Budget 2023 is securing Alberta’s future with more investments to support Albertans. Today’s inflationary pressures have made the cost of living more expensive for everyone, which is why $40 million is being provided to ensure access to food banks and public transit while also supporting non-profit organizations through the Family and Community Support Services program and the Civil Society Fund.
“For the families, seniors and other individuals struggling today, they can know that Alberta’s government is providing the help they need. Continued investments into communities and non-profits are making a difference for thousands of Albertans, as they can put food on the table, access public transit and other local support programs. Our government is proud to be providing this support for those most in need.”
Supporting food security
Alberta’s government is providing $10 million through Budget 2023 to support food banks and food security programs to ensure families and individuals can put food on their tables.
"As one of over 100 food banks across Alberta, we are glad to see the Alberta government has taken another step to help fight hunger. The increased cost of living continues to make it harder and harder for people to make ends meet. Additional funds are welcome and appreciated."
Low-income transit pass (LITP) program
Every year, hundreds of thousands of Albertans depend on support programs from their municipalities to access public transit. That’s why Budget 2023 is providing $16 million to support low-income transit pass programs in 14 communities across the province. This ensures that Albertans can get where they need to go in the community, whether it be to see a doctor, get to and from school or work, or to the grocery store.
“While we are all struggling with increasing costs of living, public transit is an essential element in addressing affordability issues. In the Bow Valley, we have seen the benefits of providing subsidized transit access. I’m happy to see the low-income transit pass initiative roll out in support of regional connectivity in other parts of the province as well.”
Family and Community Support Services (FCSS)
Alberta’s FCSS program helps Albertans adopt healthy lifestyles, improve their quality of life and build their capacity to prevent and/or deal with crises.
Budget 2023 increases total funding to the FCSS program to $105 million, which means increased funding to all 198 municipalities and Metis Settlements that take part in the program provincewide.
"Every dollar invested in preventive services saves us $7 to $12 in future spending on justice, health care and addictions. As our provincial priorities focus on critical social issues, Albertans have never needed FCSS more than today.”
Civil Society Fund
Alberta’s government is continuing to invest in non-profit organizations as they serve their communities with $9 million over three years for the Civil Society Fund. This funding provides support for a wide range of projects, including those supporting individuals facing food insecurity, those living with disabilities, homelessness and unemployment, as well as victims of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.
This $9 million builds on the $20 million already provided through the Civil Society Fund when it was first launched in 2020-21. Additional details on how organizations can apply will be shared later this year.
“At Rocky Mountain Adaptive, our aim is to create inclusive and accessible outdoor adventures in Alberta’s incredible natural outdoor environments. The support of the Government of Alberta shows the desire to increase inclusivity for Albertans living with disabilities and will directly assist with RMA’s ability to increase our impact through expanded programming options."
Budget 2023 secures Alberta’s future by transforming the health-care system to meet people’s needs, supporting Albertans with the high cost of living, keeping our communities safe and driving the economy with more jobs, quality education and continued diversification.
Quick facts
- FCSS is an 80-20 funding partnership between the Government of Alberta and municipalities and Metis Settlements.
- 98 per cent of Albertans live in a community with FCSS programming
- In 2022-23, 210 organizations received $10 million to support Albertans struggling with food insecurity.
- Since the Civil Society Fund was launched in 2020-21, $20 million has been provided to 99 organizations across the province.
- Funding for the low-income transit pass includes an additional $1.7 million to the program in Calgary and an additional $1.3 million to the program in Edmonton.