by rdnorth | Feb 7, 2023 | Community
With a recent decrease in the number of foster parents, the Alberta government is raising awareness of the need for more foster parents through a campaign with hopes of creating 100 additional foster placements over the next year.
Just Like You, which launches Feb. 3, urges Albertans to picture themselves as foster parents and consider opening their homes to children and youth in care.
The more foster homes there are, the less likely it is that children and youth in care will have to leave their home communities or be separated from their siblings. Helping kids stay connected to their sources of support plays a valuable role in ensuring the safety and well-being of children and youth in care and helps them thrive.
“We’re looking for more foster parents – just like you – to provide a stable, loving home to children and youth in government care, whether on a full-time or part-time basis,” said Mickey Amery, Minister of Children’s Services.
“I have heard from children in care about what a huge difference one person or one family can make. By becoming a foster parent, you could make a positive change that impacts a child’s life, and in turn future generations.”
The call for more foster parents is part of ongoing work by the Ministry of Children’s Services to create more stability within the system, reduce the number of moves and minimize disruption during a child’s time in care. Reviewing and improving the foster care system was identified as a priority by Premier Danielle Smith when she issued her mandate letter to Children’s Services Minister Mickey Amery.
There is no cookie-cutter approach as to who can become a foster parent. Foster parents can be single or have a partner, be in their 20s, middle-aged or a senior, be in the midst of raising their own children, not have any children or be an empty nester. They can live in the city, a small town or in the country. Albertans with specialized medical training are encouraged to become foster parents because their knowledge and skills can help children in care who have medical issues.
Interested Albertans can also apply to be part-time or respite foster caregivers, so that full-time caregivers can recharge.
Albertans interested in making a difference in the life of a child by becoming a foster parent can learn more by calling 1-844-957-0552 or emailing fostercaregiving@gov.ab.ca.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, comments, or concerns can have their voice heard by reaching out to the local constituency office through the contact page.
The original press release can be viewed on the Government of Alberta website.
by rdnorth | Jan 27, 2023 | Education
Students with persistent or prolonged disabilities will now have access to financial support to complete their studies.
The Alberta government is expanding supports for students with disabilities to include long-term impairments and limitations previously ineligible for grant funding for those with permanent disabilities. This change will see an additional 5,200 students receive financial aid to pursue post-secondary education for a total of over 11,000 each year.
“Our government continues to take steps to make post-secondary education more accessible and affordable so that all Albertans can learn the skills they need to succeed,” said Minister of Advanced Education Demetrios Nicolaides.
“By increasing access to disability supports, we are ensuring vulnerable Albertans have the supports they need to pursue higher education and find rewarding careers.”
In 2020-2021, more than 109, 800 Albertans received student loans and grants. A total of 85 per cent attended schools in Alberta, 12 per cent in another province or territory, and three per cent outside the country. Six per cent of these students had a permanent disability.
The changes also support Alberta 2030 flagship initiatives, including expanding the availability of needs-based grants through Alberta Student Aid, as well as increasing need-based financial aid.
The Government of Alberta press release can be viewed on the provincial site here.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments about the expanded supports for students living with disabilities can reach out to the Red Deer-North Constituency Office via the contact form.
by rdnorth | Jan 27, 2023 | Economy
Alberta’s credit rating has been upgraded from AA3 (positive outlook) to AA2 (stable outlook).
Moody’s Investors Service made the upgrade on Jan. 26, 2023 as a result of the high price of oil.
“While Alberta continues to face volatility in revenues from oil prices, the sustained high oil prices above pre-pandemic levels have changed the fiscal trajectory of the province towards ongoing surpluses,” said Moody’s assessment.
“The stable outlook reflects Moody’s view that the fiscal improvements from continued projected surpluses and significantly lower debt levels over the next two years will allow the province to balance the key pressures from inflation and fluctuating resource prices.”
With high incomes, competitive taxes, and revenue growth, economic forecasters expect Alberta to lead the provinces in GDP growth.
