In May 2025, the Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) released the Alberta Emergency Social Services (ESS) Framework. It will be included as an annex of the Alberta Emergency Plan. The new framework has replaced the 2016 Provincial Emergency Social Services Framework.
The updated ESS Framework includes an introduction to ESS and the document’s scope, how ESS functions within the broader emergency management and response context, local service delivery programs, ESS delivery including different stakeholders and municipal, First Nations, and provincial governments responsibilities.
RMA members endorsed Resolution 7-24S: Establishing a Provincial Level of Service for Emergency Social Services. Resolution 7-24S called for:
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta advocate that the Government of Alberta create a provincial level of service for emergency social services as a framework for municipalities to use when providing support to individuals from outside of their jurisdiction during emergencies or disasters.
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED that the proposed provincial level of service for emergency social services include schedules that indicate services that are considered basic survival needs, and which services are discretionary; with identification of what costs are eligible for cost recovery.
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED that the proposed provincial level of service for emergency social services acknowledge that the host municipality is providing a fee for service and that they will directly invoice the home jurisdiction, or the Government of Alberta and will not be required to apply for Disaster Recovery Program funding to recover their costs.
RMA staff are actively reviewing the updated ESS Framework for how it aligns with Resolution 7-24S asks. RMA will share further details in the future.
Ashley Hadley
Policy and Research Analyst
825.319.2284
ashley@rmalberta.com
Wyatt Skovron
General Manager of Policy and Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@rmalberta.com