Premier Danielle Smith has defended Alberta’s new disability benefits system after advocates raised concerns about its impact on some AISH recipients ahead of the July changeover. The comments came during her bi-weekly radio show, where a caller reported that a man took his life due to fears about the upcoming transition from the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program to the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP).
Premier Responds to Tragedy
During the Saturday call-in show Your Province, Your Premier, a member of the disability community said the man died because of anxiety over changes that will move some AISH recipients to ADAP starting July 1. Smith expressed sadness over the loss but emphasized the need for privacy for the family. “It’s always very sad when somebody is in that state of despair,” she said.
The caller questioned why the government uses artificial intelligence to determine which recipients will be moved. Smith responded that decisions are made by people, not computers. She explained that the province offers three different support programs because a one-size-fits-all approach does not meet everyone’s needs. “We’re trying to make the program able to meet the needs of more Albertans, not fewer,” she said.
Details of the Transition
AISH will remain in place, but those deemed able to work will transition to ADAP. The maximum monthly allowance for ADAP is $1,740, down $200 from AISH’s $1,940. The province says ADAP aims to ensure that disabilities do not negatively impact employment. Smith noted that $185 million has been set aside for social agencies to support employers hiring persons with disabilities.
“Not everyone is going to be able to work, that’s why it’s important that those who are unable to have market income have to be supported… but those who can work, we want them to be able to earn as much as $45,000 before phasing that out completely,” Smith said.
Criticism from Opposition
Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi called the UCP government “unspeakably cruel” in response to Smith’s remarks. “There is no good reason for this transition to be handled this way,” Nenshi said. “It is causing so much stress on people and having them question their value and their worth.”
A recent Angus Reid poll shows Smith’s approval rating has dropped to 39 percent, the lowest since she took office in 2022, partly due to the ongoing separation issue. On the separation referendum set for October 19, Smith acknowledged that either outcome would upset some people.
