Canadian Social Research Links
Alberta

Sites de recherche sociale au Canada
Alberta

Updated March 27, 2010
Page révisée le 27 mars 2010

[ Go to Canadian Social Research Links Home Page ]


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* Key Welfare Links in AB (scroll down to the grey box below, right column)
* Latest AB Budget
* Poverty reduction in AB
* Non-governmental sites in AB

 

 

NEW

Alberta cuts education support for low-income students
March 26, 2010
CALGARY — The Alberta government is cutting $12.5 million from Alberta Works, a welfare program that helps adults with lower incomes upgrade their education. U
nder the current program, a qualifying apprentice with no children is eligible for $869 a month in addition to EI to help cover job-related expenses, as well as childcare and rent costs. That will decrease to $834. Similarly, a couple with two children who once collected $2,302 a month in provincial welfare benefits will receive only $1,847. According to provincial Employment and Immigration Minister Thomas Lukaszuk, the changes are meant to equalize benefits for all students collecting income support under what's known as the "learner" category. Currently, two students with the same family size can conceivably receive different levels of funding, he said.

---

Tory cuts sting poor:
Welfare rates rolled back for adult education

March 27, 2010
Premier Ed Stelmach acknowledged Friday that provincial budget cuts will erode services for Alberta's most vulnerable, but stressed his government will minimize fallout on welfare recipients, foster parents and the disabled. After a week of being criticized by social agencies and political opponents for cuts to foster care and adults with developmental disabilities, the Stelmach government announced Friday rollbacks of welfare rates for Albertans looking to upgrade their education.

Source:
Calgary Herald

Related links:

Alberta Budget 2010, Striking the Right Balance
February 9, 2010

Budget summary by ministry
"The 2010-11 budget includes:
...
* $582 million for income supports and related health benefits, a $47-million reduction from 2009-10. Savings will be realized by redirecting potential expected-to-work income-support clients to employment services, training or work opportunities. As well, benefits to new learners will be reduced. Funding commitments to existing learners will be honoured at current benefit rates. Fewer income-support clients will also result in savings in the health benefit programs.
* $177 million for employment and training programs, a $15-million reduction from 2009-10.
..." (p.4)
Source:
Budget summary by ministry

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Disparity Gap Growing Says New Report
Social Workers Propose New Social Policy Framework for Alberta
News Release
March 19, 2010
Edmonton – Growing disparity in Alberta is resulting in low and middle income families losing ground in both quality of life and standard of living, says a new report commissioned by the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). The ACSW’s Social Policy Framework, prepared by the Parkland Institute, catalogues Alberta’s disparity gap and reveals that the province’s social infrastructure needs significant repair. (...)

Complete report:

CASW Social Policy Framework 2010:
Visioning a More Equitable and Just Alberta
(PDF - 3.4MB, 60 pages)
March 2010
The report shows:
* Wages for Albertans have not kept pace with inflation, and in some years real wages actually dropped. Disposable income per capita in Alberta has stagnated.
* Middle class Albertans increased their incomes only by working more hours per year than anyone else in Canada.
* Alberta’s flat tax, introduced in 2001, has resulted in over $5 billion in lost revenue annually.

Source:
ACSW Disparity Campaign
[ Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)]

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A made-in-Alberta child-tax benefit would reduce cost of poverty
Investment in poor would pay dividends to society, economy

By John Kolkman*
March 16, 2010
Alberta has experienced a modest drop in child and family poverty in recent years due to a strong economy and some reinvestment in social programs. Yet the 2006 federal census, taken at the height of the economic boom, found that 77,595 Alberta children (over one in 10) continued to live in poverty. Moreover, even these modest gains will be put at risk if the Alberta government makes the wrong choices in its upcoming budget. The government of Alberta should consider investing in a refundable child-tax benefit for low and modest income Alberta families. Alberta would thereby join several other provinces that have their own child-tax benefits to supplement federal child tax benefits.
Source:
Edmonton Journal

[ * John Kolkman is research and policy analysis
co-ordinator at the Edmonton Social Planning Council]

Related links:

Child and Family Benefits
- includes links to info about the following programs:
* Canada Child Tax Benefit
* Universal Child Care Benefit
* Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax Credit
* Working Income Tax Benefit
* National Child Benefit Supplement
* Child Disability Benefit
* Provincial and territorial programs
* MORE...
Source:
Canada Revenue Agency

NEW

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 and Immigration (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



Government of Alberta Programs and Services for:

- Lower-income Earners

- Persons with disabilities

- Seniors

- All groups - incl. Aboriginal Peoples - Caregivers - Children - Immigrants - Job Seekers - Nonprofit/Voluntary Organizations - Parents - Students - Youth - more...

