no one
by Diana Gibson
November 9, 2005

More from the Parkland Institute:

The Spoils of the Boom: Incomes, profits and poverty in Alberta
by Diana Gibson
June 13, 2007

Media Release
June 13, 2007
New Report Says Most Albertans Not Seeing the Benefits of the Boom
EDMONTON – Middle class Albertans are no better off as a result of the current boom, and Alberta’s poor are actually worse off than before says a new report from the Parkland Institute at the University of Alberta.

Executive Summary (PDF file - 70K, 2 pages)

Complete report (PDF file - 1.6MB, 32 pages)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

City hall could shelter homeless at night: mayor [Calgary]
November 1, 2006
Calgary's mayor says city hall could be used as temporary lodging for homeless people left in the cold, snowy streets at night because overwhelmed shelters are full.
Source:
CBC News Calgary

Edmonton print shop to house city's homeless
October 31, 2006
A former City of Edmonton print shop will become an emergency shelter this winter as part of the city's plan for dealing with a growing homelessness population. City council approved the $1.4 million plan Tuesday afternoon, saying emergency shelters are expecting a 50 per cent increase in people seeking help this winter.
Source:
CBC News Edmonton

Service Canada Regional Information:
Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut

This page provides information on region-specific services for Individuals, Business and Organizations.
Services include: Jobs * Financial Benefits * Employment Insurance * Taxes * Training and Careers * Identification Cards * Travel and Passports * Health * Consumer Information * Canada and the World * Environment and Resources * Economy * Public Safety * Culture and Recreation * Science and Technology.
Source:
Service Canada
Human Resources and Social Development Canada

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alberta Food Bank Network Association
- incl. links to : Home - Mission - Projects - People - Members - Newsletter - Bulletin - Resources - Contact
Resources
- several dozen links and to organizations and online resources

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nodice Elections: Alberta
http://www.nodice.ca/elections/alberta
Source:
Nodice Elections

Related Links
-
Go to the Political Parties and Elections Links in Canada (Provinces and Territories) page: http://www.canadiansocialresearch.net/politics_prov_terr.htm

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


EmployAbilities

"EmployAbilities is a charitable non-profit organization, located in Edmonton, Alberta dedicated to promoting and enhancing employment and learning opportunities for persons with disabilities. We have served the Edmonton community for over 25 years and will continue to offer superior services through Community Partnerships and a committed staff." 
- incl. links to : Agency Profile - Assistive Technology - Community Partnerships - Job Postings - Fundraising - New Initiatives - Partners Call Centre - Resources - Success Stories - Training Programs - WORKink Alberta

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WORKink Alberta - "The Virtual Employment Resource Centre"
Career and Employment Resources for Persons with Disabilities 
- Links to a wide range of information for people with disabilities and those who support them. 
Source:
Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission
The Commission, an agency of the Government of Alberta in Canada, serves Albertans by offering human rights education services and by helping Albertans resolve human rights complaints. The Commission’s goals are to foster equality and reduce discrimination. 
Large site - use the site map to find your way around...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Albertans Against Poverty Organization (homelessness / minimum wage)
[ version française ]
"The Albertans Against Poverty Organization is a democratic organization of poor and working people dedicated to the eradication poverty and homelessness in Alberta & across Canada through consultation, advocacy, lobbying and direct action and by working in solidarity with like-minded individuals and organizations to challenge oppression in our society."
- see AAPO's campaigns to raise the minimum wage in Alberta and to eradicate homelessness in Canada; also includes a collection of links to national social policy organizations and union and links to social services in Edmonton
Daniel Dufresne - founder of AAPO

Alberta Votes 2004
- from the CBC

Provincial Election 2004
- from the Government of Alberta

2004 Alberta Provincial Election
- from Mapleleafweb (University of Lethbridge, Alberta)

Alberta 2004
"Alberta's Updated Provincial Election Resource"
Source:
Nodice Elections

Web Search Results: "alberta 2004 election"
News Search Results: "alberta 2004 election"
Source:
Google.ca

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alberta Election Bulletin (PDF file - 88K, 4 pages)
"In this provincial election bulletin we profile the social policy positions of the major parties and highlight some suggestions for what it will take to eliminate poverty in Alberta."
Source:
Edmonton Social Planning Council


More of the Same?
The Position of the Four Largest Canadian Provinces in the World of Welfare Regimes

November 5, 2004
by Paul Bernard, Sébastien Saint-Arnaud
"In More of the Same? The Position of the Four Largest Canadian Provinces in the World of Welfare Regimes, Paul Bernard and Sébastien Saint-Arnaud locate the welfare regimes of Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia among those of a group of advanced countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development [OECD]. They compare them in terms of a wide set of indicators representing public policy, social situations and level of public participation."

