Province pulls funding for low-income transit passes in Calgary, Edmonton
Update: the Government of Alberta has reversed its decision and will continue to fund low-income transit pass programs in Calgary and Edmonton.
A program providing low-income Calgarians and Edmontonians a financial break on their monthly transit passes is losing millions of dollars in annual support from the provincial government, city councillors confirmed Tuesday.
The provincial contribution included $4.5 million annually for the program in Calgary.
An additional $1.7-million boost to support a yearly pass for low-income seniors was announced in 2023.
The province is pulling the entire $6.2-million pot from Calgary.
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon, saying she is "appalled" the province would choose to slash funding for the pass "in the midst of an affordability crisis."
"Calgary's Low-Income Transit Pass enables Calgarians to travel around the city to attend medical appointments, work and school. At more than 119,000 passes issued through March of this year, this is a much-needed and well-used program that provides transit access to Calgarians living below the poverty line," Gondek said.
"The need for this program is growing, with the number of passes sold increasing by 35 per cent over last year.
"It is an insult to the lowest-income Calgarians who are already struggling to get by. This provincial government continues to burden big cities by walking away from their commitments. Rather than spend $6.2 million to help low-income Calgarians and seniors get around now, this provincial government would rather spend more time dreaming about private-public partnerships for trains decades from now."
The Low-Income Transit Pass (LITP) program was launched in Calgary in 2005 and has been funded in part by the Alberta government since 2017.
It establishes a sliding scale for people to receive discounted monthly transit passes based on income.
"We're talking about affordability and we're talking about the struggles our seniors are having — whether it be from food or housing or other. The last thing we want to do is nickel-and-dime our municipal governments," said Terry Wong, councillor for Ward 7 in Calgary.
"We need to find a way to either ask them for a continuance in the program or find another way to fund it."
A program providing low-income Calgarians and Edmontonians a financial break on their monthly transit passes is losing millions of dollars in annual support from the provincial government, city councillors confirmed Tuesday.
The program has been well-used in Edmonton, too.
"At a time when Edmontonians are struggling to afford their basic needs and demand for this program has increased 150 per cent since 2016, the decision to defund this program in Edmonton and Calgary shows that the province's priorities are in the wrong place," a statement from Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi read.
"The City of Edmonton is already facing financial pressures due to provincial downloading, and this additional reduction in funding is unfortunate."
In Calgary, the LITP program provides monthly passes for a cost of between $5.80 and $57.50, depending on income.
It's a discount of at least 50 per cent per month.
When asked why the Alberta government was pulling the $6.2 million from Calgary, a provincial spokesperson did not answer the question.
The spokesperson for the minister of seniors, community and social services instead pointed to other transit programs the Alberta government supports.
"Alberta's government is investing $5 million to support transportation programs for low-income Albertans in rural communities where transportation options are limited," the statement reads in part.
"Alberta's government also provides over $3.5 million to low-income Albertans on social benefits to support them getting transportation across the province, including in Edmonton and Calgary.
"As transit is a municipal responsibility in the two big cities, we are investing more in core services delivered by the province like homelessness and housing."
At city hall later on Tuesday, Calgary's councillors all voted in favour of an attempt to recoup the $6.2-million funding loss by requesting that the Alberta government decrease its property tax requisition for the year by that amount.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
1 dead, others injured after London-Singapore flight hit severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines says
One person has died aboard a London-Singapore flight that encountered severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines said Tuesday. The plane was diverted to Bangkok, where emergency crews rushed to help injured passengers amid stormy weather.
How to check the Air Quality Health Index and assess your health risks
As we enter another wildfire season, Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising people to pay attention to air pollution levels and check the Air Quality Health Index – especially on smoky days.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
Cardinal Lacroix cleared after investigation ordered by the Pope
The Vatican has announced that the investigation it commissioned into allegations of sexual touching against Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix did not confirm any act constituting misconduct or abuse on the part of the Vatican.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
DEVELOPING Defence witness who angered the judge in Trump's hush money trial will return to the stand
A defence witness in Donald Trump's hush money case whom the judge threatened to remove from the trial over his behaviour will return to the stand Tuesday as the trial nears its end.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.