With over $500,000 being cut in grant funds to Inclusion Alberta from the Alberta government, some St. Paul and Lloydminster families may not benefit from those dollars to attend a future Family Leadership Series or Family Conference.
Inclusion Alberta says in the past that the cut funds paid for Lloydminster families to attend these events.
“(The) Family Leadership Series and Family Conference are important sources of learning and connection for families as they seek to navigate complex systems essential for their family member’s well-being and inclusion,” says CEO, Trish Bowman.
The cost to attend an event varies for each family, but “many families would not have the means to attend without a grant,” says communications coordinator, Sara Protasow.
“This is particularly true for families from smaller communities, given travel and hotel accommodation expenses associated with attending these events in Edmonton.”
The 2025 Inclusion Alberta Family Conference is happening April 11-12. The Family Leadership Series runs over several weeks during winter.
Overall, while Inclusion Lloydminster is not on this list, seven local family associations are affected directly by the government’s funding cuts, including St. Paul.
“(This) undermines the long-term goal of fostering inclusion and independence for these families, leaving them more reliant on government resources at a time when the need for support has never been greater,” says Bowman.
The funds support in the following ways:
- Parent-to-parent coaching and mentoring
- Assist families in using their networks to advance inclusive opportunities for their family member
- Capitalize on community support and opportunities
- Partner with community organizations and local municipalities to increase opportunities for things like inclusive employment and recreation
The communities affected are St. Paul, Grande Prairie, Wetaskiwin, Edmonton, Calgary, Medicine Hat and Siksika.
Files from G. Lampow – Vista Radio.
