Group uses International Day of Persons with Disabilities to urge rethink on AISH changes

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on December 4, 2025.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

In acknowledgement of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Wednesday, Public Interest Alberta released a statement calling on the UCP government to cancel the Alberta Disability Assistance Program.

The group is asking the UCP government to re-focus efforts on strengthening and modernizing the existing Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped.

“Albertans with disabilities deserve stability and respect, not a program that forces them into deeper poverty,” said Bradley Lafortune, executive director of Public Interest Alberta.

“AISH can and should be improved, but ADAP dismantles what works and replaces it with cuts, confusion and red tape.”

The proposed changes under ADAP have been largely slammed by disability advocates across the province.

Public Interest Alberta’s list of recommendations for the province include restoring AISH earnings exemptions, reinstating appeal rights and maintaining and legislating indexation, which will be removed if Bill 12 passes.

“Alberta can choose dignity, inclusion and fiscal responsibility,” said Lafortune. “Strengthening AISH will cost less, support employers more and provide real stability for people with disabilities.”

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