AUPE slams province’s cutting of Child and Youth Support Program

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on April 9, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees is criticizing the decision of the provincial government to discontinue the Child and Youth Support Program.

Those who were on the program, which provides financial and medical benefits for a child when the parents or guardians were unable or unwilling to care for the child, recently received an email explaining that it will be discontinued as of Sept. 1, says AUPE, with a similar notice available on the provincial website.

“This cut may be a small line item to the government, but it has been a lifeline for extended families raising children who would otherwise be at risk of physical, emotional and sexual violence,” said Sandra Azocar, vice-president of AUPE. The union includes government workers, including those working in CYSP.

“Along with a monthly stipend, (CYSP) helps pay for things including school supplies, clothing and the cost of psychological and education assessments,” said AUPE. “It also provides medical and dental benefits, including braces, for the children.”

AUPE estimates approximately 1,000 children and their families will be impacted by the decision, and may face uncertainty because of it.

For the past decade, Andrea Waywanko and her spouse, both of whom are retired and on a fixed income, have raised two grandsons with help from CYSP. One is 18 years old and has aged out, the other is 16. She estimates she will lose about $4,000 over the next two years in support for the younger child.

“There was no consultation with families, just an email that said the program was ending in September. I am angry,” said Waywanko.

Azocar questioned what may happen to the children in families that depended on the program, expressing concern that many may end up as wards of the province instead of with family members who have been caring for them.

“The Child and Youth Support Program saves money in the long run. Ending the program is financially foolish as well as being incredibly cruel. Families are furious,” said Azocar. “How many of those 1,000 children affected will now end up back in the care system at a much greater cost, rather than staying with extended family members they love and trust?”

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