Human services and poverty

EDMONTON - Today, The Child and Youth Advocate released their annual report. This report included the disturbing revelation that the office of the Advocate saw the highest number of deaths of young people in care since 2012, the year the office received a mandate to conduct investigative reviews. Bradley Lafortune, Executive Director of Public Interest Alberta, issued the following statement in response:

EDMONTON - As the UCP government rolls out its flawed affordability package this month with application details expected Monday, Public Interest Alberta’s Executive Director Bradley Lafortune issued the following statement: 

“Albertans are suffering under this affordability crisis. Food banks can’t keep food on their shelves. Homelessness has more than doubled across the province, and families are sinking further and further into debt. Albertans deserve better than sleepless nights with their stomachs in knots wondering how they will pay their utility bills, feed their families, or make rent or mortgage payments. 

EDMONTON - As Edmonton City Council enters its second full day of budget deliberations, Public Interest Alberta’s Executive Director Bradley Lafortune issued the following statement:

EDMONTON - Today marks National Housing Day. Advocacy organization Public Interest Alberta is calling on the City of Edmonton to commit to new funding for affordable housing during the upcoming municipal budget deliberations.

EDMONTON - Public Interest Alberta’s Executive Director Bradley Lafortune made the following statement in response to the UCP government’s “framework on affordable housing:”

EDMONTON - The Edmonton Journal has released further revelations of disturbing (and potentially illegal) “bad tenant” lists. In response, Public Interest Alberta sent a letter to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta, requesting the launch of an investigation into these “bad tenant” lists and their potential breach of personal privacy protections.

Secret Landlord Facebook group blacklisting Albertans in Edmonton points shows need for overhaul of renters rights in the Province.

EDMONTON - Yesterday, the Edmonton Journal exposed a deeply troubling ‘do not rent’ Facebook group with more than 440 individuals accused of being ‘bad tenants’. In response, Public Interest Alberta is asking the Provincial government and City of Edmonton to strengthen regulations and bylaws to protect renting Albertans, beginning with an urgent investigation into whether personal privacy or human rights protections have been breached in this circumstance.  

EDMONTON - Today, Edmonton City Council reviewed the city auditor’s report on homelessness which finds the city has no corporate wide plan, no central co-ordinator or body, and no evaluation system. In response, Public Interest Alberta’s Executive Director Bradley Lafortune issued the following statement:

EDMONTON -Today, the City of Edmonton’s Community and Public Services Committee reviewed a report and presentation on the state of homelessness and the City’s proposed response to encampments, highlighting the Provincial Government’s lack of action on bridge housing, supportive housing, and emergency shelter services. In the face of this ongoing crisis, Public Interest Alberta calls for transparency and compassion through a human rights based approach to housing and homelessness.

EDMONTON - In response to the passing of Bill 78, the Alberta Housing Amendment Act, Public Interest Alberta’s Executive Director Bradley Lafortune issued the following statement: