MLA Jennifer Johnson provides provincial update

LACOMBE -- Local MLA Jennifer Johnson provided a provincial update during a recent presentation in Lacombe. 

Appearing before Lacombe City Council in late June, the MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka discussed a variety of topics relating to current regional priorities, her recent advocacy efforts, and the new changes to the province's disability benefit programs. She also took questions regarding the province's need to increase funding for Family and Community Support Services.

"I'm sorry I don't have good news on that," said Johnson in her address. "What I can offer you is that I lobby constantly, and can say that the next ones on the table have got to be FCSS. It's been a long time since we've seen an increase there, but I do have those conversations with the ministry."

Funding for FCSS in Alberta has remained mostly stagnant over the past twenty years, while demand for service continues to increase, particularly in smaller communities. In March, Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis) pressed the province for more support, but so far, nothing has materialized. MLA Johnson also touched on the need for more seniors' housing in the region, and specifically mentioned the need to upgrade the Lacombe Lodge.

"One-in-seven Albertans are seniors right now, and by 2050, it's going to one-in-five. In twenty years, we have to do a lot of work to prepare for that," said Johnson. "It's my number one priority as an MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka, is to get a new lodge for this area. It is one of the four oldest facilities in Alberta. There are 100 units in there -- we should be going for at least 150." 

Jennifer Johnson has represented the riding of Lacombe-Ponoka since 2023.