Source:
Government of Alberta Programs and Services


Servicealberta - "one stop. thousands of answers."

Key welfare links

Department responsible for welfare
Alberta Employment and Immigration

(formerly
Employment, Immigration and Industry)
(formerly Human Resources and Employment)

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
- Support Agreement Regulation
- Temporary Employment and Job Creation Programs Regulation
- Training Provider Regulation

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:
- Income and Employment Supports Act and Regulation
- Employment and Training Programs (Programs and Services, Accountability, Employment Insurance Initiatives, 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...)
* Province provides more help to Albertans in need (Oct. 22/08)
* Government increases AISH rates and supports employment (Jan. 31/08)
* Low-Income Review presents a vision for the future (May 22/02)
* Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
- AISH Policy Manual
Source: Alberta Seniors and Community Supports
* Alberta welfare reforms a model for other provinces, says C.D. Howe Institute study (PDF file - 668K, 38 pages) - April 1997 Source: C.D. Howe Institute

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





No Poverty Reduction Plan for Alberta?
NOTE: this link takes you to the BC section of the
Anti-poverty Strategies and Campaigns page of this site:
http://www.canadiansocialresearch.net/antipoverty.htm

As of May 26, 2010, ALL links to content concerning poverty reduction strategies and campaigns have been moved to the above page from the individual provincial/territorial pages, including government and NGO links.




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

Servicealberta - "one stop. thousands of answers."

Alberta Catalogue of Statutes and Regulations

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

Alberta Government Departments


Alberta Employment and Immigration
(formerly Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry)
(and before that, Human Resources and Employment)
- incl. links to : * Business & Industry * Career & Employment * Family Supports * Immigration * Office of Statistics & Information * Regional Development * Safe & Fair Workplaces * Francophone Secretariat * more...

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 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.

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.

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

Department responsible for welfare
Alberta Employment and Immigration

(formerly
Employment, Immigration and Industry)
(formerly Human Resources and Employment)

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
- Support Agreement Regulation
- Temporary Employment and Job Creation Programs Regulation
- Training Provider Regulation

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:
- Income and Employment Supports Act and Regulation
- Employment and Training Programs (Programs and Services, Accountability, Employment Insurance Initiatives, 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...)
* Province provides more help to Albertans in need (Oct. 22/08)
* Government increases AISH rates and supports employment (Jan. 31/08)
* Low-Income Review presents a vision for the future (May 22/02)
* Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
- AISH Policy Manual
Source: Alberta Seniors and Community Supports
* Alberta welfare reforms a model for other provinces, says C.D. Howe Institute study (PDF file - 668K, 38 pages) - April 1997 Source: C.D. Howe Institute


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

Selected News Releases:

October 22, 2008
Province provides more help to Albertans in need
Increases to benefits and earning exemptions will help those who need it most
Albertans receiving Alberta Works income support will receive higher monthly benefits beginning November 1. In addition single Albertans who work and qualify for income support assistance will see earning exemptions double from $115 to $230 a month - meaning they can make more money before their benefits are affected. (...) The maximum qualifying income levels for the Alberta Child Health Benefit (ACH) and Alberta Adult Health Benefit (AAHB) also increased allowing families to earn more and remain eligible for the benefit.

More info on Alberta Works / Income Support

Related link:

Albertans on welfare to get payment boost
October 24, 2008
Albertans in 46,500 households receiving welfare payments will get a boost in their monthly payments next week. On Nov. 1, those who receive income support through Alberta Works -- the government's official name for welfare -- will receive an increase after the province approved a rate hike. (...) Earning exemptions will double to $230 from $115 a month, meaning those Albertans can make more money before their benefits are affected. Of the 4,000 Albertans receiving those benefits and working either part-time or full-time, 1,400 will notice the increase to the earnings exemption.
Source:
Calgary Herald

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

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

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)

Related link:

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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."

