Alberta's disability cuts spark fears for 80,000 residents

Alberta is moving nearly 80,000 residents receiving disability support to a new program that pays $200 less per month, sparking anxiety across the disability community as the July 1 transition approaches.

The shift from the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program to the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) comes as the government aims to encourage recipients to seek employment. Under ADAP, clients will have fewer income exemptions but more flexibility for those who are working.

Joanne Dorn, executive director of Cerebral Palsy Alberta, said the monthly allowance under AISH—already under $2,000—leaves little room for cuts given the cost of living. "People, I think, at this point in time, if they haven't already received confirmation that they are able to remain on AISH, I think their biggest fear is as of July 1, they are gonna lose the income if they do not have a job," Dorn said.

The changes have taken on new urgency following the death of Bruce A. Johnson, a 57-year-old AISH recipient from Empress who died by suicide last week. In a letter shared to Facebook, Johnson wrote that his anxiety and stress had "skyrocketed" after the government proceeded with the transition despite his concerns about finding and maintaining steady employment.

NDP leader Naheed Nenshi called the transition "dangerous" and urged the government to reverse course. "Every Albertan deserves a life of dignity," he said. "The government must change course. They can stop this dangerous transition, develop a better program, and treat all Albertans living with a disability with the respect they deserve."

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline.