Budget 2026: A crisis ignored is a crisis doubled

The Government of Alberta's budget for 2026-27 was released on February 26, 2026. One of the key messages was that "Budget 2026 is focused on what matters most: strengthening education, improving health care and supporting Alberta’s most vulnerable" (GoA - https://www.alberta.ca/budget)

ECOHH applauds the Government of Alberta's rhetoric around supporting Alberta's most vulnerable. However, how do cuts to social programs for housing and homelessness, AISH, Income Support, and Seniors qualify as "support"?

You can read the full media release below. Please feel free to share with your networks. You can find a pdf version for sharing here.

Budget 2026: A crisis ignored is a crisis doubled

Media Release

Responding to the Crisis of Homelessness in Edmonton

Homeward Trust Edmonton reports that the number of people experiencing homelessness is trending downwards; however, this past January there were still 3,965 individuals on their By-Name List. Yet, the GoA is allocating $227 million in 2026-2027 - roughly $11 million less than last year.

Why is the GoA cutting spending on homeless and housing support services in the midst of this continuing crisis?

Preventing Homelessness in Edmonton

In Edmonton, the average cost of a 1-bedroom apartment ($1285/month) is a whopping 68% of the AISH income benefit, well beyond what is considered affordable, and three times the core shelter benefit offered under the Alberta Works program. Additionally, cities across Alberta are seeing spikes in the number of seniors experiencing homelessness. Yet, this government is implementing program changes that will leave many recipients with less financial security than last year.

• AISH recipients who are moved to the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) will receive $200 less each month, after the transition period ends in 2027;

• a maximum duration of six months will be implemented for all Income Support Expected to Work clients who are not meeting program obligations;

• the eligibility threshold for provincial seniors’ benefits is being lowered by nine per cent which means fewer seniors will be eligible for benefits worth up to $328 a month.

  Why is the GoA implementing program changes that will put more people at risk of homelessness?

Increasing the Supply of Social and Affordable Housing in Edmonton

According to the last census, there were 32,500 renter households in core housing need in Edmonton, a number that has likely grown. Civida, Edmonton’s largest provider of social and affordable housing, recently reported that its waitlist has grown to 10,000 applicants. The organization receives 700 new applications a month. The GoA is allocating $648 million to build, renew, maintain and operate affordable housing. Over the next three years, the GoA aims to support 8,000 new households, province wide, through a mix of affordable units and housing subsidies. The Affordable Housing Partnership Program is the main vehicle for growing the supply of affordable housing. However, 60 per cent of the housing units in AHPP projects can be rented out at near market or market rates and would be beyond the means of those households with very low incomes.

Why is the GoA using targets that do not reflect the level of need in this province?

For comment, please reach out to: Quinn Strikwerda 780-719 1548 or Nadine Chalifoux 780-716 5124 Email: edmhousingcoalition@gmail.com

https://www.ecohh.ca/