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

---

Alberta Budget 2010, Striking the Right Balance (budget home page)
February 9, 2010

Detailed Budget Documents
- includes links to:
* Budget Speech * Highlights * 2010-13 Fiscal Plan * 2010-13 Government and Ministry Business Plans *
2010-11 Government and Legislative Assembly Estimates

News Releases:

* Budget 2010 strikes the right balance by focusing on Albertans' priorities while limiting spending
Health, education and vulnerable Albertans remain budget priorities
February 9, 2010
Budget highlights:
* $1.3 billion in savings found through cross-ministry spending review
* Cost savings re-invested in and new money added to priority areas:
o $1.7-billion increase for ongoing health programs; AHS deficit paid off
o $250-million increase for school boards
o Benefit levels maintained for recipients of Alberta Seniors Benefit and Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped
o Funding remains at $597 million for Persons with Developmental Disabilities program
* Alberta’s competitive advantage supported and enhanced:
o $20.1-billion investment in infrastructure over three years
o No tax increases; taxes remain lowest overall in Canada
* $38.7 billion forecast total expense in 2010-11; $34.0 billion forecast revenue in 2010-11
* $4.7-billion deficit forecast for 2010-11; $505-million surplus forecast in 2012-13
* Savings in Sustainability Fund used to offset deficits

* Budget summary by ministry (PDF - 65K, 10 pages)
February 9, 2010

* News releases, charts and graphs

* What's in the Budget for Albertans
with lower incomes, seniors and Albertans in need?

- Seniors supports:
o $326 million for the Alberta Seniors Benefit an increase of $14 million or 4.5% from 2009-10. The Benefit supports 144,000 low-income seniors.
o $133 million, an increase of $9.6 million or 7.8%, for Seniors Lodge Assistance, the Dental and Optical Assistance Program, Special Needs Assistance and School Property Tax Assistance programs.

- Support for low –income Albertans:
o $113 million to help 80,000 Albertans with a long-term disability, chronic illness or terminal illness to maintain their independence by providing financial assistance for medical equipment and supplies.
o $450 million for Alberta Works income support programs

[ Alberta budgets for earlier years ]

Source:
Alberta Finance and Enterprise

_________________________________________

Budget analysis/critique:

Critics united in condemnation
'Robbing Peter to pay Paul'; Health funding hike comes at expense of other essential services
By Diana Gibson And Ricardo Acuna
February 11, 2010
Although initial reaction to the provincial budget by pundits and media focused on the increase in spending overall and to health spending and infrastructure in particular, a deeper look at the numbers reveals the real price of those increases and raises serious concerns about long-term fiscal management in this province.
Source:
Edmonton Journal
[ Authors Ricardo Acuna and Diana Gibson are directors of the Parkland Institute, a non-partisan social policy research institute based at the University of Alberta. ]

---

Critic says Alta. budget will spike homelessness
By Kristy Brownlee
February 10, 2010
Alberta is off-track on its promise to end homelessness and more people may be forced to live on the streets, says a critic after budget 2010 was revealed Tuesday. “The choice to cut housing dollars disproportionately to other areas of government is an unfortunate one and it’s going to hurt a lot of vulnerable Albertans,” said John Kolkman, research co-ordinator with the Edmonton Social Planning Council, a non-profit group focused on social research.
Source:
Edmonton Sun

Related link:

Edmonton Social Planning Council (ESPC)
The ESPC is dedicated to encouraging the adoption of equitable social policy, supporting the work of other organizations who are striving to improve the lives of Edmontonians, and educating the public regarding the social issues that impact them on a daily basis.

---

Wildrose Alliance presents alternative budget
February 10, 2010
Danielle Smith and her three-member Wildrose Alliance caucus present an alternative budget Wednesday. Danielle Smith and her three-member Wildrose Alliance caucus present an alternative budget Wednesday. (CBC)The Wildrose Alliance says the Alberta government would have been able to record a surplus rather than the $4.7 billion deficit in Tuesday's budget — if it had been more careful about limiting spending increases over the past seven years.
Source:
CBC News - Edmonton

Related links:

Backgrounder on the
Wildrose Alliance Party's Balanced Budget Initiative
(PDF - 370K, 7 pages)
Source:
Wildrose Alliance Party (party website)

Wildrose Alliance Party of Alberta - from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"The Wildrose Alliance Party of Alberta is a fiscally conservative provincial political party in Alberta, Canada. It includes both libertarian and socially conservative factions and was formed in 2008 following a merger of the Wildrose Party and the Alberta Alliance. The party, led by Danielle Smith, seeks to become a centre-right alternative to the governing Progressive Conservatives (PC)."


