Dear Premier Stelmach

I am writing to you to call upon the Alberta government to develop a real plan that will address the growing human resources crisis in the human services sector.

Funding which enables the disabled to function in community with supervised living conditions is key to quality of life and allows them to contribute to society, building self esteem and enjoyment. To cut funding directly will deeply affect the disabled. Why would we want to step backward instead of moving forward in the treatment of the disabled?!

I believe that the provinces strongly influence other provinces. Therefore, even though I am from Manitoba, the example of the province of Alberta, which is a progressive province may impact the decisions made by those in government in Manitoba. I also have a friend whose brother affected by Down Syndrome is being directly affected by the cut in funding.

I believe that the work of the human services sector plays a vital role in your government’s plan to “improve Albertans' quality of life, and provide safe and secure communities”. Yet, the reality is that for human service organizations, the crisis is getting worse as the demand for their services grows and they cannot attract and retain the necessary staff to maintain quality services for the many Albertans in need.

For this reason, I am asking the Alberta government for:

1. An immediate government investment to respond to the human resources crisis in the human services sector so to provide an increase in wages, benefits and supports that will allow the sector to attract and retain a workforce.

2. A commitment to invest in a three-year social infrastructure plan (2008 – 2011) that will establish Alberta as a world leader in supporting quality of life in strong, healthy and connected communities. I appreciate that you have many pressing demands upon you and your government, but feel that unless significant action is taken to address this crisis, there will be many serious consequences for Albertans.

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