Part III - Measures Adopted by the Governments of the Provinces - Alberta

Article 2: Anti-Discrimination Measures

Legal Aid

529. Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) collaborates with Alberta Justice to improve access to the justice system. LAA initiatives include:

  • The Edmonton Protection Order Program, operated by the Family Law Office, enables LAA to improve access to justice for women by providing information and court assistance in obtaining protection orders. These services are provided to all individuals requiring assistance without regard to financial need and are provided to married, unmarried, and persons experiencing elder abuse. In 2005 and 2006, 95 percent of clients using this services were women; in 2003 and 2004, 99 percent of clients were women.

  • The Alberta Law Line was created to fill gaps in legal services and help overcome barriers to access such as delay, lack of awareness/understanding and affordability. The following is a breakdown of calls to the Alberta Law Line by gender and case type for January 1, 2003 to May 31, 2006.
  Total
Female		 Total
Male		 Total
Calls
Number 11,134 6,839 17,973
% 62% 38% 100%

Case type # % Case type # %
Administration 180 2 Health 583 5
Consumer Rights 554 5 Housing 977 9
Criminal law 989 9 Human Rights 25 0
Debt 433 4 Immigration 49 0
Employment 493 4 Income 82 1
Family 5,993 54 Other 776 7
  • A certificate is a document that is issued by Legal Aid to a lawyer, authorizing him/her to act on the behalf of a client.
  Total female certificates Total male certificates Total certificates
Count 46,029 109,705 155,734
Percent 30% 70% 100%
       
  Criminal Civil Youth
Count 13,994 28,217 3,818
Percent 30% 61% 8%

Complaints of gender-based discrimination

Period 2003 2004 2005 2006 (to May 31) Total 2003-2006
Complaints accepted citing gender 213 243 188 93 737
Total complaints accepted in period 852 907 776 285 2,820
* Note that each complaint may cite multiple areas (Employment, Tenancy, etc.) and may also cite other grounds (Race, Mental or Physical Disability, etc.)

Aboriginal women in custody

530. Statistics show that since 2003, the percentage of Aboriginal female young offenders has risen from 43.2 percent to 49.1 percent. The rate for adult female offenders has decreased from 52.6 percent to 49.3 percent over the same time frame. Nevertheless, the Aboriginal female population in both age groups comprises almost half the female offender population in Alberta.

531. In April 2004, a new program “ I Can" was implemented at Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Centre. This program is aimed at women who are involved in prostitution, but targets related behaviour patterns and underlying factors that result in prostitution and poor life choices. A formal evaluation has not been conducted to date.

Back to Index of Articles

Article 3: Measures to Ensure the Advancement of Women

Violence against women and girls

532. In May 2004, family violence and bullying stakeholders convened for the Alberta Roundtable on Family Violence and Bullying. Stakeholders agreed on five key areas of action: social change, provincial leadership, a collaborative and coordinated community response, services and supports, and accountability through improved outcomes. As a result, the Government of Alberta approved a province-wide Strategy for the Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying, which is being implemented. An Ethnocultural Committee on Family Violence was established in 2005, to advise the implementation of the Strategy.

533. In 2005-2006, Alberta's Community Incentive Fund provided grants to 130 projects in 62 communities to support local action on the prevention of family violence and bullying; four of these grants went to projects in ethnocultural communities. It is expected that communities will establish coordinated and collaborative responses to prevent and intervene in violence, including violence against women.

534. In October 2005, Alberta hosted the World Conference on Prevention of Family Violence, which brought together international leaders, researchers and policy and program experts to share best practices in family violence prevention, intervention and follow up supports.

535. Alberta has invested $1 million annually in developing services for individuals presenting with sexual assault issues in the context of family violence.

536. A primary focus of Alberta Health and Wellness is the implementation of a treatment program aimed at perpetrators of family violence (predominantly male) who are mandated for assessment and, where indicated, treatment through the criminal justice system or the Protection Against Family Violence Act. In 2005-2006, $3.995 million was allocated to the Alberta Mental Health Board to coordinate implementation of the Provincial Family Violence Treatment Program. The goal of the program is to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions and to provide assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up services that assist perpetrators to change their behaviours and reduce re-offence/recidivism rates with the same and/or subsequent partners.

