Have you received this letter?
This response has been sent to every Community Disability Worker of Alberta from the Honourable Jason Luan. To all who have recently participated in the “Essential But Forgotten” Letter writing campaign and have submitted your heart felt stories. Thank you!
The response that many have received from the Minister Of Community and Social Services is very plain and debunks the concerns you have brought forward. As we appreciate the response from the minister, he does not acknowledge the current crisis this sector is facing and does not provide a “Now” solution. We ask that you follow up with your elective MLA’s and to the Minister with a change immediately.
Thank you all for your dedication and commitment.
Dear:
Thank you for your email regarding wage increases for front-line disability services workers in the disability support sector. As Minister of Community and Social Services, I appreciate the opportunity to respond.
I value the dedication that disability services workers show in caring for our most vulnerable Albertans. Your commitment to this essential service helps individuals with disabilities live as independently as possible in their community.
Since 2021, the ministry has distributed over $16 million to over 13,000 community disability workers through the Critical Worker Benefit. The Critical Worker Benefit acknowledges the additional challenges and exposure to risks these workers faced to meet the needs of the people they serve during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Looking into the future, the department is working with the disability services sector and partner ministries, through avenues like the Service Provider Partnership Committee, to improve attraction and retention within the sector. As we consider further steps, the government will continue to provide funding to service providers through contracts and grants that support service providers in putting together compensation packages for their front-line staff. A sustainable, robust disability services sector requires collaboration and innovation between government and employers.
Thank you again for writing and for your continuing support to the disability services sector.
Sincerely,
Jason Luan
Minister of Community and Social Services