This release was issued under a previous government.

“Social issues impact the well-being of individuals, communities and our province as a whole,” said Premier Alison Redford. “The Social Policy Framework is our guide to inform priority-setting and decision-making to address these challenges. Albertans have provided clear direction about the results they want and how we should work together to achieve them.”

Albertans identified four key goals for social policy and community in the province: reduce inequality; protect vulnerable people; enable collaboration and partnerships; and, create a person-centred system of high quality services. Albertans highlighted safety, inclusion, health, education, training, recreation and cultural opportunities as the most important outcomes for their families and communities. They also recommended a number of policy shifts, including a focus on prevention and awareness; treating people with dignity; and creating a system of supports that puts people first.

“Alberta is growing rapidly and Albertans have said the status quo is not producing the right results,” said Minister of Human Services, Dave Hancock. “This community-owned framework will help communities and government do things differently, it will allow Albertans to have the opportunity to maximize their abilities, live in dignity with fulsome lives, and participate in and give back to their communities.”

Alberta’s Social Policy Framework supports the transformational change that Premier Redford has led throughout government. Communities, non-profit organizations, government and businesses will use the framework to target supports and services on achieving results Albertans want. The framework’s goals will inform decision-making for priority actions including poverty reduction and early childhood development as well as challenges such as addictions and family violence.

“The Social Policy Framework will provide the opportunity for us to focus on its mandate and continuously improve its capacity to address social issues through locally driven, collective, community-based, preventive responses," said Sharlyn White, Executive Director FCSS Association of Alberta. "We are proud to have participated in the creation of the Social Policy Framework and look forward to working hand in hand with the government to implement action plans of the Framework."

Contributions came from nearly 400 discussions in communities, electronic surveys, blog postings, and collaborative work on the wiki at www.socialpolicy.alberta.ca, from June to December, 2012. The province-wide conversation brought together Aboriginal Elders, business leaders, communities, non-profit organizations, community groups, service delivery agencies, municipalities, and elected officials.

Visit humanservices.alberta.ca to read Alberta’s Social Policy Framework, learn more about the framework, view additional comments from Minister Hancock, and see a list of organizations which participated in the Speak.Share.Thrive. public engagement.

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Craig Loewen
Press Secretary
Human Services
780-643-6210
[email protected]

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.