Social Policy Collaborative

Poverty isn’t only about income, but it’s always about income on some level. The SPC recognizes the critical importance of providing all Calgarians with the opportunity to build economic and financial capacities which enable them to not only meet their basic needs, but to thrive. Provincial supports such as AISH and Alberta Works should be enough to cover basic needs. They should be indexed annually to reflect the rising cost of living and exemption rates increased to reduce barriers to work. Getting it Right: A critical look at Alberta’s income support program explains these issues and makes recommendations for improvements. Also, check out A Path to Self Sufficiency: Improving the Effectiveness of Alberta's Income Support Program.

All levels of government have a responsibility to ensure that Alberta is adding to and maintaining its affordable housing supply while providing supports to the people that need them most. In 2022, the Social Policy Collaborative has identified three key policy recommendations that will help the provincial government meet its commitment to housing.

In March 2024, the SPC wrote a letter in support of citywide zoning to a base residential district as part of Home is Here, The City of Calgary's Housing Strategy 2024 - 2030.

In 2023, the SPC contributed to the development of several election priorities ahead of the provincial election. The SPC also analyzed the provincial government's 2024 budget.