Latest news with #AssistedLivingandSocialServices
Edmonton Journal
5 days ago
- Politics
- Edmonton Journal
Thursday's letters: Scrooge-like UCP should be ashamed
Article content Most right-minded thinkers would agree that individuals receiving Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) benefits constitute one of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, worthy of assistance beyond the current meagre monthly benefits offered by that program. Except, that is, our UCP government. Article content According to Jason Nixon, minister of Assisted Living and Social Services, these people are already overpaid. So back in March, when the federal government announced a new Canada Disability Benefit (which will add an additional $200 to top up provincial funding), the province quickly announced that any AISH beneficiary claiming that benefit would see their monthly AISH payment clawed back an equivalent amount. Article content Article content Article content In other words, the province was indirectly grabbing these federal monies intended to help those most in need. As if that wasn't bad enough, the ministry is forcing AISH recipients to become its collection agency by mandating that any AISH recipient who fails to apply for this new federal benefit by Sept. 5 will still have their benefits reduced by $200. Article content Article content So in spite of the fact that they can't 'receive' the federal benefit, it will still be deducted from their provincial benefit resulting in a greater cash saving for our province. The only thing missing from this picture is an image of the minister seated behind his miserly desk on Christmas Eve, quill pen in hand, asking: 'Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?' Article content Article content Frankly, this minister and this government should be ashamed of themselves. Article content Jon Rossall, Edmonton Article content Don't let losers run in byelections Article content Pierre Poilievre's calling for a law to block long-ballot protests. There should also be a law stopping a politician from being able to run in another constituency after they lose in their own. Article content As reported by Rob Breakenridge, Premier Smith said that 'creating our own Alberta version of supply management, maybe as a pathway to a market system and maybe just because it would stick our finger in the eye of Quebec … might be (something) we want to do a little consultation on.' Article content Coming on top of her demanding an apology from Jasper for stating the truth, one has to wonder how petty can she and her government get? I can well imagine her outraged response if Quebec announced the potential adoption of a new policy simply to stick a finger in the eye of Alberta. How embarrassing.
Calgary Herald
11-07-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
$203M in funding announced for affordable Alberta housing
The Alberta and federal governments announced Friday they were together spending $203 million to fund 25 projects and add 2,300 more units of housing. Article content The outlay is from the Affordable Housing Partnership Program, a 10-year program between the two governments that sees them split costs equally. Article content Article content 'This is one area where we continue to see pretty significant partnership between the province of Alberta and the federal government and a strong dedication by both governments to continue to invest in housing to make sure that Canada can continue to move forward, particularly in places like Alberta, where we see unprecedented growth,' said Assisted Living and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon in announcing the spending. Article content Article content Edmonton-Centre MP and Prairies Economic Development Minister Eleanor Olszewski said the joint spending will help address the housing crisis. Article content Article content 'It shows you that when governments choose to lead and to work together, we can do really big things,' she said. Article content More than $41 million of the money announced Friday is slated to be distributed across five Edmonton-area developments. Article content Nearly half of that, or $20 million, is going Civida to build mixed-use, mixed-income affordable housing. Article content The Brentwood Family Housing Society is slated to receive $6.69 million to build affordable housing for families, with a 12621665 Canada Association also to get $6 million for the same cause. Article content The Mustard Seed Foundation is set to receive $4.67 million to build supportive housing. Article content And, $4.05 million is to be devoted for Williams Hall at the former downtown YMCA site to build mixed-use affordable housing with a focus on supporting young adults, students, and individuals facing rental barriers. Article content Article content 'We knew that the spirit of this new vision would involve focusing on young adult Albertans and providing them a space where they can start their adult lives on the right foot,' said Ivan Beljan, whose company is leading the development of the Williams Hall site. Article content Friday's announcement sets aside just over $117 million for nine grant recipients in Calgary. Article content A further $44.6 million is also set aside for seven other recipients across Alberta, including projects in St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Banff, Jasper, Okotoks, Strathmore, and Canmore. Article content Separate land transfers in Olds and Fort Saskatchewan were also announced to aid in construction of affordable housing. Article content
Edmonton Journal
11-07-2025
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
$203M in funding announced for affordable Alberta housing
