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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