The Alberta Government says it plans to announce more details about incoming affordability programs on January 9, 2023. (Photo: Gavergani | Dreamstime.com)

By Dan Reynish / with files from David Opinko

Province says details on affordability payments coming on Monday

Jan 5, 2023 | 12:23 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The Alberta government says an announcement is coming on Monday, January 9, 2023, about its plan to offer relief as rising costs continue to push budgets to the limit.

In a tweet on Wednesday evening, January 4, Affordability and Utilities Minister Matt Jones said, “We will be announcing important affordability payment application and distribution details, including the launch date.”

Jones goes on to say that Albertans on AISH, PDD, income support, or the Alberta seniors benefit will get their payments automatically and will not need to apply.

The province has promised seniors and families with children whose yearly household incomes are under $180,000, and other eligible Albertans will receive $600 in direct payments over six months to help offset inflationary pressures.

Jones says, “We have been working hard to set up an application and distribution system that is accessible and effective for the millions of Albertans who will be receiving these payments.”

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Starting this month we will be providing seniors, families with children, and other eligible Albertans with $600 in direct payments over six months to help offset inflationary pressures. 1/3#affordability #ableg #abpoli

— Matt Jones (@MattJonesYYC) January 4, 2023

Another of the provincial government’s key affordability measures came into effect on January 1 as the provincial fuel tax was suspended for a period of six months.

Although prices have yet to come down significantly in some parts of the province, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally says drivers can expect to pay 13.6 cents per litre less for gas and diesel.

Nally adds that the government will penalize gas stations who are price gouging during the fuel tax suspension period.

by Dan Reynish / with files from David Opinko