Alberta Liberal Leader Calls for Better Support for Albertans with Disabilities
Calgary, AB (November 22, 2023) - Alberta Liberal Leader John Roggeveen issues the following statement calling for compassionate support for disabled Albertans:
“The measure of a government is how they treat the most vulnerable. And this government is failing some of our most vulnerable citizens. Albertans on (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) AISH are facing undue challenges thanks to the UCP government.
“I am calling on the UCP to begin paying AISH payments before the end of the month. In March 2020, the UCP opted to move AISH payments from the end of the month to the beginning of the next. They did this to make their budget numbers look better. This made life more difficult for AISH recipients, who now struggle to pay end-of-month bills on time. Many are still feeling the effect. The UCP should not be making their lives easier on the backs of vulnerable Albertans.
“I am also calling for the UCP to commit to not clawing back AISH payments in response to the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). The federal government is stepping up to help low-income Albertans with disabilities. The provincial government must not use this as an excuse to pull back Alberta’s support.
“Lastly, I am calling for AISH payments to be raised so that the combined benefits of AISH and the CDB leave no Albertans with disabilities below the poverty line. Albertans are generous, compassionate people. They care for the vulnerable. It is time the UCP government reflect that.”