NOTE: This article is based partly on Gøsta Esping-Andersen's 1990 typology of welfare regimes in advanced capitalist societies and more recent related work. It's not a detailed comparison of welfare programs in certain Canadian jurisdictions, but rather an academic analysis of how the welfare systems in four Canadian provinces fit within the international typology. It should be emphasized that the analysis of welfare regimes in the four Canadian jurisdictions focuses on the mid-1990s, which was a tumultuous period in the evolution of the Canadian welfare system. Programs (and governments, except for Emperor Klein...) have changed since then, but ten years later, it's still true that "Alberta somewhat resembles the 'ultra-liberal' United States, while Quebec leans in the direction of Europe, and to some extent, of social-democracy." [Excerpt from the Abstract].

Complete report:

More of the Same? The Position of the Four Largest Canadian Provinces
in the World of Welfare Regimes
(PDF file - 1.5MB, 32 pages)
November 2004
[translation of an article initially published in French in the
Canadian Journal of Sociology, Spring 2004]

Source:
Family Network
[ Canadian Policy Research Networks ]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canada West Foundation (CWF)
Since 1971, the Canada West Foundation has provided citizens and policymakers with non-partisan, non-ideological research on a wide range of issues of critical importance to western Canadians. (...) In 2000, Canada West will be pursuing a variety of research programs, including non-profit sector studies, urban policy, health care reform, gambling policy, taxation, and economic development.

Check the Publications page for links to full copies (in PDF format) of over 50 reports dating back to early 1997. 

Leading the Way: The BC/Alberta economy
December 2006
In 2004 and 2005, BC and Alberta were the top two provinces in terms of economic growth. This strong performance has been due in large part to conditions in natural resource markets, notably high commodity prices and strong foreign demand. A by-product of this prosperity is a level of employment not witnessed in many years. Sustained job growth and ample economic opportunities have enticed people to move to BC and Alberta from other parts of the country, as evidenced by recent trends in interprovincial migration.

Complete report (PDF file - 1.2MB, 10 pages)

Source:
Canada West Foundation
Related link:
British Columbia Business Council

Also from the Canada West Foundation:

Canada West Foundation survey respondents rate homelessness as high priority
News Release
May 25, 2007
CALGARY -- The Canada West Foundation today released a public opinion survey which shows that the majority of urbanites in western Canada and Toronto rate reducing homelessness as a high priority. The most popular ways to address homelessness, according to the survey's respondents, are increased affordable housing and increased programs and services for homeless people rather than more shelter beds.

Complete study:

LOOKING WEST 2007
Segment 4: Urban Social Challenges
(PDF file - 1.12MB, 12 pages)
May 2007

Related link:

Looking West - links to all five segments of Looking West 2007 and to earlier editions (back to 2001)

Don't miss the report on welfare reform in Alberta : 
Welfare Reform in Alberta: A Survey of Former Recipients (summary report) - 1997

[You'll find a link to the complete report (in PDF format) near the top of the page]

Other CWF reports deal with issues such as tax reform and economic growth in Alberta, reform of the Canadian Senate, relations between government and non-profit organizations, immigration policy in Canada and elsewhere in the world, health promotion, gambling, the urban landscape, the Canadian social policy landscape, alternative service delivery, the safety net and seniors, and much, much more. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Profile of Poverty in Mid-Sized Alberta Cities
January 2000 
Canadian Council on Social Development
 
Another Look at Welfare Reform (Autumn 1997)
- an in-depth analysis by the National Council of Welfare of changes in Canadian welfare programs in the 1990s.
The report focuses on the provincial and territorial reforms that preceded the repeal of the Canada Assistance Plan and those that followed the implementation of the Canada Health and Social Transfer. 
Complete report online - large file (300K+) but well worth the wait for detailed information on welfare reforms in the 1990s in each Canadian jurisdiction, as well as a national overview of the broad issues of welfare reform and the setting for welfare reform in Canada
Source :
National Council of Welfare

