Premier Smith defends AISH-to-ADAP transition as fears mount

Premier Danielle Smith defended the incoming transition of Alberta's disability programs during her Saturday call-in radio show, as concerns mount over the shift affecting thousands of recipients.

Starting July 1, some Albertans receiving Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) will be moved to the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP). A caller to Smith's show Your Province, Your Premier said a man from the disability community took his life this past week due to fears about the upcoming changes.

"It's always very sad when somebody is in that state of despair and I think we just need to give the family some time and privacy to manage their loss," Smith said in response.

When asked why the government was allowing artificial intelligence to determine which AISH recipients would be moved to ADAP, Smith said decisions are being made by people, not computers.

"We do have three different types of support programs that we're offering, because the one-size-fits-all support for the severely handicapped does not help those who only need partial support or those who need medicare support," Smith said. "We're trying to make the program be able to meet the needs of more Albertans, not fewer."

AISH will remain in place for those deemed unable to work. Those transitioning to ADAP will receive a maximum monthly allowance of $1,740 — down $200 from AISH's $1,940 per month. Smith said the province has set aside $185 million for social agencies to support employment and that those who can work will be able to earn up to $45,000 before benefits phase out completely.

Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi called the transition "unspeakably cruel." "There is no good reason for this transition to be handled this way. It is causing so much stress on people and having them question their value and their worth," Nenshi said.

A new Angus Reid poll shows Smith's approval rating dropped to 39 per cent — the lowest since she took office in 2022.