537. The funding provided in 2005-2006 allowed treatment services to be maintained ( Calgary) and implemented in cities with specialized family violence courts, including Lethbridge, Red Deer, Medicine Hat and Edmonton. Expansion of the treatment program to other communities with specialized family violence courts is being explored.

538. The Government provides Victims of Crime Fund grants to organizations that provide direct assistance to victims throughout their involvement in the criminal justice process. Several grants are provided to organizations that deliver specialized services to victims of domestic violence and/or victims of sexual assault and to immigrant and refugee clients.

539. Communities Against Sexual Abuse received $20,000 in 2005 to cover the costs of a community development coordinator/trainer, outreach/education programming, and travel to pilot the development of a comprehensive sexual assault response team model.

540. The Government developed standardized training for advocates who provide direct services to victims of all types of crime throughout the province, to equip victim advocates with the skills to respond effectively to all victims of crime.

541. A screening tool for front-line police responding to family violence is being researched and incorporated, to provide risk assessment and emergency safety planning for victims.

542. Ongoing family violence training is provided to police throughout Alberta, with continual evaluation and revision of topics and presenters.

543. The development and implementation of the new Alberta Relationship Threat Assessment Initiative commenced in June 2006. This is a police based unit that will be comprised of police, mental health experts, Crown and family law consultants to provide threat assessments on cases of high-risk relationship violence and assist in safety planning for victims.

544. Alberta Works Income Support program provides benefits to all clients escaping abuse. Telephone and transportation is provided to abuse victims to access supports and services that will help them to secure safety. A benefit is provided to abuse victims to help pay for incidental costs when they are residing in a recognized shelter, and the costs are not covered by the shelter. In addition, damage deposits, and relocation allowances are provided to all people leaving abusive situations, regardless of their relationship to the client.

545. Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) provides a benefit related to escaping abuse, for all clients, regardless of gender, who have $3,000 or less in assets. This includes a $1,000 benefit to assist with re-establishing a home after fleeing an abusive situation; up to $500 for moving costs, and any actual damage deposits required to secure accommodation. To be eligible for AISH you must be an adult with a permanent disability that severely impairs your ability to earn a living. This benefit was part of the Personal Support Benefits introduced in October 2005.

546. Persons with Development Disabilities (PDD) has safeguards against abuse, which are outlined in the Abuse Prevention and Response Protocol. The purpose of the Protocol, implemented on January 1, 2004, is to provide a policy framework that identifies processes and accountability measures related to abuse prevention and response. Adherence to the Protocol is mandatory for all parties who are paid to provide PDD funded supports.

547. The Government provides funding assistance to seniors' safe shelters. The shelters provide safe places to stay and supportive counseling for seniors who are experiencing abuse or neglect.

548. Under the Protection for Persons in Care Act, all adult Albertans, including women with disabilities, immigrant and refugee women, and other marginalized groups, are protected if they are in receipt of care services from agencies such as hospitals, nursing homes, shelters, group homes, and other supportive living facilities. The Act requires that all complaints be investigated and if the matter is criminal in nature, that it be referred to the police. If a Protection for Persons in Care investigation determines that abuse has occurred, recommendations are made to prevent such incidents in the future.

Aboriginal women

549. The Alberta Advisory Committee was established in 2005 to provide advice, support, leadership and strategic direction to Alberta's Strategy for the Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying.

550. In 2005-2006, the Community Incentive Fund provided grants to 23 projects in the Aboriginal community. Funds have been specifically accessed by grass roots organizations to address sexual assault and violence in Aboriginal families.

551. As of May 2006, strategies to support Northern, Aboriginal, immigrant and rural communities to build local capacity for leadership, organizational development and coordinated services were in development.

552. The Government created and staffed a new position of Program Liaison for Aboriginal and Isolated Communities. Although this position does not focus specifically on victims of domestic violence, it does focus on expanding and enhancing services available to Aboriginal victims of crime throughout the province.

553. Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society received a $51,192 grant from Victim Services in 2006 to hire a family outreach worker to prevent and reduce the impact of violence in Aboriginal families living in two communities.

554. The Government's Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Fund helps Aboriginal women develop human rights resources, increase community capacity and assist others to understand barriers and issues facing Aboriginal women. For details regarding funded projects and amounts of grants please see: http://www.cd.gov.ab.ca/helping_albertans/human_rights/
education_fund/financial_assistance/recipients/B1.asp.

Shelters for victims of violence

555. Since 2003, the annual operating budget for women's shelters in Alberta has increased from $11 million to $20 million in 2006.

556. New measures have been taken including prioritizing those most at risk, outreach supports and funding three new shelters and additional shelter beds. This has resulted in women accessing the most appropriate supports for their situations as well as increased access to supports.

557. On-reserve shelters are accessible in five First Nations communities. Women in Alberta are free to access shelters in any community across the province (i.e. on-reserve or off-reserve).

558. Transportation in rural and remote areas remains an issue. Language barriers for immigrant and low literacy individuals can also impact access.

559. As of May 2006, a review of Alberta's Women's Shelter Program was in progress, to ensure that shelter services are delivering the right services at the right time for families impacted by family violence in Alberta.

Back to Index of Articles

Article 7: Women in Politics and Public Life

560. Thirteen of the 83 members in the Alberta Legislative Assembly, or approximately 16 percent, are women. Out of a total of 28 cabinet ministers, five, or 18 percent, are women. There are 25 deputy ministers in the Alberta government of whom five, or 20 percent, are women.

Back to Index of Articles

Article 10: Education

Aboriginal women and girls

561. In early 2006, Alberta launched a province-wide consultation called “ Your Future Starts Here" as part of its High School Completion Initiative. The consultation will help generate new, community-based solutions to increase Alberta's high school completion rates. Some of these community-led solutions will target high-risk groups, including Aboriginal girls.

562. There are numerous measures in place to ensure access for Aboriginal women to education. These measures apply to both Aboriginal men and women. By way of example:

  • The Niitsitapi Aboriginal Teacher Education program at the University of Lethbridge (in collaboration with Red Crow Community College) began in the fall of 2003 with 12 students admitted to the regular on-campus degree program. A second cohort of 24 students was admitted in the fall of 2004 to a specialized, culturally sensitive Blackfoot teacher education program. Before admission, students must have completed 30 courses of University level study and demonstrate knowledge of Blackfoot language and culture.

  • The Aboriginal Teacher Education Program program at the University of Alberta, launched in 2002, is an off-campus elementary teacher education program designed to improve the educational success of Aboriginal children by increasing the number of Aboriginal teachers in communities in northern Alberta. Examples of progress include: i n the spring 2004, 33 students graduate from the first two cohorts offered at Blue Quills First Nation College and Northern Lakes College; in September 2003, one cohort of 22 students began studies in a full four-year community-based program in collaboration with Northern Lakes College in Grouard, Slave Lake, Wabasca, Peace River, and Fort Vermilion.

  • The Office of the Aboriginal Health Care Careers Program was instituted by the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry in 1988, to assist Aboriginal students gain admission and graduate from the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, and the other Professional Health Sciences Faculties at the University of Alberta. As of 2001, the Faculty had graduated 23 Aboriginal physicians, five dentists, 11 dental hygienists and three students with a BSc in Medical Laboratory Science. This program has proven successful in adding graduates to the pool of Aboriginal physicians. The program uses incentives and support programs to recruit, retain and support Aboriginal students. In 2003-2004, three students were supported in the program.

  • The Aboriginal Practical Nurse Certificate program ( Bow Valley College) provides an opportunity for students to acquire the knowledge, skills and values required as a Practical Nurse in the context of Aboriginal culture, values, spirituality and traditional methods of healing. The Aboriginal content of the program is fully integrated into the core curriculum so that concepts of wellness, healing, spirituality, family and community from Aboriginal perspectives are considered alongside non-Aboriginal traditions.
Back to Index of Articles

Article 11: Employment

Employment measures

563. In June 2006, the Employment, Training and Transitions Benefit ($300) was expanded to ensure that it assists clients who are working with costs necessary to maintain or secure better employment. This benefit is available to both men and women.

