ALT Make an Ethical Vote

ALT The Social Work Code of Ethics uniquely positions social workers to be unequivocal in their commitment to social Justice. Centered firmly in anti-oppression, social workers are called to stand in solidarity and amplify the voices of people who face a myriad of barriers that cause suffering and indignity each day. It is not enough for social workers to work 9 to 5 with “clients” but then fail to vote for progressive policies that will change systems, safeguard human rights, and protect our social safety net. All of us must use our voices and choose an #EthicalVoteAB vote for ourselves and our community.

ALT In 2022, the UCP government passed the Alberta Sovereignty Act, allowing the provincial government to circumvent federal laws. This is not about standing up for Alberta, it is about power and green lighting laws without democratic procedures. This sets a dangerous and unknown precedent. The NDP leaders have affirmed that they will reappeal the Act. Meet with your candidates about this issue and choose #EthicalVoteAB!

ALT The impact of climate change can be seen everywhere. Intense weather such as severe floods and ever-increasing forest fires have displaced thousands of Albertans. Water contamination, poor air quality, the rise of infectious diseases and respiratory illness are only some results of human-led climate change. Farmers, agricultural workers, and people living in remote areas such as many First Nation communities particularly suffer from the effects of climate change. Now is the time to elect a government that will prioritize, invest, and enforce environmental protections of our land, air, and water along with the full range of mitigation strategies such as clean energy, bans on toxins, and reducing pollution. Meet with your candidates about this issue and chose #ethicalvoteAB

ALT Access to affordable, quality housing is a fundamental human right. Precarious housing deeply impacts peoples mental, emotional, and physical well-being, increases homelessness, and disrupts education and work. Over the last year one-bedroom rentals in Calgary increased 24% yet the current government stated that rent control measures are not being considered and reduced the budget for maintenance of affordable housing by 53M. Collaborative partnerships across the housing sector and support services must be enhanced, investments must be made in affordable housing, and the government must introduce a rent cap to ensure all Albertans have somewhere to live. Meet with your candidates about this issue and choose #ethicalvoteAB

ALT Albertans need a compassionate, safe, and skilled mental health crisis response. There is a growing call to entrust 911 calls related to mental health, substance use and homelessness to professionals other than police. Social workers and other crisis professionals are equipped to safely and compassionately respond to these issues while being un-armed. Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS), a pilot project, established an effective community-led, trauma-informed alternative to traditional police crisis response. 78% of mental health crisis calls to 911 were resolved without police intervention and 28% resulted in referrals to community-based follow-up supports. Meet with your candidates about this issue and choose #EthicalVoteAB!

ALT Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, health and wellness workers endured and rallied for the safety of Albertans, it is time we do the same for them. The current government has ignored critical health and wellness professionals in the budget, implemented wage freezes and rollbacks, increased layoffs, and shifted towards privatization while making cutbacks to public health care. Albertans rely on nurses, lab professionals, respiratory therapists, social workers, pharmacists, addictions counsellors – and all other healthcare professionals for accessible quality care. There is no healthcare without them. Meet with your candidates about this issue and choose #EthicalVoteAB!

ALT In 2019, our current government removed the 5% cap on auto insurance rates. Since then, our rates have increased by 34%, making them the most expensive in Canada. And, between 2011 and 2021, Alberta home insurance rates increased by 140%. According to the bank of Canada, inflation has increased by 17% over the same period, which means that our insurance rates are wildly out of step with the economy. Albertans need affordable insurance, and the current government has demonstrated that they are unwilling to take meaningful actions towards this goal. Meet with your candidates about this issue and choose #EthicalVoteAB!

ALT The disaster of the Imperial Oil Kearl Site is yet another example of the disregard for Indigenous Rights and the safety and future of next generations. The Alberta Energy Regulator failed to report tailings pond seepage, causing great harm to Indigenous communities and land. Alberta’s environment must be protected through comprehensive regulations, developed in partnership with the First Peoples, who are stewards of these territories, and implemented by an independent and competent organization. Meet with your candidates about this issue and choose #EthicalVoteAB!

ALT In 2022, Alberta saw the highest number of hate crimes, with 83% of reports due to racism and homophobia/heterosexism. The reported rate of hate crimes is up from last year. This does not account for reported hate incidents that do not meet the set criteria for ‘hate crimes’ and omits the myriads that are never reported. Our current Premier described unvaccinated Albertans as “the most discriminated against group I’ve witnessed in my lifetime”. Comments like this are dangerous and deny the lived realities of those who experience systemic discrimination and violence. Cast your vote for a candidate who will stand against hate. Meet with your candidates about this issue and choose #EthicalVoteAB!

ALT Expanding private education in Alberta comes at the expense of public schools. In 2020, the current government introduced Bill 15 - the Choice in Education Act, which expanded public subsidies to private charter schools. Alberta’s funding for private schools is the highest in Canada. As a result, resources are being pulled away from the public education system and redirected toward privately managed charter schools which may not accept all children nor be accountable to government oversight. Our taxes should fund publicly schools that fully support and benefit all children. Meet with your candidates about this issue and choose #EthicalVoteAB!

ALT A comprehensive, timely, accessible, and adequately funded Youth Mental Health Strategy is needed for Alberta. In a survey by the Alberta Medical Association, over 70% of young teens reported that their mental health is “worse” than prior to the pandemic; 40% of parents reported that their teen’s mental health is “much worse”. There are currently waitlists for youth mental health services. Early diagnosis, and effective and culturally appropriate supports are essential to address this growing crisis. Investments into comprehensive and accessible mental health supports and services must be ongoing and sustainable to meet youth mental health needs. Meet with your candidates about this issue and choose #EthicalVoteAB

ALT Basic Income brings people out of poverty. Albertans need a basic-income strategy to ensure that everyone has enough money to live. Similar to the Canada Child Benefit, Basic Income is a dignified way to receive a regular income top-up based on income tax level. Research has shown that Basic Income decreases hospitalizations, increases high school graduation rates, and improves mental health. The current government’s Affordability Payments stop after the election, which will not provide sustainable supports for struggling Albertans. Meet with your candidates about Basic Income and choose #EthicalVoteAB!