Media Advisory: March 17, 2025

Edmonton, AB

Albertans are deeply concerned about recent funding cuts and policy decisions that affect people with disabilities. The lack of transparency and public consultation have created unprecedented fear and uncertainty.

A guiding principle of the disability rights movement – Nothing About Us Without Us – is more than lip service, it reflects the core belief that individuals with disabilities must be active agents in policy-making and service provision. The Standing Committee on Families and Community will meet on Tuesday March 18, 2025, for

Main Estimates meeting for the Ministry of Senior, Community and Social Services, from 9 am to 12 pm.

Members of the disability community will attend in person and watch online.

We have identified four issues that Albertans would like addressed:

1. Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP)

The disability community has many questions about the newly created Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) and strongly feels that it is unethical to move forward and approve future funding without public input

into the regulations.

2. Honour the contracts of self-advocacy groups: Call to restore funding

Three Self-advocacy groups whose funding totalled $424,000 were given 90 days' notice that the Government would end their funding one year early. Over 800 Albertans sent letters to their MLA, Minister Nixon, and the Premier urging SCSS to honour their contracts to provide them more time to find alternate funding. These

groups have provided direct services for more than 20 years and are a vital support for hundreds of individuals and families.

3. Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)

Alberta has indicated that it will treat the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) as non-exempt income, which means it will deduct the $200/month federal benefit from AISH payments. The CDB is intended as a top up to provide additional income for people with disabilities living in poverty. Unfortunately, Albertans on AISH will not see an increase in their monthly support. Across Canada, BC, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nunavut and Quebec have confirmed that they will not claw back the CDB from social support programs.

4. Managing Growth of PDD and FSCD

The Growth of Persons with Developmental Disability Services (PDD) is 5.94%, and Family Services for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) is 3.61%, yet no money is allocated to address the wait lists.

Who: Concerned Albertans

What: Budget Main Estimates for Seniors and Community Social Services (Families and Communities Committee)

When: Tuesday, March 18th, 9 am to 12 pm and 3:30 pm to 6:30

Where: Queen Elizabeth II Building at the Alberta Legislature, Rocky Mountain Room 2nd floor

Why: Albertans are concerned about recent funding cuts and policy decisions that affect people with disabilities.

Contacts:

Zachary Weeks Accessibility Consultant & Disability Advocate 780.718.3188

Michelle Kristinson – Alberta Ability Network 403.815.1142

Keri McEachern, Self-Advocacy Federation 780.907.2575

Colleen Huston Disability Action Hall 403.473.3510

Jan Nass Disability Without Poverty 587.679.7674