Learning about programs and services for seniors in Alberta.
Alberta Seniors and Community Supports offers a wide variety of programs and services to assist seniors in Alberta. Older Albertans and their families can learn about these programs by phone, on the Internet and in person.

The Seniors Information Line provides callers with details on all programs for seniors including the Alberta Seniors Benefit, the Special Needs Assistance program, and the Dental, Optical and Education Property Tax Assistance for Seniors programs.

Albertans can also call the information line to get an application or find out when benefits are paid. Albertans can also be linked with local community contacts for seniors housing opportunities in their community. The information line operates Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. It is toll-free from anywhere in Alberta at 1-800-642-3853 or 427-7876 in the Edmonton area.

The ministry's website is another valuable tool for seniors, their families and care- givers. Application forms, brochures and

booklets: www.seniors.gov.ab.ca, along with details about the financial assistance programs for older Albertans.

Several publications can be viewed online and downloaded from the website, including the Seniors Programs and Services Information Guide. This guide describes more than 50 services available to seniors across the province.

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ARTA © 2005

 

From the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP)

Canada Pension Plan
Canadians can be confident in the strength of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) because the reforms of 1987 are working and the Chief Actuary for Canada says the plan is sustainable at least for the next 75 years. What's more the future ability of the CPP to pay pensions is also in good shape thanks in part to the diversification of the assets of the CPP.

CARP winners:
The second annual Best Employers for 50-Plus Canadian Awards sponsored by CARP were presented last fall. The awards are "designed to recognize and reward innovative and effective programs or initiatives within organizations that lead the way in best practices with the 50-Plus workers while achieving organizational goals." Of the eleven winners one was from Alberta and one from British Columbia. The Alberta winner was the City of Calgary for their re-hirement policy and retiree pool policy allowing for smoother succession planning and knowledge transfer. The B.C. winner was Excell Services in Penticton whose employees include retirees who enjoy a mix of part-time and full-time hours with plenty of flexibility, Promotion over 50 is commonplace.

Things have improved!
Some information from 1905:
- The average wage in Canada was 22 cents.
- Only six percent of all Canadians had graduated from high school.
- 18 percent of households in Canada had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.
- Marijuana, heroin and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstore.
- Only 14 percent of Canadian homes had a bathtub.
- Only eight percent of homes had a telephone.
- Life expectancy was 47 years.