January's low oil prices and their impact on federal spending is the focus of a report by the Parliamentary Budget Officer.  Two other PBO reports - the Fiscal Monitor and the Expenditure Monitor - provide details of government revenues and expenditures.   Previous issues of the Federal Monitor (2013, 2014) are searchable on the Caledon website. 

Action to End Poverty in Alberta and Vibrant Communities Calgary have jointly released the follow-up 2.5 report to the 2.0 version of Poverty Costs Alberta.The report contains an updated profile of poverty in Alberta, using LIM-AT measures, and includes 60+
 poverty reduction policy recommendations that best reflect the current state of the province's socioeconomic environment.What does poverty in Alberta look like?Despite being the richest Canadian province, Alberta also experiences the largest income gap, with the top 1% of earners taking home 18 times that of the bottom 90% Albertans in poverty are often employed or permanently outside of the workforce.  Those who are on social assistance are receiving rates far below current poverty measures.An annual minimum wage salary in Alberta brings a single individual almost $2,000 below the Low Income Measure-After Tax77% of low-income earners in Alberta are over 20 years, and over 50% of minimum wage earners work the equivalent of full-time hours.As of March 31, 2012 1,445 Albertans graduated from the Housing First program, finding stable, long-term housing.  However, there is still 5,300 households waiting on housing in Calgary and EdmontonHighlighted recommendations to end poverty in AlbertaIncreasing social assistance rates to within 10% of the poverty line for all types of familiesProviding monthly supplementary food allowanceIncreasing asset exemptions Providing free public transportation and recreation to low-income householdsIncreasing the minimum wageEnsuring employees of all sectors receive at least a standard minimum wage.The creation of a provincial rent bank to act as an emergency fund for tenants at-risk of losing their housingFully-funded, universal, full-day kindergartenDeveloping a 'single point of entry' system for all income support programs to avoid inefficiencyWorking with financial institutions to limit the need for payday loan businesses and fringe lendersRead the full report and recommendations here. 

December's Federal Policy Monitor features several pieces related to mental health and corrections and mental health.  Look also for details of CPP and OAS rates.

Lots of activity reported in Ontario this month - Budget, Aboriginal Healing and Wellness, health, transportation and more.  The new Community Transportation Pilot Grant Program offers an innovative way to encourage community-based transportation solutions for seniors, youth, people with disabilities and others. Previous issues of this resource are available and searchable on the Caledon Institute website.