The Alberta NDP is calling on Danielle Smith and the UCP to restore funding to the Lethbridge Elder Abuse Response Network (LEARN). (Photo: Alberta NDP)

By Christian Oldale

Alberta NDP calls on UCP to restore LEARN funding

Apr 12, 2024 | 12:43 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Alberta NDP is calling on Danielle Smith and the UCP to restore funding to the Lethbridge Elder Abuse Response Network (LEARN).

LEARN had its provincial funding cut in March of 2024, putting the future of the organization in doubt. The organization had been getting provincial funding for 12 years and has served many seniors at imminent risk of elder abuse.

Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis released a statement about the LEARN funding, and how money will now go towards a new Specialized Criminal Justice Navigator (SCJN) grant program.

“Previous government funding to LEARN was provided to the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization through a grant program that is now replaced by the new Specialized Criminal Justice Navigator (SCJN) grant program. This grant will provide $6.8 million over two years to support victims of crime as they navigate the criminal justice system. 

Grants will assist 20 non-profit organizations in Alberta to ensure they receive equitable, responsive and coordinated support during the aftermath of a crime. And thanks to the advocacy of the local MLA, Nathan Neudorf, this does include funding for an organization in Lethbridge. This funding is making an immediate difference to address significant gaps in Alberta communities by enhancing frontline service delivery, building capacity in organizations, and enhancing services available to victims of specific types of crime, such as intimate partner violence and sexual violence, and vulnerable victims requiring extra support, including youth and the elderly.

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Due to the competitive grant process, not all previously funded organizations will be successful under the new SCJN grant as we align our strategic priorities to ensure navigational support for victims of crime.

Alberta’s government is committed to keeping seniors and elders safe. Through Budget 2024, Alberta’s government will invest $9.7 million over the next three years in elder abuse prevention and supports including through Safe Spaces, Unison, Sage and the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council to support community response networks.”

READ MORE: “The problem is the way they did it”: LSCO issues statement over LEARN funding cut

Lethbridge-West MLA Shannon Phillips said, “This insensitive decision by the UCP will not only leave seniors in Lethbridge without access to this vital service — at a time when our seniors population is growing — it was done with little notice to the operator, leaving many vulnerable seniors stranded and scared.”

Soon after the cancellation of the funding, a group of students began to gather letters of support for the program, and according to the NDP, 376 letters were sent in.

Jody Plaineagle, a student and community advocate who took part said, “We were surprised by how many people were very worried about the program’s cancellation. We heard from people who had family, neighbours, or friends who needed the services, and we heard many stories of fear and sadness.”

In response to the move, Phillips had her own proposition for the UCP to help out Lethbridge seniors.

Phillips also criticized the timing of the UCP’s decision to honour the Green Acres Foundation with a Minister’s Seniors Service Award for their work, despite defunding part of the program.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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