NOTE: On this page, you'll find information about the latest provincial budget only.

To avoid unnecessary duplication of budget links on multiple pages, I've moved links to all earlier budgets over to the pages below, organized by fiscal year. The pages below include links to media analysis and selected critique from NGOs on the budgets, and the amount of coverage varies across jurisdictions and over the years.

Go to Canadian Government Budgets 2010
Go to Canadian Government Budgets 2009
Go to Canadian Government Budgets 2008

Go to Canadian Government Budgets 2007
Go to Canadian Government Budgets 2006
Go to Canadian Government Budgets 2005
Go to Canadian Government Budgets 2004

Alberta Housing and Urban Affairs

Alberta announces $3.2b plan to end homelessness
March 16, 2009
By Michael Shapcott
The Alberta government has today released a dramatic plan to end homelessness in 10 years by committing $1.2 billion in capital investments and $2 billion in operating funding. The plan – based on the “housing first” approach (which provides immediate housing and then offers supports as required) – will lead to the creation of 11,000 new homes by 2012, according to the provincial government. Full details, including funding and implementation lines, will be released in next month’s provincial budget.

The Alberta Plan:

A Plan For Alberta : Ending Homelessness in 10 years (PDF - 1.8MB, 48 pages)
October 2008
Prepared By:
The Alberta Secretariat
For Action On Homelessness
[ Alberta Housing and Urban Affairs ]

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 : 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


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?

AISH clients can earn more while still receiving financial assistance
Employment income exemption increases, effective July

July 21, 2008
Edmonton... Albertans receiving assistance through the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program can now earn more money and still remain eligible for financial assistance. The employment income exemption increase is retroactive to July 1. (...) On July 1, the upper limit of the employment exemption formula increased by $500 to $1,500 per month for single AISH clients and to $2,500 per month for couples and clients with children. Close to 7,000 AISH clients are currently working.

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

Women Together Ending poverty (WTEP)
We are a Calgary-based diverse group of women working together to educate ourselves and other women about the root causes of poverty and to empower ourselves and other women to take action against poverty.
- incl. links to:
* Welcome * Our Principles * Our Platform * Our Regular Activities * Our Current Focus * Past Events * Future Events * Videos * Poverty Talks * Our Contact Info * Links

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

From Vibrant Communities Calgary:

* Cost of Living Factsheet - August 2009 (PDF - 1.2MB, 4 pages)
* Poverty Fact Sheet - August 2009 (PDF - 653K, 2 pages)
* Living Wage Fact Sheet - August 2009 (PDF - 1.8MB, 4 pages)
Source:
Vibrant Communities Calgary
Vibrant is a non-profit organization that works collaboratively, with various stakeholders and partners, seeking to engage Calgarians and to advocate for long-term strategies that address the root causes of poverty in Calgary.
[ Vibrant Resources ]

---

Vibrant Communities - Calgary
(from the Tamarack Institute for Community Engagement)
- incl. * Calgary's Approach * Update * Contact Info * Key Documents

Vibrant Communities
Vibrant Communities is a community-driven effort to reduce poverty in Canada by creating partnerships that make use of our most valuable assets – people, organizations, businesses and governments. It’s a unique approach to poverty reduction that allows communities to learn from — and help — each other. Vibrant Communities links communities across Canada, from British Columbia to Newfoundland, in a collective effort to test the most effective ways to reduce poverty at the grassroots level.
[ Learn more about Vibrant Communities ]
[ Tamarack Institute for Community Engagement:
Tamarack exists to build vibrant and engaged communities in Canada. Our work will result in more collaborative approaches and less poverty. ]

---

Poverty Reduction Coalition
In 2004, United Way of Calgary and Area formed the Sustained Poverty Reduction Initiative to leverage people, resources and influence to reduce the causes and effects of poverty. The initiative was later renamed Poverty Reduction Coalition [ 2007 Backgrounder (PDF - 52K, 2 pages), and it is a community collaborative supported by United Way of Calgary and Area.
NOTE: this site hasn't been updated since late 2008, but it contains some interesting Calgary-focused reports going back a few years that are worth checking out...

