The Growing Affordability Crisis in Alberta
An advocacy group in Alberta is raising concerns about the increasing unaffordability in the province. Public Interest Alberta, a non-profit organization focused on public interest issues, emphasizes that the lack of affordable housing, food, and utilities is a significant problem affecting the public. According to executive director Brad Lafortune, this affordability crisis has intensified since the start of the pandemic, placing a strain on resources like food banks.
In Calgary alone, the number of families accessing emergency hampers has doubled in the past four years, with over 700 families now relying on them daily. Lafortune states that this crisis impacts not only those on income support or government aid but also working-class and middle-class Albertans who struggle to make ends meet when facing mortgage renewals or steep rent increases.
Addressing the Struggles of Albertans
Lafortune emphasizes the need for all levels of government to work together to address the challenges faced by Albertans. He criticizes the current situation, where finger-pointing is prevalent instead of collaborative action.
Families Struggling to Stretch Their Budgets
Derrick Adams, a father of six in Calgary, echoes Public Interest Alberta’s concerns, stating that the situation has gotten exponentially worse. Adams believes that some individuals are left with no choice but to sleep in tents due to the lack of affordable housing. To cope with the increasing expenses, Adams’s family resort to buying in bulk and sharing resources with others. However, utility costs remain a pressing issue, as they continue to soar without any apparent limits.
Rising Power Bills Affecting Canadians
The escalating power bills are significantly impacting Canadian households. A survey conducted by Statistics Canada revealed that approximately 15% of Canadian households had to reduce or forgo expenses for essential necessities, such as food and medicine, for at least a month to pay energy bills. In Alberta, this number rose to 24% — the highest rate among provinces. The survey further highlighted that 14% of Canadian households compromised their comfort by keeping their homes at unsafe or uncomfortable temperatures due to unaffordable heating or cooling costs.
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