I was reflecting on recent economic issues in Alberta and couldn't help but notice some policy changes put in place or announced recently by the #UCP that directly target low-income households. These include: (🧵):
Comments
Log in with your Bluesky account to leave a comment
I believe this is part of their strategy to “flood the zone” so we can’t keep up with the pace of changes, let alone criticize. Thanks for compiling this list.
The Alberta Escalator: caps increases in AISH, Income Supports, and Seniors Benefits by 2% or inflation, whichever is lower. This will potentially reduce the real value of income supports. See this write-up by @leestevens1.bsky.social at @vibrantcalgary.bsky.social https://enoughforall.ca/articles/a-closer-look-at-albertas-new-indexation-framework
Child care funding: elimination of the (income-tested) child care subsidy and an evening out of child care fees paid by parents, increasing out-of-pocket child care expenses for lower-income families with younger children in day cares. See: https://substack.com/@gillianpetit/p-156184934
Reduction in eye care coverage: as of Feb. 1, the province is no longer funding partial vision exams for children and seniors, among other changes. This will impact those with eye disease, vulnerable populations, and those living in rural areas. See: https://calgary.citynews.ca/2025/02/03/alberta-eye-care-changes/
All of these changes make me worried. Alberta's income and social security programs are being weakened. As we face tariff threats and affordability issues, is this the time? Would it not be better to put in place more supports to brace for economic impacts? #abpoli @albertandp.ca
Yes, that would make sense, if we had a gov’t that valued it’s constituents.But, we have a Conservative (UCP) gov’t which joins other Con gov’ts in their goal of funnelling tax dollars into friends/their pockets.Kids/seniors cost money/reduce the $$ that can be stolen, so that has to be curtailed.
Comments