This week the Alberta government provided new details on the Affordability Action Plan. The relief measures are providing direct payments to parents, seniors, as well as anyone receiving support on Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped, Persons with Developmental Disabilities and Income Support.

Some experts are concerned that some in need are being left out, particularly those aged 18-65 without children. This often-overlooked segment is also overrepresented for living in “deep” poverty or living on incomes under 75% of the poverty line. In fact, according to the Institute for Research on Public Policy, about one million people in Canada living in deep poverty are singles.

Did you know?

• The poverty rate among young adults aged 18 to 24 was the highest among all age groups in 2020 and close to half of young adults living alone had monthly housing costs considered to be unaffordable.
• Unattached individuals between the ages of 45 and 64 are less likely to successfully participate in the labour market.
• There are alarming rates of food insecurity on post-secondary campuses. Mount Royal University says one in 10 students is food insecure, with 75% of that group being severely affected.
• The most recent living wage calculation for Calgary showed the income needs for a single person were higher than what’s required for a two-parent family with two young children. Here’s a breakdown of what’s more expensive when you’re single.
• This Global News segment discusses some of the people who are falling through the cracks of the province’s affordability program.

We acknowledge that we are in an inflation crisis, and we’re pleased to see the government taking action. But is it time to start considering systems level changes that would pre-empt the need for this type of emergency measure? VCC executive director Meaghon Reid sat down with CBC News’ Rob Brown to discuss the affordability plan and longer term solutions poverty. Listen to to the interview (begins at 3:20).