The Alberta government has backtracked on funding cuts to the low-income transit pass in the province’s two biggest cities.

According to information provided by the Alberta government, they will backstop the funding commitments they’ve made to both cities. In Calgary, that amount is $6.2 million.

On Tuesday, both of Alberta’s big city mayors spoke out about the funding cut, with Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek saying that it was a “cruel” decision by the province. Calgary city council, after discussing the item behind closed doors, unanimously approved a plan to urge the province to reduce its requisition of the education portion of the property tax and ask them to pay the full amount of property tax on provincially owned properties in the city, up to the $6.2 million.

Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon spoke with media via Zoom on Wednesday afternoon. He said they’ve always wanted to ensure the low-income transit pass programs continue.

“The province does not want to see the low-income transit program in our two largest cities go anywhere, and we will make sure that we’re there to support if that’s what’s needed to be able to have it continue,” Nixon said.

He said that after conversations with both cities he recognized that cities needed further support to continue the programs.

Just looking to start up some chat about the event. Would love to hear how the Gina Carano panel went!

Calgary could have to fully fund the Low Income Transit Pass (LITP) moving forward, as the Alberta government has pulled their contribution to the affordability measure.

“I don’t think there’s any way to explain this other than saying it’s just cruel. This is an absolute cruelty to low-income Calgarians who absolutely need this funding to be able to get through their lives,” she said, noting that it’s another example of the province offloading costs to municipalities.

“They’re expecting us to find the money somewhere to make this whole, and you also know what that means – that impacts your property taxes.”

The mayor said Calgary already foots 83 per cent of the $38 million – or $31.8 million.

Greater transparency cited as reason for pulling back curtain on previously unreported cash

If a health care worker did something like this, they would be facing discipline from their professional college and would face massive ramifications. If I, as a consulting professional, send unprofessional messages to a client and they contacted my boss, I would be out of a job instantly. 20 hours pay forfeiture is a joke in my opinion. The police need to be held to a higher standard than the general public, but seemingly face no actual discipline regardless of how egregious their behaviour is.

I know that the CTrain reminders to not forget your newspapers when leaving the train have been overwhelmingly successful because I haven't seen a newspaper on the train even one time in the last 10 years.

When is this province going to get real with electricity capacity? How are we suppose to use EV's and Heat Pumps when the electrical grid is so under capacity?

Anyone affected by the power outages?

Calgarians are being encouraged to take transit to visit the island and to help everyone get home safely from NYE celebrations. The CTrains will be running on extended hours until 4 a.m. on Jan. 1, and major bus lines will be running until 3 a.m.

A mental health review board has rejected a discharge request from a man who killed killing five people at a Calgary house party almost a decade ago.

Matthew de Grood was found not criminally responsible for the 2014 stabbing deaths of Zackariah Rathwell, Jordan Segura, Kaiti Perras, Josh Hunter and Lawrence Hong.

Calgary mayor explains why homeowners are facing a 7.8% increase.

Now only diesel fumes and malt will be smelled in Ramsay

This area desperately needs redevelopment. It's such a waste of prime real estate right now.

Imagine lugging around 2 kg of soda

In Sunridge! I can't wait!

Anybody miss Lloyd's?

Probably a good thing. Seems like more and more parents are choosing to drive their kids to school and the chaos results in a lot of impatience.

Earthworm Jim did not answer the number.