Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
The Committee on Unemployment was appointed by the president of the Edmonton Board of Trade on August 18, 1914. Within a month this committee became the Edmonton Board of Public Welfare. Its main purpose was to give financial aid to Edmonton residents facing hardships and in need of assistance.
The Board’s Visiting Committee, later known as the Advisory Committee, based its recommendations for aid on need, morality, and the ability of the applicants to find work. The Board was responsible for the administration of the federal unemployment relief program and the Mother’s Allowance. Most funding was obtained through government grants (Mothers' Pensions and later Mothers' Allowances) but occasional fund-raising drives were held by the board. Over time the Board became involved in various forms of support for those facing financial hardships including education, coordinating relief services, and providing visitors.
Members of the Board were persons appointed by the Council of the City of Edmonton and contributed five dollars or more to the fund each year. Notable board members and Chairman include H.M.E. Evans and A.C. Rutherford.
By 1929 the City of Edmonton had other officers to administer the Mother’s Allowance along with the Children’s Protection Act, the Juvenile Delinquent Act, and the Children of Unmarried Women’s Act.