The Alberta and federal governments announced Friday they were together spending $203 million to fund 25 projects and add 2,300 more units of housing. Article content The outlay is from the Affordable Housing Partnership Program, a 10-year program between the two governments that sees them split costs equally. Article content Article content 'This is one area where we continue to see pretty significant partnership between the province of Alberta and the federal government and a strong dedication by both governments to continue to invest in housing to make sure that Canada can continue to move forward, particularly in places like Alberta, where we see unprecedented growth,' said Assisted Living and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon in announcing the spending. Article content Article content Article content Edmonton-Centre MP and Prairies Economic Development Minister Eleanor Olszewski said the joint spending will help address the housing crisis. Article content Article content 'It shows you that when governments choose to lead and to work together, we can do really big things,' she said. Article content More than $41 million of the money announced Friday is slated to be distributed across five Edmonton-area developments. Article content The Brentwood Family Housing Society is slated to receive $6.69 million to build affordable housing for families, with a 12621665 Canada Association also to get $6 million for the same cause. Article content The Mustard Seed Foundation is set to receive $4.67 million to build supportive housing. Article content And, $4.05 million is to be devoted for Williams Hall at the former downtown YMCA site to build mixed-use affordable housing with a focus on supporting young adults, students, and individuals facing rental barriers. Article content Article content Article content 'We knew that the spirit of this new vision would involve focusing on young adult Albertans and providing them a space where they can start their adult lives on the right foot,' said Ivan Beljan, whose company is leading the development of the Williams Hall site. Article content Friday's announcement sets aside just over $117 million for nine grant recipients in Calgary. Article content A further $44.6 million is also set aside for seven other recipients across Alberta, including projects in St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Banff, Jasper, Okotoks, Strathmore, and Canmore. Article content Separate land transfers in Olds and Fort Saskatchewan were also announced to aid in construction of affordable housing. Article content Article content
Cision Canada
11-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Canada and Alberta invest $203 million for affordable housing Français
EDMONTON, AB, July 11, 2025 /CNW/ - Solving Canada's housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs. To provide Canadians with increased access to affordable and sustainable housing, the governments of Canada and Alberta today announced funding of $203 million to help build over 2,300 affordable housing units across the province. This investment is cost-matched by both governments thanks to the Canada – Alberta Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy. This funding is delivered through Alberta's Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP). The announcement was made by the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, and the Honourable Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services. All of the project proposals were assessed based on the local community needs and ability to achieve outcomes for Albertans with low income, as well as value for taxpayer money. Types of projects can include building new housing, mixed-income developments with an affordable and/or social housing component or specialised housing, an addition or renovation of existing housing resulting in a minimum of five net new affordable housing units, conversion of non-rental housing, re-development of an existing site involving demolition and new construction. As we build a strong Canadian housing sector, purposeful collaboration will be essential. That means working hand-in-hand with the non-profit sector to bring down costs and build homes at a scale and speed not seen since the Second World War. Quotes: "We're building a new generation of housing, using every tool available to build homes at a scale not seen since the Second World War. Partnerships are necessary for building homes that Canadians need. These funds will ensure that Albertans have an affordable place to call home in the years ahead." – The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure "Our government's bilateral agreement with the government of Alberta has allowed us to work together to build a new and better generation of community and social housing across the province. Complex issues demand innovative solutions, and this strong partnership is necessary for quickly building homes that Canadians need now." – The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre "Alberta's government is focused on results. We're getting shovels in the ground and roofs over Albertans' heads. With this record investment, thousands more low-income Albertans will have a safe, affordable home they can count on, so they can move forward with dignity and stability." – Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services Quick Facts: The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10+ year, $115+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed. As of March 2025, the federal government has committed $65.84 billion to support the creation of over 166,000 units and the repair of over 322,000 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private housing sectors. This includes consultations with Canadians from all walks of life, and people with lived experience of housing need. All NHS investments delivered by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments will respect the key principles of NHS that support partnerships, people, and communities Projects funded in today's announcement include: Edmonton $6 million for 12621665 Canada Association to build affordable housing. $20 million for Civida to build mixed-use, mixed-income affordable housing. $4.05 million for Williams Hall to build mixed-use affordable housing with a focus to support young adults, students, and individuals facing rental barriers. $6.69 million for Brentwood Family Housing Society to build affordable housing for families. $4.67 million for The Mustard Seed Foundation to build supportive housing. Calgary $28.6 million for Calhome Properties to build mixed-income affordable housing. $30.5 million for Onward Homes Society to build three affordable housing projects. $13 million for 800 GP Corporation to convert a vacant office tower into affordable housing. $22 million for