Alberta NCB Programs
Alberta's investments and reinvestments under the NCB demonstrate the province's commitment to helping low-income families and children. Alberta currently reinvests more than $35 million in programs consistent with the goals of the NCB. This amount has grown from $6.2 million during 1998-99, to $22 million during 1999-2000, and more than $31 million in 2000-01.Alberta's NCB initiatives complement existing programs and services for low-income families with children, and include:
The Alberta
Child Health Benefit (ACHB):
This initiative provides premium-free prescription drugs, optical and
dental services, emergency ambulance transportation and essential diabetic
supplies to children in low-income families. The ACHB addresses a significant
barrier faced by low-income parents: providing health coverage for their
children while they get and keep a job.
Since being introduced in August 1998, the program has been expanded three times with NCB reinvestment funds:
- Co-payments were eliminated in January 1999.
- In May 1999 the plan was made sensitive to family size.
- In March 2000, an additional 6,500 children of post-secondary students received coverage for a variety for health-related products and services under the ACHB.
In November 2001, NCB reinvestment funds were used to change Alberta's Supports for Independence program to further encourage parents to find and keep a job. Earnings exemptions for working parents and their dependants were increased, and a yearly Employment Maintenance Benefit was established.
Beginning in September 2000, NCB reinvestment funding was used to increase allowances for school-aged children whose parents receive assistance. The allowances offset registration fees, school and gym supplies, and other education-related costs.
In February 1999, NCB reinvestment funding was used to increase shelter benefits for families on assistance. Shelter allowance increases ranged from $33 to $41 monthly per family.
For information on other Alberta programs to support low- and moderate-income families, visit the Alberta Human Resources and Employment Web site.
Contact us: Alberta Human Resources and Employment
NCB Reinvestments by Alberta Children's Services
The Protection of Children Involved in Prostitution initiative has received $600,000 in NCB reinvestment funds each year. From February 1999 through the summer of 2000, there were 327 protective safe house apprehensions to temporarily protect vulnerable youth from sexual exploitation.
Alberta has also used NCB reinvestment funds to expand the province's day care subsidy program, which helps working parents remain in the labour market. NCB funding allowed Alberta to raise the net income qualification levels for the child care subsidy, thereby assisting an additional 11,600 children in 1999-2000.
Also beginning in 2000-01, Alberta is reinvesting approximately $1.3
million in transitional supports for youth making the transition from the
Child Welfare program to independent living, including the transition to
employment, continued learning and adult social responsibilities. Approximately
1,350 youth will benefit from this new program.