Alberta Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, Jeremy Nixon, announced additional funding for the social sector at Christopher’s Place in Lethbridge on March 6, 2023. (Photo: S Jones | LNN)

By Sarah Jones

Alberta to provide social sector with additional $330 million

Mar 6, 2023 | 3:07 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta announced it will provide an additional $330 million to increase wages and administrative funding for the social sector.

On March 6, 2023, Alberta Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, Jeremy Nixon declared at a Lethbridge care facility that the province would provide essential support for those working in the industry.

This announcement will help over 21,000 front-line support staff in Alberta working at homeless shelters, family violence prevention organizations and disability service providers.

Nixon said, “The social sector provides essential care to thousands of Albertans, and our government is committed to supporting its workers. Increasing wages is a huge step we are taking to better attract and retain staff that care for vulnerable Albertans.”

Minister of Infrastructure and MLA for Lethbridge-East, Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, Jeremy Nixon, and Lethbridge Mayor, Blaine Hyggen playing games with residents at Christopher’s Place in North Lethbridge on March 6, 2023. (Photo: S Jones | LNN)

Week-in-review: Passenger rail, a big investment in Coaldale and an NFL draftee from Lethbridge

3h ago

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: May 3, 2024

21h ago

Week-in-review: Municipal election changes, a leadership debate and green bins

Apr 27, 2024

In addition to the $330 million, the funding also includes a $25-million investment over the next three years to address increased operating and administrative costs for the disability sector.

The Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services funds more than 225 service providers through the Persons with Developmental Disabilities and Family Support for Children with Disabilities programs.

Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Infrastructure and MLA for Lethbridge-East explained at a news conference in Lethbridge, “Social sector workers and programs are essential to the well-being of Lethbridge. Caring staff that support Albertans with sustaining programs is something that is absolutely invaluable to our city and surrounding area. I am incredibly proud to see this additional funding going to support these programs and amazing workers.”

The Government of Alberta announced it will provide an additional $330 million to increase wages and administrative funding for the social sector. (Photo: S Jones | LNN)

According to the province, the social sector has faced challenges relating to the turnover rate and retention of employees. This investment is intended to preserve and maintain staff.

In Alberta, disability workers have not seen a wage increase since 2014, and according to Nixon, it is long overdue.

Nixon said, “The average wage for shelter workers in the province, I believe, is $18.70, and within the disability sector, the average wage is $20-something. This bumps us up too making sure that the average wage is roughly $22, so it helps address that.”

This funding builds on the $26 million announced by the Alberta government in December 2022 addressing staffing challenges and rising operational costs.

Read more: Province announces $26M for persons with developmental disabilities