Author: Jason Azmier
This report examines social service programs and issues relevant to women in Alberta in the 1990s. Findings conclude that women face challenges which do not apply or apply as rigorously to their male counterparts.
On average women in Alberta are poorer, rely more heavily on government transfers of income, have less stable jobs, are paid less, have harder times finding jobs, suffering the majority of violence within families and are predominantly responsible for raising children. For these reasons, women are primary users of many government-funded social services.
It is difficult to identify gaps in the services for women because a comprehensive picture of the need for services is not available. Governments and community agency need to collect data on those that do or do not (or no longer) use services. Fiscal restraint measures limit the overall capacity of the social service safety net to meet the needs of high risk population segments.
This publication provides an examination of social services for women in Alberta in the categories of low income and income support, labour markets, equality issues, domestic violence, housing, child care and elderly women.
Restructuring of Social Services: The Impact on Women in Alberta is a part of the Social Services Project, which represents snapshots of the social services available in Alberta.