---

Community & Neighbourhood Services --- [City of Calgary]
"Community Strategies supports fledgling community issues and initiatives, works with The City of Calgary's not-for-profit partners and provides research, planning and marketing for community vitality and protection-related services at The City."
[ Publications, Guides & Directories ]

---

May 25, 2009
From the
Canadian Council on Social Development:

Alberta:
Extending the Alberta Advantage (PDF - 393K, 29 pages)
- by Peter Faid, Community Services Consulting Ltd.

Source:
Poverty Reduction Policies and Programs
Social Development Report Series, 2009
[ Canadian Council on Social Development ]

Also from CCSD :

Poverty Reduction Policies and Programs in Canada (PDF - 341K, 29 pages)
By David I. Hay, Information Partnership

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

Poverty Reduction Coalition
- a volunteer-driven community collaborative, dedicated to reducing the incidence of poverty in Calgary, one of the city’s most complex and far-reaching issues.

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

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

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


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. 

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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 rate comparisons for over 25 years as part of my job with the federal government. Never in that period - not once - did a single employable person on welfare receive even close to the prevailing minimum wage, in Alberta or in any other Canadian province. According to the National Council of Welfare's Welfare Incomes report, a single person on welfare in Alberta received about $5,600 for all of 1993. The provincial minimum wage for that year was $5.00 (or about $9,700 for the 52 weeks).

Alberta welfare reforms
a model for other provinces, says C.D. Howe Institute study
(PDF file - 668K, 38 pages)
April 1997
[NOTE: this PDF file includes a communiqué in English and one in French as well as the 29-page report itself]
By Kenneth J. Boessenkool
"The welfare reform program that Alberta embarked on in 1993 has reduced the province’s welfare caseload, as a percentage of its population, to levels not seen since before the early 1980s’ recession, a success that has important lessons for other provinces, concludes a C.D. Howe Institute Commentary released today. The study, Back to Work: Learning from the Alberta Welfare Experiment, was written by Kenneth J. Boessenkool, a Policy Analyst at the C.D. Howe Institute." [Excerpt from the Communiqué]

Source:
C.D Howe Institute

Related Link:

March 14, 2006:
Tory strategists return to jobs as lobbyists
Watchdog says move by Harper aides violates spirit of proposed ethics law

By Glen McGregor and Tim Naumetz
The Ottawa Citizen
"Two former top aides to Prime Minister Stephen Harper registered to lobby the new Conservative government on key issues such as gas exploration, fuel taxes and airport policy just weeks after they helped Mr. Harper campaign on a promise to stop the revolving door between the lobbying world and government. Former Harper advisers Ken Boessenkool [bolding added] and Yaroslav Baran returned to the lobbying business, separately listing clients that include an association backing ethanol fuel tax breaks and Canada’s busiest airport, after taking a two-month break to work on the Conservative election campaign. An ethics watchdog says the lobby registrations violate the spirit of Mr. Harper’s proposed federal accountability bill, which promises to stop government officials from becoming lobbyists for five years after they leave their jobs. The registrations also may contravene standards already set by the existing federal code of ethics for lobbyists, says Democracy Watch director Duff Conacher."


New Democratic Party of Alberta


Community & Neighbourhood Services --- [City of Calgary]
"Community Strategies supports fledgling community issues and initiatives, works with The City of Calgary's not-for-profit partners and provides research, planning and marketing for community vitality and protection-related services at The City."

2006 Count of Homeless Persons in Calgary
July 2006
"The City of Calgary has conducted a census of absolutely homeless persons every two years since 1992. The Biennial Count of Homeless Persons provides a periodic snapshot of the size and characteristics of the “visible” homeless population in Calgary. The 2006 Count of Homeless Persons was conducted on 2006 May 10. A total of 3,436 homeless persons were enumerated."
* Full Report (PDF file - 711K, 93 pages)
* Executive Summary (PDF file - 43K, pages)
* FAQ (PDF file - 39K, pages)
* Earlier reports - back to 1994
Source:
Research on Affordable Housing and Homelessness
[
Community & Neighbourhood Services]
[City of Calgary]
"Community Strategies supports fledgling community issues and initiatives, works with The City of Calgary's not-for-profit partners and provides research, planning and marketing for community vitality and protection-related services at The City."

