Dave Mabell
LETHBRIDGE HERALD
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Alberta's seniors, child care services and health care system will all receive increased funding in the province's new budget. But it's some of the most vulnerable citizens, men and women living with a severe disability, who received some of the best news Thursday.
They'll be getting an extra $400 a month, starting in April, if they're supported by the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program. And they'll be allowed to deduct less from that cheque if they're able to work a part-time job.
"I think it's excellent that they finally recognize the need for an increase," said Deb Cheney, executive director locally for the Canadian Mental Health Association.
"It takes some stress off people who are already living with a lot of stress," including many southern Albertans facing mental health issues.
In Lethbridge, Chenery said, many pay $600 to $800 a month - from their current cheque of less than $1,200 - just to cover rent.
"They're watching every dollar."
The top-up, promised by Premier Alison Redford while she was campaigning for the party leadership, was praised Thursday by many after budget details were released.
"I don't think there will be much push-back on that," said Lethbridge political scientist Geoffrey Hale, one of many who felt the increase was well justified.
So did Michael Cormican, speaking for Friends of Medicare in southern Alberta. He also noted a $25 million budget increase for mental health and addictions programs, in addition to a $75 million boost for the province's "primary care" health initiative.
But the budget wasn't clear about how it will help Alberta's seniors, he said - especially those who need some level of housing or nursing care.
"They're still 'nickeling and diming' our seniors," Cormican said. "Why should they pay extra for more than one bath a week?"
Seniors' centres also need better provincial support, he added. They're providing front-line service for thousands of older Albertans who keep healthy through recreation and socializing at non-profit centres right across the province.
For Lethbridge East MLA Bridget Pastoor, longtime seniors and health-care critic for the Alberta Liberals before joining the Tories last fall, the budget went a long way to respond to many Albertans' needs.
"For the areas I've been interested in, I'm quite happy."
She said the AISH increase, important to many people in her Lethbridge East constituency, was long needed. But it should now be indexed to the cost of living, she said.
"I'm going to push for it to be more predictable."
Pastoor said she's pleased there were no service cuts or tax hikes in the budget. And by introducing "results-based" budget processes, she said more of Albertans' tax dollars will be directed to the most effective programs.
She said ministers responsible for social programs, like all other government activities, will be required to review and justify each of their department's initiatives over a three-year period.
"They're going to have to able to prove the results they get for the money they ask for."