4 Free things to do over the Holidays

By Mary S.

It’s that time of year where we all may feel pressured to buy things for friends and family. 

Here is what I have done in the past living on a fixed budget. 

Please feel free to share your ideas too! 

And happy holidays! 

Give the gift of nothing

1. Hand make your gifts.

2. Shovel your neighbours walk as a gift.

3. Make a meal for someone or share your left overs with a friend.

4. Give the gift of time. Spend time together.

Social Policy Talk, Tuesday, September 18th, 2012

Let's Talk about A Better Alberta!!!

 Come and join us at the 

Cerebral Palsy Association

12001 44 Street SE

Tuesday, September 18th

11:30 until 1:30 pm 

Everyone welcome to attend.

Call Kim before Monday September 17th to RSVP 

(403) 543-1161

Bus tickets available, (bus route 409 from Anderson C-Train)

Lunch Provided

 Hosted by the Calgary Ability Network

Life Without Limits Abilities Centre
12001 44 Street SE
Calgary, AB  T2Z 4G9

	This talk was made possible by the social policy framework talks. To learn more visit the Alberta Social Policy Website

Since October 17th a hopeful thank you card which circulated around Calgary is finally presented to the Alberta government. The 6 page card is signed by over 400 citizens to symbolize the need for an annual cost of living increase to the  Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH). On February 10th, the Alberta Government announced increased AISH from $ 1188 a month to $ 1588 a month impacting nearly 46,000 Albertans with Disabilities (Effective April 1st 2012). AISH recipients has a formal opportunity to thank the Premier in Person. Photot taken by  Edmonton Journal  April 9th, 2012.

Thanks, and a cost of living increase clause would be nice too!

Thanks,

and a cost of living increase clause would be nice too!

In the recent Provincial Budget, the Government of Alberta fulfilled one of Premier Alison Redford’s leadership campaign promises that she would increase AISH by $400 to $1588 per month.  Many of us actually expected this promise to be met immediately after Ms. Redford’s win in the fall, through the judicious use of an Order in Council.  Sadly, things did not happen that quickly; nevertheless, although a few months have passed, the delayed increase is certainly welcome.  The additional income will undoubtedly help people on AISH meet more of their expenses of daily living. To be sure, the increase still leaves AISH recipients a few thousand dollars below the poverty line each year; but it is a good start, and I hope that it is reflective of a new approach of our provincial government towards supporting the needs, dreams and aspirations of persons with disabilities. 

However, for this to be the case, we cannot simply accept the increase and stay quiet in our analysis and political action. We need to remain focused in our advocacy work. It is a step forward but I would argue that by itself the increase is still not enough. 

“We need to add a measure of predictability to the timetable of increases to AISH…Is a cost of living clause for AISH in the cards?”

As mentioned, AISH income remains a below-poverty line income.  This must always be kept in mind. Furthermore, we need to add a measure of predictability to the timetable of increases to AISH and not leave it subject to the vagaries of electoral promises, the siren call of campaign sound bites and whims of political happenstance.  It has to be more concrete.

A quick look at the history of increases to AISH payments reveals that it happens in fits and starts.  Incomes stay stagnant for a long-time, and, in reality, decrease in real purchasing value. Then, for whatever reason, the Provincial Government recognizes this deplorable fact, and makes some modifications to both the actual monthly amount and the income exemption rates.  A hundred dollars here, a couple of hundred there! As noted, these increases are welcome. Money isn’t everything but, let’s face it, it does promote a measure of participation, choice and belonging.  Yet, by themselves these periodic increases are not adequate.  Simply put, people on AISH should not see the value of their income eroded and not know when a catch-up increase is coming.

Therefore, it is essential that AISH payments be tied to annual increases in the cost of living.  This used to be the case (for a couple of years at least!) for social assistance, and is a standard used in the calculation of politicians’ income.  So, if there is a precedent for the use of cost of living increases in other areas covered by public funds, why is this principle not applied for people on AISH?

Yes, the recent increase is a step in the right direction.  It does take AISH closer to the poverty line. But let’s not take our eyes off the ball.  Otherwise, I fear, it will be a long time before we see another increase. So, how about it, Premier Redford, is a cost of living clause for AISH in the cards?

Timothy Wild

Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative Leadership Announced

See full article and related comments at http://blog.calgarymayor.ca/2012/01/calgary-poverty-reduction-initiative.html

Calgary, AB – January 11, 2012: Today, Mayor Naheed Nenshi and United Way are announcing the full membership of the Stewardship Committee for the Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative. Starting immediately, this 18-member committee will create an inclusive, multi-sector plan for poverty reduction in Calgary. The Co-Chairs of the committee are well-known Calgarians Steve Allan and Cathy Williams. (A full list of committee members appears in the backgrounder.)