Also from the City of Calgary Community and Neighbourhood Services:

Facts About Poverty in Calgary (PDF file - 70K, 6 pages)
November 2003



Calgary Food Bank
In 1999, the Calgary Food Bank required over $2 million in donated cash and over $8 million in donated food. More than 44,000 hampers were distributed to approximately 121,000 Calgarians who came to us for help. In addition 62,000 people were fed every month through the Food Link program

Calgary Homeless Foundation
"[T]he Foundation provides capital funding for housing projects and has committed itself to providing the vehicle for community consultation on homelessness issues and community
collaboration on solutions."


(dis)Abilities - The (dis)Abilities Special Interest Group
Calgary Community-Net 

- links to about two dozen disability-related sites in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and elsewhere 

Calgary Community Network Association ("Calgary Community-Net")

Watering Down the Milk: Women Coping on Alberta’s Minimum Wage
- A report by Calgary Status of Women Action Committee, February 1999


City of Edmonton Housing Services
- incl. links to Ten-Year Low-Income and Special Needs Housing Strategy - A Count of Homeless Persons in Edmonton (3 reports - latest is September, 2000) - Edmonton Community Plan on Homelessness

Edmonton Housing Trust Fund
"The Edmonton Housing Trust Fund (EHTF) was established in October of 1999 by the Edmonton Coalition on Homelessness Society to address the growing concern over the availability of affordable housing sufficient to meet the needs of the city of Edmonton’s lower-income and special needs citizens."

October 2002 homeless count (PDF file - 296K, 12 pages)


Edmonton Social Planning Council
The Edmonton Social Planning Council (ESPC) is an independent, non-profit, charitable organization. A voluntary Board of Directors representing all community sectors governs the Council. The ESPC builds community through research, advocacy and public education. We identify trends and emerging social issues, then create opportunities to debate those trends and issues.

Inclusive Cities Canada Project

Reports provide wake-up call on future of Canada’s cities
Media Release
March 23, 2005
"‘Social inclusion’ reports were released today in five cities -- Saint John, Toronto, Burlington, Edmonton and Vancouver. They are the work of Inclusive Cities Canada, a unique, participatory research initiative that uses a social inclusion framework to build people-friendly cities, promote good urban governance and develop strategies for supporting urban diversity. The federally-funded initiative set up Civic Panels made of community and municipal leaders to conduct social inclusion ‘audits’. Over 1,000 participants contributed to the findings. The research examined important dimensions of social inclusion, such as how cities respond to diversity, levels of civic engagement, living conditions, opportunities for human development and community services."

Download the report for Edmonton (PDF file - 655K, 45 pages)
Related Link:
The Edmonton Social Planning Council (ESPC) is a non-profit, independent social research and advocacy organization. The ESPC provides leadership to the community and its organizations in addressing social issues and effecting changes to social policy. Our work includes the definition of the scope and nature of social issues (social research), facilitation of community based solutions to social problems (social planning), the promotion of strategies which will reduce the long term costs and problems caused by unresolved social issues (advocacy), information and referral regarding human service and health programs, and the demonstration of new models of service delivery (innovation).

Source:
Inclusive Cities Canada
"Inclusive Cities Canada: A Cross-Canada Civic Initiative is a unique partnership of community leaders and elected municipal politicians working collaboratively to enhance social inclusion across Canada. The goals of Inclusive Cities Canada (ICC) are to strengthen the capacity of cities to create and sustain inclusive communities for the mutual benefit of all people, and to ensure that community voices of diversity are recognized as core Canadian ones."

Federation of Canadian Municipalities
[Inclusive Cities Canada works in collaboration with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities]
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is a national organization of 1000 plus cities in Canada. Comprised of locally elected politicians, FCM endeavours to support local governments through conferences, research and information and acts as a lobby for the interests of cities with the Federal Government. Over the past 15 years besides issues of local infrastructure, FCM has advocated for a better quality of life in our local communities. To achieve our goals, FCM liaises and works with numerous other Canadian groups and organizations.

- Go to the Municipalities Links page: http://www.canadiansocialresearch.net/municipal.htm

Provincial Child Poverty Report Cards: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia
- incl. links to current and historical poverty reports for all six provinces.
Source:
Campaign 2000


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