Update on social service sector worker wage increase

Alberta’s government is proud to support our front-line workers who do tremendous work in supporting Albertans with disabilities.

Recently, I had the privilege of announcing an increase to contract agreements for organizations throughout the disability sector to help address wages for thousands of front-line disability workers. This announcement is helping fulfill our ministry’s mandate letter from the Premier in supporting vulnerable Albertans and the workers who care for them.

I know this is something that every disability worker is anxious to receive, which is why the department of Alberta Seniors, Community and Social Services is working hard to get the funds out as soon as possible.

I also want to reassure Albertans anticipating this increase that it will be paid retroactively to January 1, 2023. This ensures that delays in rolling out the increase will not result in lost wages for the recipients.

Supporting Albertans living with disabilities is critical for Alberta’s government. That is why we need to ensure we are helping them get the care they need through well trained, qualified workers. It is not possible to make that happen without compensating the workers for the incredible work they do.

We recognize that higher cost of living has impacted the disability sector, as many workers have had to walk away because of low wages. We also recognize that this has brought challenges in attracting new staff to fill the many vacant positions. However, I am pleased to see that we are taking this first step, and I look forward to continuing the conversation on how Alberta’s government can support the sector.

Further long-term funding will be determined in the upcoming budget on February 28, 2023. I have been working in partnership with disability advocates across the province including Alberta Council of Disability Services, Alberta Disability Awareness in ACTION, and many others to ensure we have a strong social sector in the years to come.

Once again, I want to thank all of the front-line workers in the social sector for their work in caring for those who need it the most.