Government of Alberta Announces Working Parents Benefit
Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk
MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville
On February 24, the Alberta government announced the Working Parents Benefit, which will return $108 million back into the pockets of Albertan families whose children attend child care or preschool. The pandemic and the economic downturn have created significant stress for working parents, many of whom have continued to fuel our economy and provide essential services through extreme challenges.
This one-time benefit of $561 per child to any family that use child care, including licensed or unlicensed daycare, day homes, out of school care or preschool. The eligibility requirements include having an income of up to $100,000, having paid for at least three months of child care, and attended child care or preschool from April to December 2020. Families can apply starting March 1st and applications will be accepted until March 31.
Also, on February 24, the annual Emergency Management Exercise, also known as EMX 2021 took place. At this event, there were representatives from all levels of government, emergency management professionals, Indigenous groups, industry, and non-government organizations.
This event helps build relationships between the groups, clarifies roles and processes, and covers a wide range of information that will be critical in the months ahead. This includes wildfire briefings, river forecast, spring hazards outlook, and an update on COVID-19.
Emergency management exercises are vital to ensuring the Government of Alberta and its community partners are prepared to respond effectively when emergencies and disasters occur. Albertans are encouraged to practise their own emergency preparation, as disasters can happen with little to no warning.
February 25 marked the beginning of the 2021 spring session of the Legislature. Our Government is strongly advocating to protect the lives and livelihoods of Albertans. I am so excited to continue representing the people of Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville in Edmonton, and bring your concerns directly to the Legislature. It will be another busy session advocating on your behalf to create policies and legislation that works for you, and makes your life easier.