564. Alberta's 10‑year labour force development strategy, Building and Educating Alberta's Workforce, outlines how government, business and industry, training providers and communities must work together to meet labour and skill shortages and ensure the province remains globally competitive.

565. Alberta 's priority in addressing labour force pressures will be on maximizing the skills and talents of Albertans first. This includes under-utilized groups such as First Nations and Métis peoples, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, women and youth.

566. Additional measures aimed at removing barriers to standard employment include:

  • Eligible Albertans, regardless of gender, in employment and training programs have access to a full range of income support training and health benefits.
  • As a result of the Income and Employment Supports Act learners in training have access to a wider range of income support and health benefits (social benefits).
  • Alberta Works Income Support recipients who leave Income Support due to employment income receive coverage for health benefits for themselves and their dependents through the Alberta Adult Health Benefit program (AAHB). The program provides 100 percent of prescription drugs, dental, optical, ambulance and diabetic supplies with no time limitation as long as their income is low.
  • Families who are not eligible for the AAHB, including working parents who were not previously in receipt of Alberta Works Income Support and the children of learners, are eligible for health benefits for their dependent children through the Alberta Child Health Benefit (ACHB) program. The ACHB provides 100 percent coverage of prescription drugs, dental, optical, ambulance and diabetic supplies with no time limitations as long as the family income is low.

567. In regard to non-traditional employment for women, in some regions, training is provided for women in the trades. For example, the Women Building Futures program has achieved some positive results in this area. For individuals attending full-time training programs, tuition, books, supplies, prescribed fees and monthly income support is provided. The costs of tuition, books, transportation and childcare are also covered for eligible Albertans who are attending part time training, through the Skills Investments Bursary and the Part Time Bursary.

Affordable childcare

568. In 2003, the Government implemented the Accreditation Funding Program to improve standards and promote excellence in childcare. Licensed day care centres and contracted day home agencies are able to access staff funding at enhanced rates to better promote recruitment and retention of qualified staff.

569. Also implemented in 2003 were the Kin Child Care Funding Program and the Child Care Subsidy E‑Business Initiative. The Kin Child Care Funding Program enables eligible low-income families to pay non-custodial relatives for childcare. The Child Care Subsidy E‑Business Initiative is an online application that provides low-income families with information and easier access to the childcare subsidy program through a Web-based application.

570. Developed in August 2004, standards for licensed Out of School Care Centres, developed under the Child Care Regulation, ensure the development, safety and well being of school age children and expand the range of available options for families with school age children.

571. Based on extensive stakeholder consultations, Alberta released its Five-Point Investment Plan on October 14, 2005. The plan provides funding in the following five areas:

  • affordable childcare for low and middle-income families: new income eligibility thresholds and increased subsidy rates;
  • support for parents to stay at home with children: stay at home subsidy introduced in January 2006;
  • better access to childcare for children with disabilities: increased funding to provide more childcare spaces and more training opportunities for staff caring for children with disabilities;
  • quality childcare services: increase to childcare accreditation funding program for licensed day care centres and contracted day home agencies;
  • better supports in their role as primary caregiver and more access to early intervention services;
  • in 2006, the Alberta Child Care Professional Awards of Excellence Program was initiated to recognize childcare professionals whose work and contributions have significantly impacted Alberta's childcare community.
Back to Index of Articles

Article 12: Health

Specific health issues

572. Alberta is working toward improving access to breast cancer treatment. Wait time goals have been identified and services redesigned to shorten wait times from as long as eight months to a total of 12 weeks from initial discussion with the family physician related to the discovery of a breast abnormality to initiation of oncology treatment.

573. In November 2003, the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission issued a framework for women's services in response to an increased awareness of gender specific issues related to addiction. A combination of services including priority access to treatment for pregnant women with substance abuse problems has resulted in a more responsive program for women with unique addiction issues. The Framework is available at http://corp.aadac.com/content/corporate/
for_women/FrameworkESW_Nov03.pdf.

