Rallies took place throughout Alberta on Tuesday, primarily in protest of a recent move by the province to not pass along the new federal Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) to recipients of Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH). Two-dozen advocacy groups signed an open-letter to Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon calling on them to reconsider the decision. “It’s crippling people even more than they are … and I hate to use that word … but it’s true,” said Beth Keeler, a disability advocate at the Calgary rally. Alberta is the only province that has announced plans to reduce its provincial funding to recipients by the same amount that they are eligible to receive from the federal CDB. It means people with disabilities are left with the same amount of money they always received, and the province effectively gains money by decreasing its portion provided to those AISH recipients. “That extra $200 a month really means a lot when you’re looking for especially accessible housing,” said Deanne Seidler, an AISH recipient in Calgary. “I’d be able to afford groceries again,” said Sheldon Houtman, another AISH recipient. The #ActNow & #BarrierFree rallies were held at various venues including outside Calgary’s municipal building and outside the Legislature in Edmonton. “We are not changing AISH and will continue to move forward with a program which again, is the best in the country; it’s something we will continue to celebrate,” said Jason Nixon, minister of seniors, community and social services. “It’s nothing to brag about when your people are still living in poverty; you measure your society on how well you treat your most vulnerable,” said Zachary Weeks, the Edmonton rally organizer. Many people on AISH say even with the maximum $1,901 per month, they still can’t afford the basic needs of food, housing and medical costs. Advocates say changes to medical programs and long waits for support needed immediately must also be addressed. “We’re people too, and we’re just trying to get through life,” said Seidler. Advocates say disability rights impact everyone. “This is an investment in our future; it’s not about if we become disabled, but when,” said Weeks. “It happens to every single one of us, whether it be illness, injury, or just life. You need help; you need support,” said Keeler. Disability advocates are also calling on the province of Alberta to legislate a Disability Bill of Rights. That is something Alberta doesn’t have, but most provinces have adopted.
