Alberta Seniors Specialized Transporation
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association urge the Province of Alberta to provide both operational & capital financial support to municipalities so that they can continue to provide specialized transportation for the increasing number of seniors who require this service.
WHEREAS the population of Alberta seniors represents the fastest growing demographic in the province;
WHEREAS seniors with poor health and disability status are the largest group of seniors to state difficulty with current access to existing mobility and transportation options;
WHEREAS seniors request specialized transpiration out of necessity;
WHEREAS municipalities are already heavily subsidizing the specialized transportation needs of seniors, but with an increasing number of seniors with specialized transpiration needs, municipalities will be unable to keep up with the costs of these demands;
WHEREAS Alberta villages, towns and cities collaborate with other orders of government and stakeholders to ensure appropriate supports for seniors to remain as independent as much as possible;
WHEREAS as per the Provincial Government’s Aging Population Policy Framework (November 2010), the Province states that one of its eight outcomes is that “Albertans have access to safe, affordable, appropriate and accessible transportation options during their senior years;” and
WHEREAS part of the strategy in Alberta’s Continuing Care Strategy – Aging in the Right Place (December 2008) document is to “Invest in Community Supports.”
Seniors – Nov 23, 2011
The Government of Alberta’s 2010 Aging Population Policy Framework states that municipal governments have specific roles to play in meeting the needs of Alberta’s aging population, including identifying and responding to the local needs and priorities of older Albertans in their communities. The Framework also recognizes the importance of respecting municipal autonomy in determining how services are delivered based on local priorities and circumstances.
The Government of Alberta’s Municipal Sustainability Initiative can be used by municipalities to support transportation needs, including the purchase of accessible public transit vehicles and the allocation of operating funding to non-profit organizations or other groups that provide accessible transportation services to their communities.
Transportation - March 12, 2012
Alternative bus service providers that specialize in providing services to seniors and the disabled are also eligible to expand their services through bus modernization. With the support of a municipal council resolution, these providers may be able to access capital funding from municipal grant programs for one-time capital purchases to improve the services being offered.
Health – October 1 2012
Mobility for seniors requires an integrated approach. Options such as public transportation and personal driving services (offered by private companies and non-profit agencies) are important. Ministries of Health and Transportation are working with the Medically At Risk Driver Centre to explore options for supporting specialized transportation for seniors. MSI can be used for this purpose.
Health – Mar 22, 2013
AUMA is a key stakeholder in planning affordable and accessible transportation options in communities cross Alberta. To learn how AUMA can be engaged in this issue, I invite you to meet with the Assistant Deputy Minister, Seniors Services and Continuing Care.
AUMA considers this response.