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Alberta's poorest forgotten in budget |
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Letter to the Editor
April 15, 2005
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The Alberta government’s 100th anniversary budget may appear to have
had gifts for all, even for some of our low-income neighbours. But
totally missed again were the 30,000 households who receive social
assistance. The government is to be commended for the increased support
being given people with disabilities (AISH) and low-income seniors, as
well as for the planned increase in the minimum wage to support
low-wage employees. But it is incomprehensible why social assistance
rates were not increased as well.
After being cut back 20% at the beginning of Ralph Klein’s tenure as
Premier, social assistance rates have been increased only once in 12
years. (In 2003 the rates were increased by $20 a month for families
and those not expected to work.)
Finance Minister Shirley McClellan reminded us in the Budget speech
this week of the Premier’s pledge in 1993 that “if Albertans helped us
get rid of the deficit and debt, they would reap the rewards for their
hard work.” And certainly we are reaping the rewards of living in a
debt-free province. But there are too many Albertans who are missing
out on these rewards.
Among them are the over 50,000 women, men and children in Alberta for
whom social assistance is inadequate, providing for only 40-80% of
their basic needs (based on the Market Basket Measure thresholds). A
debt-free Alberta is certainly in a position to increase their welfare
benefits so that they can at least provide for their basic needs. They
deserve an invitation to the Alberta centennial party too.
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Sunday, 05 February 2012 