Since 2021, Alberta has received four positive changes to its long-term credit outlook and two 1-notch credit upgrades, including from S&P (May 2022) and Moody’s (January 2023).
Credit ratings are usually reviewed on an annual basis.
Current credit ratings for all agencies are as follows:
- Fitch Ratings Inc. : AA- (stable outlook) as of January 2023
- Moody’s Investors Service: AA2 (stable outlook) as of January 2023
- DBRS Morningstar: AA (low – positive trend) as of Sept. 2022
- S&P Global: A+ (stable outlook) as of May 2022.
Leading up to Budget 2023, the Government of Alberta will continue to focus on investment attraction, economic growth, diversification, and job creation.
by rdnorth | Jan 24, 2023 | Economy
As of Jan. 24, more than 750,000 Albertans have been approved to receive affordability payments through the Affordability Portal.
This includes children, seniors and vulnerable Albertans, who will receive $600 in inflation relief support payments over the next six months. Affordability payments will be issued in $100 payments each month.
Eligible Albertans have until June 30, 2023 to apply.
Those receiving financial support through the Alberta Seniors Benefit, Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), Income Support, Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) will automatically be enrolled and receive their first payment on Jan. 31, and do not need to apply through the portal.
Seniors 65 and older who are not already receiving benefits, as well as parents with children under 18 that have an annual household income of under $180,000 are eligible to apply.
Applications can be made online at https://affordability.alberta.ca/welcome. Applicants must have a valid Alberta.ca account, and will be asked to provide their Social Insurance Number (SIN) and banking information.
Those who can’t access the portal can visit their local registry or Alberta Supports location
Anyone needing help with their application can call the Affordability Action Plan information line at 1-844-644-9955, or the Verified Account support line at 1-844-643-2789.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, comments or concerns about the affordability portal can contact the Red Deer-North MLA Constituency Office by using the contact form.
by rdnorth | Jan 20, 2023 | Community, Economy
Plan to address predicted job shortage of over 33,000 workers in Alberta by 2025
International Immigrant applications for permanent residency are being fast-tracked by the Alberta government for newcomers with family ties in Alberta.
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is allocating 25 per cent of Express Entry Stream nominations for those with the skills required to fill high-demand jobs and also have an immediate family member in Alberta.
“AAIP’s change will draw workers in high-demand sectors through Express Entry who have immediate family ties in Alberta,” said Minister of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism Rajan Sawhney.
“This approach will help ensure Alberta’s economy will prosper by dedicating a portion of provincial nominations towards in-demand workers who will have a great support network right from day one.”
The province is forecasting a job shortage of 33,100 workers by 2025, resulting from retiring workers and industry growth. There are currently 100,000 job openings in the province, with some of the most in-demand sectors including healthcare, construction, education, technology and engineering.
“With job vacancies high and unemployment relatively low, the labour market in Alberta is the tightest we’ve seen in years, and skilled immigration is one of the best ways we can address the labour shortages affecting the majority of Alberta employers,” said Adam Legge, president of the Business Council of Alberta in a statement.
“Maximizing the AAIP is a win for Alberta’s economy, addressing many of the labour gaps and attracting more people to the province.”
Shelba Singh, CEO of Canarch Immigration Solutions says AAIP is an attractive provincial nominee program that will increase retention of skilled workers in the province.
“Immigration fuels our economy. Giving priority to high-demand workers with families in Alberta will not only fill the labour gap but will also provide solid support to new immigrants in their settlement,” Singh said.
The AAIP, an immigration program enabling Alberta to nominate individuals for permanent residence, was first announced in Feb. 2022 at the Premier’s Summit on Fairness for Newcomers. While decisions on immigration applications are a federal matter, applications can be prioritized through the AAIP and Alberta Express Entry Stream. Nominees are required to have skills to fill job shortages in Alberta and be able to provide for their families.
For more information on the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, visit the AAIP update page: https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-updates.aspx.
The news conference can be viewed below.
