There has been a steady rise in applications to Alberta's Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program. Influences of job booms and busts, the rising cost of living and national health factors have shown a 57% increase in a decade.

Lee Stevens discussed the specific circumstances where Alberta struggles when it comes to social safety nets. "When the unemployment rate is high, you're going to see income support caseloads rise as well. And that's the trend that, unfortunately, we've been sort of stuck in." she said referring to the economic cycles.

She also noted that ""It needs to be a balance. It can't just be focused on the individuals, it needs to be focused on the labour market and the system as well."

Read the full article: AISH caseloads have ballooned over the past decade. What's driving that?