Alberta creates new engagement opportunities for communities

This fall, Human Services Minister Dave Hancock will introduce legislation that will create Family and Community Engagement Councils. If passed, these local councils will replace Child and Family Service Authorities (CFSA) and Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) boards and will focus on listening to communities, identifying social issues, and creating collaborative local solutions.

This direction aligns with the goals and principles described in Alberta’s Social Policy Framework, which was developed by more than 31,000 Albertans as a roadmap for communities, governments, business, non-profits and families to work better together to address social challenges and achieve positive results for Albertans.

“This is the Social Policy Framework in action - Albertans told us that if we are to be successful, social issues must be owned by the community. Albertans realize that you can’t simply buy or legislate your social problems away.  The councils provide a direct avenue for communities to identify and discuss issues important to their region, to strengthen partnerships, and to co-create solutions to the social challenges our communities face.”

The proposed councils would be made up of Albertans from all areas of interest and capabilities, including direct Aboriginal participation. They will focus on all policy areas within the Human Services department.

“Engaging the broader community in innovative and focused conversations that align with Alberta's Social Policy Framework will seed a culture of shared responsibility and collaboration in addressing social issues.” 

Over the past year, a committee of representatives from the CFSA and PDD boards along with external and internal stakeholders reviewed whether Human Services’ current structures are achieving the best results. Family and Community Engagement Councils are a direct result of their recommendation to Minister Hancock and are supported by all PDD and CFSA co-chairs. 

“I am proud of the work achieved over the years by the members of Child and Family Services Authorities and Persons with Development Disabilities boards and welcome the opportunity to build on and broaden community engagement to align with the vision of Alberta's Social Policy Framework.”

“Albertans currently being supported by the CFSA or PDD boards won’t see a change in services as a result of this transition. We’re going to continue working hard to make our services even more responsive and focused on individual needs.”

Our government was elected to keep building Alberta by investing in families and communities, to live within its means and to fight to open new markets for Alberta’s resources. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.