Calgary Heritage Housing to build three buildings for seniors self-contained units. $3.5 million for Attainable Homes Calgary to build mixed-use, mixed-income affordable housing. $7.54 million for Liberty Housing Organization to build mixed-use affordable housing. $3.08 million for Victory Outreach Foundation to convert a hotel to affordable housing. $6.2 million for Homespace Society to build affordable housing. $2.7 million for the City of Calgary to build mixed-income, mixed-use affordable housing. Other $14.5 million for Homeland Housing to build affordable housing in St. Albert. $8.84 million for Heartland Housing Foundation to build affordable housing in Sherwood Park. $6.43 million for the Town of Banff to build affordable housing. $5.53 million for the Municipality of Jasper to build phase two of its affordable housing project. $3.3 million for Westwinds Communities to build affordable housing in Okotoks. $3.5 million for Truth North Society to build affordable housing in Strathmore. $2.5 million for Canadian Rockies School Division to build affordable housing in Canmore. Land transfer for Heartland Housing Foundation to build affordable housing in Fort Saskatchewan. Additional Information: Visit for the most-requested Government of Canada housing information. CMHC plays a critical role as a national facilitator to promote stability and sustainability in Canada's housing finance system. Our mortgage insurance products support access to homeownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. We also actively support the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable. Our research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, we contribute to advancing housing affordability, equity, and climate compatibility. Follow us on X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AISH recipients in community housing will see rent hike under new Alberta regulations
Albertans who receive payments under AISH, or Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped, who live in community housing where rent is set at 30 per cent of income will soon see the amount increase by $220 a month. Changes to the Social Housing Accommodation Regulation, approved by cabinet via orders-in-council in May and June, will result in an AISH recipient who receives $1,901 a month paying $570 in rent. The current amount is $349 a month. The changes take effect Oct. 1 for new tenants or at an existing tenant's next annual rent review. AISH recipients used to have $735 of their monthly amount exempted from the eligible income used to determine rent. An order in council signed on May 15 by Assisted Living and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon removed that exemption. Personal benefits remain exempt. This set of benefits covers expenses such as some of the cost of medical equipment and supplies, special dietary needs and maintenance of wheelchairs and scooters. The changes are meant to "increase fairness" in how rent is assessed. People on government benefit programs like AISH and income support pay about 17 per cent of their income on rent. Nixon was not made available for an interview with CBC News. His press secretary provided a written statement instead. "Under the revised approach, rent for social community housing tenants and housing benefit recipients will be calculated as 30 per cent of total household income, treating household income from employment and assistance programs equally," Amber Edgerton wrote in an email. "This new approach aligns with the 2020 Affordable Housing Review Panel recommendations and creates a clear, standardized approach to rent setting that is fair to all tenants." Housing providers were notified about the change via a June 13 letter from an assistant deputy minister in Nixon's department. Irene Martin-Lindsay, executive director of the Alberta Seniors and Community Housing Association, said housing providers asked for the change to simplify how the rent is calculated. The current system creates inequities in rent depending on a tenant's circumstances, she said. Someone who is employed or on senior benefits is charged 30 per cent of their income or more depending on the size of the unit. Martin-Lindsay said providers will advocate with the government to ensure people on AISH get the support they need. "We agree with equitable treatment of income in principle, but we don't want to create hardship for anybody because we know that everybody's situation isn't the same," she said. "Do they have other medical costs that can't be covered? Do they have other expenses that are over and above? Housing is one piece of what you need to live on." Groups that advocate for people with disabilities say they hadn't heard about the changes until they were contacted by CBC News. Doug Manderville, president of the board of directors for Voice of Albertans with Disabilities, was once on AISH after becoming quadriplegic in his early twenties. He is upset the Alberta government will not allow AISH recipients to keep the $200 Canada Disability Benefit, making it an outlier among the provinces. Manderville says the rent increases will add more financial strain. "People with disabilities struggle enough, whether it be physically or mentally," Manderville said. "Struggle every single day, just getting up in the morning, just having proper services, proper care, proper housing, food on the table and now they have to worry about this … it's not fair." The government is taking additional measures to determine rent and rental subsidies. The Canada Child Benefit and Alberta Child and Family Benefit will be included as income for setting rent for people who receive rent supplements starting Jan. 1, 2027. The same benefits will be considered eligible income when determining rent in community housing at the start of 2028, which will result in rent supplements decreasing and rents increasing for this set of renters. Civida, a social housing provider in Edmonton, said 16 per cent of their tenants have AISH as their primary source of income. In a written statement, the organization said it plans to implement the changes. "We are preparing clear communication and resources to help residents understand and plan for the changes, including direct outreach, budgeting tools and additional supports."
