Trish Audette, Edmonton Journal
April 15, 2009

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Despite a recession that has cost the provincial economy more than 44,000 jobs since the start of the year, the government topped up income support funding by just two per cent in this year's budget, drawing criticism from those who work with unemployed Albertans.

But Employment and Immigration Minister Hector Goudreau said the cash injection to Alberta Works, which funds people on welfare, should be seen as a positive "in that it wasn't cut. I think that the mandate is not to provide welfare or financial support. Our mandate is to try to take people and put them into training positions and get them into the workforce as soon as possible," he said. "We're trying to move people through the system."

In December, Alberta Works had 28,223 cases. That caseload has increased by about 1,000 each month since, hitting 31,610 in March. In March 2008, there were 25,861 cases. "We haven't even begun to see the real impact of job losses," said Susan Morrissey, executive director of the Edmonton Social Planning Council.

"Yes, training is very important and we're all in favour and support that. But in the meantime, there has to be support for people who are going to school and who are upgrading training."

While Alberta Works will get a $4.3-million increase in funding this year, funding for employment and training programs is boosted by $3.6 million and training in partnership with industry increases by $5.4 million. Goudreau said the province is not going to commit money to help people stay unemployed. "We want to create more resources to get them out of the home and back into the workforce. We'll try to give as much support as we can."

The Edmonton Food Bank is already helping more people who have lost jobs and had their hours reduced, said executive director Marjorie Bencz. "In a perfect world, people would be able to work and have enough money for work to support themselves and their families. But it's not a perfect world."

The provincial government is holding out for a turnaround by the end of this year. "I feel that there is no doubt a lot of opportunities for individuals," Goudreau said last week.

"I would think that the numbers are going to get a little worse, but I don't think they're going to be dropping by a huge amount."

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