574. The Alberta Cervical Cancer Screening Program, a province-wide organized screening program is being implemented in Alberta. The aim of the Program is to improve prevention and early detection of cervical cancer by increasing the number of women 18 to 69 years who receive regular Pap tests. The Program will actively support women to participate in screening, including many women who are typically underscreened and will include education, community and outreach programs for “ hard to reach" groups of women.

575. Alberta Health and Wellness implemented an “ opt out" prenatal HIV testing program in September 1998, which has a testing rate of over 95 percent. There has been no perinatal transmission in women receiving optimal care. It also supports the cost of formula for infants born to HIV positive mothers.

Aboriginal women

576. With the transfer of responsibility for most mental health services from the Alberta Mental Health Board (AMHB) to regional health authorities in April 2003, the AMHB retained governance responsibility for Aboriginal Mental Health. In 2006, the AMHB published Aboriginal Mental Health: A Framework for Alberta Healthy Aboriginal People in Healthy Communities. The Framework provides strategic direction for service providers to support the mental well-being of all Aboriginal Albertans, including women. It is available at www.amhb.ab.ca/publications/pdfs/AB%20Framework.pdf.

577. Through the Early Childhood Development Initiative, Chinook Health Region receives funding to implement the Mental Health Services for Families program with Piikani (Peigan) First Nation. This program provides services to high-risk expectant mothers and parents dealing with stress and multiple issues related to substance abuse, family violence and poverty that affect their mental health and wellness. The program provides early childhood education and parenting skills, respite services, assessment of family functioning and risk factors, home visitation services (a friendly trusting hand to parents identified as high risk or self referrals), weekly group meetings to encourage parent-child interaction, and time-out sessions for young parents.

Back to Index of Articles

Article 13: Economic and Social Life

Support programs and services

578. The Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) Act was proclaimed August 1, 2004. The Act was created based on input from Albertans during the Child Welfare Act review. Parents and stakeholders indicated that the unique needs of children with disabilities could not be sufficiently addressed within the provisions of the Child Welfare Act, which led to the creation of separate legislation.

579. The Act better serves children and families, because it recognizes families as partners in planning, choosing and developing services that best meet their needs. The Act provides family-centered services to help families in promoting their child's healthy development. In addition to disability-related needs, the FSCD Act recognizes and considers the needs and circumstances of families.

580. Please see paragraph 211 of Canada's Fifth Report on the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights for information regarding changes to Alberta seniors' income support programs.

581. Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) provides a living allowance and personal income support benefits to adult Albertans with a permanent disability that severely impairs their ability to earn a living. The AISH living allowance increased to a maximum of $1,000 a month on April 1, 2006. On October 1, 2005, Personal Income Support Benefits were introduced to help AISH clients meet extra needs like caring for a guide animal, special diets or emergency travel. In addition, a separate employment income exemption was introduced to allow AISH clients to earn more money without it affecting their AISH living allowance.

582. As of January 2006, clients of the Alberta Seniors Benefit and AISH who reside in designated assisted living and long-term care facilities are provided with enhanced financial support and are better able to afford the cost of a private room. Prior to the change, operators were asked to charge lower-income residents the semi-private room rate in situations where only a private room was available. In addition, clients resident in designated assisted living are now funded at the same level as clients in long-term care, thereby increasing lower-income clients' access to this alternative to long-term care.

583. New initiatives implemented under Alberta Works - Income and Employment Support Program include:

  • January 2006: Payments under the Alberta Resource Rebate were exempt as income.
  • The Child and Adult Support Regulation was amended and the persons receiving Income Support benefits are no longer defined as having priority. This provides better access to CSS to all Albertans with low-income, who meet program criteria.
  • April 2005: A new one-time, $100 benefit is available to help offset the costs of setting up a Registered Education Savings Plan to participate in Alberta's Centennial Education Savings program.
  • In 2006: The National Child Benefit Supplement increase and the Universal Child Care Benefit were exempt.
  • July 2006: the Alberta Adult Health Benefit program was extended to all Income Support recipients who leave Income Support due to employment income (see Article 11).
Back to Index of Articles

[ Table of Contents ]