Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) Funding Increase
IT IS THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT Alberta Municipalities advocate to the Government of Alberta to immediately increase provincial funding for Family and Community Support Services commensurate to population growth and annual inflation rates, which would currently amount to funding of $161.5 million in 2025, to adequately and sustainably fund necessary prevention programs and services in communities across Alberta.
WHEREAS the Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) program promotes and enhances the well-being of Albertans, families and communities by funding preventive programs intended to help individuals adopt healthy lifestyles, improve their quality of life and build capacity to prevent and deal with crisis situations should they arise; (1)
(1) Government of Alberta, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) program, https://www.alberta.ca/family-andcommunity-support-services-fcss-program
WHEREAS FCSS is an 80/20 funding partnership between the Government of Alberta and more than 318 participating municipalities and Metis settlements; WHEREAS between 2015 and 2022 provincial funding for FCSS was stagnant and the $5 million increase, to a total of $105 million, in 2023 does not adequately reflect the need for services in Alberta communities;
WHEREAS in October 2023, the Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta called on the Alberta Government to increase total funding to $130 million allowing FCSS programming to be maintained and for the fund to be indexed to inflation; and
WHEREAS investment in prevention creates a sustainable system of local support for Albertans, families and communities and by not increasing FCSS funding to take into account inflation and population growth the result will be a decrease or elimination of critical programs and services.
Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) has provided funding for vital programs and services to residents in municipalities across Alberta since 1966. Today, eligible services under FCSS must be preventative in nature and may include initiatives and programs that help communities:
- identify their social needs and develop responses;
- promote, encourage and support volunteer work in the community;
- inform the public about services;
- support children and their families’ social development;
- help families enrich and strengthen family life and function more effectively in their own environment; and,
- enhance retired and semi-retired people’s quality of life. (2)
(2) Government of Alberta, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) program, https://www.alberta.ca/family-andcommunity-support-services-fcss-program
Previous FCSS funding resolutions were adopted at Alberta Municipalities’ Conventions in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2014. The Government of Alberta increased funding to a total of $100 million in 2015 and added an additional $5 million in 2023. Provincial funding increases have not kept pace with population growth or inflation. From 20002023 Alberta added nearly 1.7 million people and inflation averaged 2.25% per year over the same time period. Quickly eroding any additional funds provided by the province and municipalities.
In October 2023, the Family and Community Support Services Association (FCSSA) of Alberta requested an additional $25 million, a 24% increase, in funding from the Government of Alberta to fund FCSS programs. Noting that preventive programming significantly reduces the amount of money that needs to be invested in health care, mental health, addictions, and the justice system.
“Every dollar invested in preventive services saves us $7 to $12 in future spending on justice, health care and addictions. As our provincial priorities focus on critical social issues, Albertans have never needed FCSS more than today.”
Murtaza Jamaly, President
Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta
October 3, 2023
FCSSA is a member-driven organization that was established in 1981 to bring FCSS programs from across the province together to connect, collaborate, and to maximize resources.
A funding increase of $25 million to $130 million would help to maintain current FCSS programming levels across the province according to the FCSSA. No additional funding was allotted to FCSS in the 2024 Alberta Budget. Should provincial funding be increased, municipalities would need to increase contribution rates to maintain the 80/20 funding partnership required under the Family and Community Support Services Regulation. It should be noted that many municipalities are currently contributing more than 20% to local prevention programs.
In a December 2024 letter, the Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services’ stated that: •
- “Budget 2024 maintained FCSS funding at $105 million to ensure services remain available for people in need of assistance.”
- “We are interested in learning more about how local FCSS programs are introducing efficiencies and working collaboratively to develop innovative approaches to providing cost effective programming.”
In Budget 2025, the province maintained FCSS funding at $105 million for the third straight year.
ABmunis’ Rating of the Government’s Response
Intent not met – further action will be taken at a high level of engagement.
ABmunis’ Notes and Actions
The ABmunis Board has directed ABmunis to work with the Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSAA) to promote their new website, https://impact.fcssaa.org/, and boost key messaging around the value and impact of FCSS programming. In May 2025, ABmunis and the FCSSAA met with the Minister to discuss this issue. This summer, ABmunis will be working with Ministry staff, RMA, and FCSSAA on a submission to Treasury Board that outlines the rationale for increased FCSS funding.