“Poverty lessens our great city every day; we must take action rather than pass the buck between other levels of government, and now we have the team in place to do that,” said Mayor Nenshi. “This is a group of very effective individuals who have demonstrated great integrity, compassion, and a commitment for getting things done. I’m confident they will do an excellent job of creating a poverty reduction plan that brings together all the organizations that fight poverty in every part of Calgary.”
The Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative is jointly funded by The City of Calgary and United Way of Calgary and Area with an investment of $200,000 by each party. The Stewardship Committee will work with poverty reduction experts throughout Calgary to prepare a comprehensive plan of action. Although modelled on Calgary’s successful 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness, the resulting plan may not be a single big idea and instead involve a suite of actions from many organizations across many sectors

“This boils down to answering the question “how can we improve the quality of life for all citizens in Calgary?” said Heather MacDonald, Acting CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area. “Our collaboration with The City of Calgary and so many interested and dedicated partners shows how serious the entire community is about making positive and lasting change against poverty.

“We will ensure that this is a very collaborative process engaging all of Calgary's anti-poverty experts to find the best solutions,” said Co-Chair Steve Allan.

Selection of the participants on the Stewardship Committee balanced government, community, and business representatives. Group dynamics, strategic non-traditional thinking, diversity, and passion for the issue at hand were also important considerations.
One of the first actions by the Co-Chairs was to work with the Office of the Mayor, United Way, and The City of Calgary to select the Executive Director of the Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative. Derek Cook, currently a research social planner in The City of Calgary’s Community and Neighbourhood Services department, will take on the role of Executive Director immediately.
“We received over 30 stellar applications for a short term contract, and it was a unanimous decision to hire Derek Cook,” said Co-Chair Cathy Williams. “Both Steve and I are looking forward to working with Derek. He brings a strong background in collaborative leadership and the ability to work thoughtfully and effectively with corporate and community leaders and those living in poverty.”
The first meeting of the committee will be in late January and an update on the committee’s progress will be shared with City Council in March 2012.
-30-
BACKGROUNDER

Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative Stewardship Committee
Leadership
Steve Allan, Co-Chair

Steve Allan was born, raised, and educated in Calgary. Steve is the Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Tourism Commission and past volunteer Chairman of the Board and President of the Stampede. He has received many awards for his community involvement including recognition as Calgary’s Citizen of the Year in 2006 and a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta.
C.L. (Cathy) Williams, Co-Chair

Cathy is a senior leader in Calgary’s oil and gas industry, past volunteer Chair of Mount Royal University’s Board of Governors, and a member of the Advisory Board of the Dean of the Business School at Queen’s University. She is currently Managing Director of Options Capital Ltd. In 2008, she was named to the Women’s Executive Network Hall of Fame.

Derek Cook, Executive Director

Derek Cook has over 20 years of experience in the field of social work and community development. For the past twelve years, Derek has worked for The City of Calgary as a Research Social Planner in the Community Services Department where his work has involved conducting socio-economic research, trend analysis and policy development with specific expertise in issues of poverty, diversity and the labour force.

Membership

Shannon Bowen-Smed, President and CEO, BOWEN Workforce Solutions

Carlene Donnelly, Executive Director, Calgary Urban Project Society Health and Education Centres

Corinne “Cori” Ghitter Director of Recruitment and Professional Development, Fraser Milner Casgrain

Jeff Loomis, Program Director, Momentum

Gael MacLeod, Alderman, Ward 4, The City of Calgary

Dr. Dave Marshall, retired President, Mount Royal University

Carol Ann Elizabeth Mason, Executive Director, Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary

Bob McInnis, Executive Director, Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids

Brian K. Petersen, Co-Head Investment Banking, Managing Director, Head of Energy, Stonecap Securities

Michelle Rempel, Member of Parliament, Calgary Centre-North

Dr. Gayla Rogers, Professor and Former Dean, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary

Sheenah Rogers, Founder and Principal, Anstice Communications

Nashir Samanani, Board Chair, United Way of Calgary and Area

Wayne Stewart, Former President and CEO, Calgary Homeless Foundation

Alina Turner, Vice-President, Strategy, Calgary Homeless Foundation

Teresa Woo-Paw, Member of the Legislative Assembly, Calgary-Mackay

Thank you for your signatures!!!

Wow, thank you to all who have signed the big thank you card. Here are some photos on the Disability Action Hall blog. We now plan to take this big card to the Premiere of Alberta. Stay tuned for more photos and where our efforts will take us!

Black Friday Action

Help 43,000 Albertans get in the black everyday by signing our card to the Premier of Alberta. Our goal is to get 400 signatures, 400 reasons to raise social assistance rates to the cost of living. Right now many Albertans live below the poverty line. By signing our card, we hope we can then thank our Premier for the campaign promise to raise social assistance above the poverty line.