By Patricia Harcourt, Editor, The Weekly Review
There will be no increase in funding this year for Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) agencies in the province, many of which struggle with increased demand with fewer resources with which to meet them.
The FCSS Association of Alberta issued a statement in late February asserting its appreciation that the funding levels weren’t decreased.
“In an extremely difficult budget year, we appreciate that funding to municipalities and Metis Settlements is being maintained,” stated the release.
But it also came with a warning that static funding levels won’t make the grade in meeting an ever-growing problem, stating: “The complexity of Albertans’ needs and the demand for preventive and early-intervention supports mean that this flat funding represents a real and growing challenge for local programs.”
Blame is partially placed on a growing population base and inflationary pressures. Despite this, the provincial agency promises to do its best.
“Albertans can trust we will continue to do our best to develop and deliver the preventive social services that strengthen families and build resilient communities across the province,” said Kayla Blanchette, President of the FCSS Association of Alberta.
With FCSS known for squeezing the most out of every dollar given to provide highly impactful programs, local municipalities are also doing their utmost to give beyond the amounts requested by their local FCSS organizations.
Viking/Beaver FCSS Director Dawn Chrystian, has previously spoken on the preventative nature of local programs in the community. It is well known that these programs relieve pressures on health care, justice and crisis response systems. This, in effect, reduces the long-term costs for all Albertans.
In her letter to Viking Council requesting town financial support, Chrystian also asked “to request Council’s continued consideration for over and above support.”
The need for additional funding was explained in her December letter to Council. “Demand for services remains consistent and with provincial FCSS funding remaining largely unchanged for the current grant cycle, municipal partnership remains essential to sustaining effective local programming.”
She added that, “Viking/Beaver FCSS continues to steward public funds responsibly while adapting services to meet ongoing and emerging community needs.”
The Town of Viking responded in January with a council motion to support the Viking/Beaver FCSS funding request of $14,280.32, plus the additional over-contribution of $2,801.24 as outlined in the funding request package for a total of $17,081.56 for the 2026 municipal contribution.
The provincial FCSS further states it is committed to working with the government and partners in the field to keep its preventive social service programs alive.
However, it also wishes “to build a funding model that strengthens the wellbeing of families, seniors and communities across Alberta.”
Despite no funding increase, Minister Horner says he recognizes that FCSS and its prevention orientation “remains one of the most effective ways to ensure today’s challenges are not passed on to the next generation.”
It means that, this funding year, the provincial FCSS will be allocated $105 million to support the development and delivery of preventive social services across Alberta.
“Together with the town and our community partners, we remain committed to meeting the needs of residents in our service area,” said Chrystian, in her letter to Viking Council.
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