On October 27, the new NDP Alberta Government announced the budget and revealed very few surprises. The NDP election platform is reflected in the Alberta budget.
Volunteer Alberta reflected on the budget and identified a few highlights – we have shared them with our members, and now are sharing them more broadly.
Thousands of Albertans gave their opinions through consultations leading up to Budget Day. Realizing that energy will continue to be the core of our economy, Albertans stated in the consultations that we need to diversify our economy and not remain completely reliant on the energy sector.
The three priorities outlined in the budget are:
- Stabilize public services – stabilizing frontline public services including health care, education and social services
- Plan a balanced budget
- Act on jobs and diversification – stimulating job creation, economic growth and diversification
What does this mean for the nonprofit sector?
The budget reflects the government’s commitment to family and community and services to vulnerable Albertans.
- It includes a 25 million increase in Family and Community Support Services
- $50 Million increase to Community Facility Enhancement grant budget and increases for the Alberta Foundation for the Arts
- Job creation programs include a $5000 grant for new fulltime positions beginning January 1st 2016 which will support up to 27,000 new jobs each year, through to 2017
- Nonprofit eligibility applies to the job creation grant. Also, STEP (Summer Temporary Employment Program) has been reinstated with $10 Million in 2016. This is a valuable nonprofit resource in supporting community based programs and services
- In addition, $15 Million has been budgeted for women’s shelters to address family violence
For more information about the budget please visit the Government of Alberta 2015 Budget website.
Jennifer Esler
Volunteer Alberta