This release was issued under a previous government.

Low and middle-income working families will receive an additional $110 million through both enhanced and new benefits building on one of the most generous refundable tax credits among the provinces.

“Families are the foundation of Alberta. Strong families create a strong province. The government recognizes that more can be done to help working families, as many of them still find it difficult to make ends meet. Through these two benefits we are showing that the Government of Alberta stands beside Alberta’s working families.”

Jim Prentice, Premier

Starting July 1, 2016, the Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit (AFETC) will be enhanced. The rate at which benefits are phased in will be increased from eight per cent to 11 per cent on working income over $2,760.

The threshold will be increased from $36,778 to $41,250, allowing families to earn more before these benefits phase out. It is estimated that the enhancements will provide about $25 million in additional support for 25,000 lower and middle-income families. 

To further support Alberta’s working families, Budget 2015 introduces a new refundable tax credit – the Alberta Working Family Supplement (AWFS). Starting July 1, 2016, this new program will target working families earning between $2,760 and $41,220. Working families with one child will be eligible for a maximum annual benefit of $1,100. An additional annual benefit of $550 will be provided for each of the next three children. Families with four or more children will be eligible to receive a maximum annual benefit of $2,750. In total, it is estimated that the AWFS will provide an additional $85 million to approximately 75,000 working families.

In addition, new Parent Link Centres (PLCs) in Edmonton City Centre, Innisfail and Sylvan Lake will provide parents and caregivers with free resources and support to develop nurturing environments, which play a key role in early childhood development for Alberta’s children and supports the province’s work in early intervention and prevention.

“The Alberta government is committed to supporting early childhood development because the early years of a child’s life are crucial in laying a foundation for a successful future and preventing vulnerability later in life.”

Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Human Services

Government’s support will provide $1.05 million in funding to three community organizations that will be responsible for the operation of the Parent Link Centres as follows:

  • Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre will operate a PLC in Edmonton City Centre. This Centre will predominantly serve inner city families, including a large urban Aboriginal and new immigrant population.
  • The PLC in Innisfail will also serve the communities of Spring View, Markerville, Penhold, Springbrook and Bowden. This Centre will be operated by McMan Youth and Family Community Services.
  • A PLC in Sylvan Lake, with outreach to Eckville and Benalto, will be operated by the Town of Sylvan Lake Family and Community Support Services.

“As a child and family resource centre, Norwood is a firm believer in the programs and services that PLCs across Alberta provide to parents and their children. By having PLC programs and services in northeast and now central Edmonton, Norwood can continue to promote the importance of the early years and strive for optimal child development.”

Beverly Parks, Executive Director, Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre

“Many parents in the downtown core often cannot or do not want to drive to the outskirts of the city in order to find programs and services. We want to walk to them. A new Parent Link Centre in the City Centre will build community and provide reliable public gathering spaces that meet our basic human needs for safety, connection, inclusion and belonging.”

Kristy Lee, Parent

With the addition of the three new Centres, Parent Link Centres will operate in 53 locations that reach more than 185 communities across Alberta. 

Listen to the news conference