AB Government – Budget 2021: Funding boost for continuing care
Press Release
Alberta seniors living in continuing care will benefit from an increase of more than $200-million in program funding as part of Budget 2021.
In addition to an investment of more than $3.5 billion in continuing care, Budget 2021 earmarks more than $500 million in capital spending to create more continuing care spaces.
“As part of the historic health-care investment in Budget 2021, we are protecting the lives of vulnerable Albertans by increasing support for services that improve their safety, independence and quality of life. Alberta seniors built this province and we’re standing by them every step of the way through this pandemic and beyond.”
Jason Kenney, Premier
“Expanding capacity in continuing care is a top priority. This funding will help upgrade existing spaces while also creating new ones. We will work with our community, non-profit and independent providers to accomplish this. Alberta seniors and persons with disabilities deserve safe, quality care in their communities, with their friends and families nearby.”
Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health
“The Alberta Continuing Care Association welcomes the Alberta government’s funding commitment. Over 13,000 Albertans in long-term care and designated supportive living settings receive quality care everyday through the independent public, private, faith-based and not-for-profit owners and operators who comprise our association. We are committed to furthering our partnership with the government to strengthen the capacity to help our residents requiring continuing care.”
Salimah Walji-Shivji, chair, Alberta Continuing Care Association
“Christian Health Association of Alberta appreciates this government’s ongoing financial support, which ensures the seniors and vulnerable residents in our care continue to enjoy the highest possible quality of life. For more than 150 years, CHAA’s not-for-profit operators have had the privilege of serving Albertans – supporting 14,000 individuals today through community programs, subsidized housing, supportive living, long-term care and palliative care services.”
Leah Lechelt, executive director, Christian Health Association of Alberta
This new funding for supports and programming will:
- Continue the shift from hospital to community-based home and hospice care.
- Develop effective caregiver supports to help Albertans in their home and community.
- Support clients to stay in their homes by accessing client-directed funding options.
- Help create new or upgraded continuing care spaces with community, non-profit and independent providers.
Quick facts
- In addition to $1.25 billion in one-time COVID-19 funding, Budget 2021 includes more than $3.5 billion for continuing care programs, an increase of more than $200 million, or six per cent, over last year.
- $736 million for home care.
- $1.6 billion for designated supportive living settings.
- $1.2 billion for long-term care settings.
- Budget 2021 also includes more than $500 million in capital funding over three years for continuing care facilities.
- $246 million to finish construction of the Gene Zwozdesky Centre at Norwood in Edmonton.
- $115 million to complete the Bridgeland Riverside Continuing Care Centre in Calgary.
- More than $154 million to either upgrade or develop new long-term care and designated supportive living spaces in priority communities across the province, including Indigenous communities.
Budget 2021 protects lives and livelihoods with a historic investment in health care while laying the foundation for economic growth. Through the prudent management of tax dollars, Alberta’s government can continue to invest in priority areas to ensure Alberta emerges from COVID-19 stronger than ever.
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