Prime Minister Mark Carney's 1st federal budget set to drop Tuesday. Albertans are concerned with funding for social programs.

Michelle James, director of policy at Vibrant Communities Calgary, said her VCC wants to see sustained or increased investments in poverty reduction.

“We know that in Canada overall, poverty is steadily increasing since the pandemic. So what we’re really looking out for are those initiatives that will really help the most vulnerable. Making sure that people have access to their basic needs, can access the medication they need, can get around, have the housing they need, really goes a long way to building Canada’s economy overall.”

She also hopes to see more investment in affordable non-market housing solutions for the lowest-income Canadians, as well as more commitment to labour market agreements for employment and skills training.

James said she welcomed announcements the federal government has already made to introduce an automatic tax-filing system for low-income Canadians and a permanent school food program.