 

List of issues to be taken up in connection with the consideration of the third periodic report of Canada : United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights - Implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (June 10, 1998) 
Alberta Government Response to the U.N. Committee's List of Issues - November 1998



Alberta Committee of Citizens with Disabilities
 


The Parkland Institute - [ University of Alberta ]
The Parkland Institute is a broad-based, provincial research organization, drawing support and representation from throughout the province and from various segments of Alberta society, including academics, private businesses, unions, professional, community and religious organizations. The Parkland Institute is situated within the Faculty of Arts at the University of Alberta. 

A few sample reports:

Some much better ways to use Klein's $1.4B giveaway
We could banish poverty, and give children top quality daycare. Now that's a legacy
October 10, 2005
by Gordon Laxer
"Giving out $400 prosperity cheques to each resident is a foolish squandering of Alberta's heritage.(...) The proponents of the so called "Alberta Advantage" argue that to attract investment and make Alberta more competitive, we need low taxes, oil royalty holidays, a low minimum wage, low public expenditures and low welfare payments. They assume a trade-off between economic efficiency and generous, universal public services. If you have extensive public services and anti-poverty policies, you can't have a vigorous economy, they say. But are they right?" (...)

New Parkland Institute Report Highlights Strengths of Public Health Care
More Private Financing Will Increase Costs and Hurt Accessibility
Press Release - November 2, 2004
Executive Summary (PDF file - 29K, 5 pages)

Public Remedies, Not Private Payments:
Quality Health Care in Alberta
(2.2MB, 158 pages)
November 2004

Also from the Parkland Institute :

The Globalism Project


Pembina Institute
The Pembina Institute is an independent, not-for-profit environmental policy research and education organization. Founded in Drayton Valley, Alberta, the Pembina Institute has a multidisciplinary staff of more than thirty, with offices in Drayton Valley, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Ottawa.
The Pembina Institute’s major policy research and education programs are in the areas of sustainable energy, climate change, environmental governance, ecological fiscal reform, sustainability indicators, and the environmental impacts of the energy industry.

Wild Rose Foundation - The Wild Rose Foundation is a lottery funded agency created by the Government of Alberta in November of 1984. The Foundation is governed by a seven-person Board of Directors. The Honourable Stan Woloshyn, Minister of Community Development in Alberta is also the Minister responsible for the Wild Rose Foundation. 
The Foundation's activities: 

1.Provide funding to volunteer, non-profit organizations that provide valuable services to Albertans; 

2.Foster or promote the use of volunteers, or to assist those who volunteer or use the services of volunteers in Alberta; and 

3.Foster or promote charitable, philanthropic, humanitarian, or public spirited acts or to assist those who perform them. 



Welfare reform in Alberta (1997)

Back to Work:
Learning from the Alberta Welfare Experiment

April 9, 1997
By Kenneth J. Boessenkool
Now here's a moldie goldie oldie - I lost track of this report some time ago and just recently stumbled across it again.

I'm flagging this as an important report, not because I think the author "got it right" in his assessment of the relative success of Alberta's welfare reforms starting in 1993, but rather because I consider it a kind of manifesto of social conservatives with respect to welfare and welfare reform in Canada. Author Ken Boessenkool hails "the change [in 1993] in the administrative culture of Alberta Family and Social Services, as a result of which welfare applicants are now routinely turned away unless they have exhausted all other sources of support. In the second stage [of Alberta welfare reforms], the province brought benefit levels in line with wages earned by Albertans with low incomes. Together, these reforms appear to have contributed to a nearly 50 percent decline in the number of Albertans on welfare, Boessenkool says." [bolding added]

On page 6 of his report, the author states, "Alberta did not cut its benefits [in IOctober of 1993] uniformly for all recipients. Rather, it focused its most severe reductions on single, employable individuals. They faced a 19 percent decline in benefits, which brought the amount just below the minimum wage."

Wow.

The welfare income of a single person with no disability in 1993 was "just below minimum wage" AFTER a 19% decrease in that person's maximum benefit level??

No way. Not true.

I did interprovincial welfare