Premier Danielle Smith defends AISH changes, ADAP implementation

Warning: this story contains mention of suicide.

Several Albertans raised concerns over the incoming changes to Alberta's disability program during Premier Danielle Smith's bi-weekly radio show.

On Smith's Saturday call-in radio show Your Province, Your Premier, a member of the disability community said a man took his life this past week because of fears about upcoming changes to disability benefits, as some Albertans receiving Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) will be moved to the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) starting July 1.

"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.

The caller asked Smith why her government was allowing artificial intelligence to determine which AISH recipients will be moved to ADAP.

Smith responded by saying the 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."

The AISH program will still remain in place, however, Albertans who are deemed able to work will transition to ADAP starting July 1.

According to the province, ADAP is intended to ensure those with disabilities are not negatively impacted from having a job. The maximum monthly allowance for those on ADAP will be $1,740 per month, down $200 from the $1,940 per month allowance on AISH.

A later caller asked whether or not employers will be provided incentives to hire persons with disabilities and Smith said absolutely. She said the province has set aside $185 million to give to social agencies.

"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.

Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi called the UCP government "unspeakably cruel" in response to Smith's remarks on her Saturday radio show where she took questions about AISH and ADAP.

"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 new Angus Reid poll says Smith's approval ratings dropped to 39 per cent — the lowest it has been since she took office in 2022. Part of the reason for it has to do with the ongoing separation issue.

In regards to the separation question now being on the Oct. 19 referendum, Smith said either way, people were going to be upset about it.

"As people are kind of looking through the different options, there is going to be an open public debate. I'm looking to get some feedback about the direction that Albertans want to go, and that's what we're going to do," Smith said.

Danielle Smith's approval rate hits new low as referendum debate intensifies, poll finds

ADAP: Alberta to launch new specified disability program, AISH will remain in place

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