Fair Entry: Bridging the Gap for Calgarians, But Hurdles Remain for the Most Vulnerable

For many low-income Calgarians, navigating the city's myriad support programs was once a bureaucratic maze. Each vital service, from a subsidized bus pass to recreation assistance, demanded a separate application and proof of eligibility, creating a frustrating and often insurmountable barrier. In 2015, the City of Calgary introduced the Fair Entry program, a streamlined administrative process designed to simplify access to these essential services through a single application.

Fair Entry acts as a central gateway, assessing an applicant's income eligibility and Calgary residency to unlock a suite of programs. From subsidized monthly transit passes for adults, youth, and seniors to recreation fee assistance, property tax aid, no-cost spay/neuter programs for companion cats, and even home maintenance services for seniors, the program significantly broadens access for those who need it most. The system relies on data from the Subsidy Assistance Management System (SAMS), a robust computer system that manages the crucial screening, reporting, and document management required to operate the program. Calgarians looking to apply can do so conveniently online, in person at locations like the Municipal Building or Village Square Library, or via mail or fax. For further assistance, a call to 311 connects residents directly to city support.

The impact of Fair Entry is undeniable. City officials confirmed a robust 34 percent increase in participation in 2023 compared to the previous year. By early December 2023, a staggering 113,000 Calgarians were actively enrolled in the program. This upward trend continues, with a 16 percent increase in applications from January to June 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, translating to nearly 11,000 more individuals seeking support. Approvals also saw a healthy 10 percent rise, assisting an additional 6,000 individuals in the same timeframe. These numbers clearly demonstrate Fair Entry's growing reach and its crucial role in the lives of many across our city, from those living north of the Bow to families struggling down Deerfoot Trail.

The Unseen Gaps: Why Some Calgarians Still Struggle

Despite its broad success, Fair Entry isn't without its critics, particularly concerning its accessibility for Calgary's most vulnerable populations. Kelly Ernst, Vice President for Vulnerable Populations at the Centre for Newcomers, has vocalized significant concerns. He notes that not every individual within Calgary's vulnerable population can access the program in a timely manner, citing reported wait times of up to six months, especially for those needing to secure documentation from Registered Social Workers. This delay can mean the difference between getting to work or school and being stranded.

Adding to these concerns, Sue Gwynn, chair of Poverty Talks, highlighted the prohibitive nature of identification requirements. "There is no point in trying to help low-income residents, and then bar them from that help because they can't afford to apply," Gwynn stated, underscoring the paradox faced by individuals who cannot afford the very documents needed to access assistance. These observations suggest that while Fair Entry has opened many doors, some remain stubbornly shut for those at the very edge, particularly under-documented individuals for whom navigating administrative processes, even streamlined ones, presents additional, often insurmountable, hurdles.

As Fair Entry continues to evolve within the City of Calgary's operational budget and council resolutions, its dual impact becomes clear: a lifeline for tens of thousands, yet a program still challenged to fully embrace every Calgarian in need. The ongoing growth in participation underscores its necessity, while the voices of advocacy groups serve as a vital reminder to continuously refine and adapt, ensuring that the promise of a single, fair entry is truly accessible to all.