Province moving to match funds raised for charitable agencies

from the Edmonton Sun

By JEREMY LOOME, LEGISLATURE BUREAU

Concerned by the mounting impact of Alberta's economic boom on the poor, the Alberta government will unveil a plan to match charitable agencies' fund-raising efforts, Premier Ed Stelmach said yesterday.

"We're just putting the finishing touches together on what I know is a very good idea for the province of Alberta, and that's the Community Spirit Program," he said. "We'll be working with charitable organizations to see how we can match funds for specific purposes.

"And I know we have the community initiatives program and the community enhancement program. But these are more infrastructure-related, whereas this is more dealing with people, people that need help, whether it's a place to stay or clothing."

But NDP Leader Brian Mason said there are probably better ways government can attack poverty issues than matching charitable donations.

"I think there's really some serious policy questions that need to be addressed," said Mason. "I think the government needs to sit down and decide which issues need to be addressed by government and direct those themselves."

Sometimes, getting government out of the picture makes sense, said the premier.