Minister of Community and Social Services Rajan Sawhney (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By Josh Hall

Supports for the Vulnerable

Province outlines assistance for vulnerable citizens during pandemic

Apr 26, 2020 | 4:11 PM

Minister of Community and Social Services Rajan Sawhney announced new and reiterated previously announced measures on Sunday that the province is taking to assist vulnerable Albertans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our government is committed to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting vulnerable Albertans,” Sawhney said. “Those who rely on social services need our support more than ever before and we will continue working closely with community partners to address the needs of all who are at risk and help them get through this challenging time.”

Chief among the latest measures is that asymptomatic testing will begin immediately at homeless shelters throughout the province. This after two people who stayed at the Calgary drop-in centre tested positive for the virus this weekend.

Sawhney said more information could be shared about that process on Monday when Dr. Deena Hinshaw has her daily media availability.

However, she did note that, to date, 14 new shelters have opened in the province to meet physical distancing requirements, and more than 400 people have been housed since the start of the crisis. Sawhney also noted that hotels and motels have been procured for use as isolation centres in various communities for those who test positive.

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Sawhney also acknowledged concern from AISH recipients that their benefits may be impacted if they apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

“That’s why we are taking action to exempt a portion of CERB payments so the financial benefits from AISH and income supports can be calculated similar to before they lost their jobs, and they can still receive the same health benefits,” she explained. “For those who need additional assistance, they may qualify for emergency benefits, and I hope that Albertans receiving emergency benefits will have peace of mind.”

Sawhney said the province is also working on short-term changes to the Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) program and Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program to give people accessing those increased flexibility.

The government has also made contributions of $5 million each to shelters (women’s emergency, elder abuse, family violence programs) and to food banks.

As of April 21, 850 applications for emergency funding for social services have been received from Alberta charities and not-for-profits. Forty-nine food banks have also applied for funding.

More information will be shared in the coming days, Sawhney said, at alberta.ca/covid19.