Alberta disability advocates claim benefits are being reduced

Disability advocates in Alberta are raising concerns about the provincial government allegedly reducing benefits from a new federal program. They claim this could hurt individuals who rely on financial support. Starting in June, eligible Canadians can receive up to $200 per month through the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). Advocates argue that the Alberta government is offsetting this new benefit by cutting funds for those receiving Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH). Trish Bowman, CEO of Inclusion Alberta, states that the CDB should supplement provincial benefits, not replace them. The Alberta government disagrees with these claims. Ashley Stevenson, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services, says Alberta provides the highest disability benefit rate in Canada, which totals about $1,900 monthly. She emphasized that AISH has a core benefit rate significantly higher than those in other provinces and assures that the rates will not change. Critics express frustration over the designation of the CDB as non-exempt income, which means AISH recipients may not benefit from additional financial support. Veronica Hooper, whose daughter receives AISH, feels the $200 would help with essential expenses. She plans to write to both the Alberta and federal governments for reconsideration. Zachary Weeks, another disability advocate, emphasizes that even the highest rates still fall below the poverty line. He is worried about the future stability of AISH funding due to budget cuts. Alberta’s 2025 budget has allocated $1.6 billion for AISH, marking a $49 million decrease from previous forecasts. Stevenson reassures that the budget cuts will not affect client income. Currently, AISH is projected to support over 80,000 Albertans.