Activists hold Calgary rally over change to disability benefits

Demonstrators are set to protest the Alberta government's plan to change its benefit programs next summer. (File)

Disability advocates will rally on Wednesday to oppose the Alberta governments proposed Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP).

The rally falls on International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

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Starting July 2026, the United Conservative Party government will shift thousands of people with disabilities from the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program.

Advocates say under ADAP monthly benefits will be reduced to $1,740, $200 less than that AISH currently provides.

The organization behind the rally, Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), says these cuts will push people with disabilities deeper into poverty and put housing and health at risk.

“Enough is enough, ADAP is not an assistance program, it’s Alberta’s deadliest ableist program,” said Kavin Sheikheldin, an AISH recipient and ACORN member.

The group is demanding that the government abandon the plan, and keep AISH intact.

The rally will take place outside the Calgary East AISH office.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

On Wednesday, Speaker Ric McIver will host a ceremony in the legislature building rotunda to promote awareness about the well-being and rights of persons with disabilities.

“People with disabilities should not be excluded - they should be our leaders in building a more equitable and welcoming society,” McIver said in a statement.

The event will recognize five of the 2025 Alberta International Day of Persons with Disabilities award winners and include remarks from Alberta’s lieutenant-governor and Jason Nixon, the Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly.

Ministry responds

Early Wednesday evening, a spokesperson for Nixon issued the following statement:

“The Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) will empower Albertans with disabilities who are able to work to pursue fulfilling job opportunities while continuing to receive the supports they need.

“ADAP’s proposed core benefit rate is among the highest in the country, providing $300 more per month than most disability programs in Canada.

“ADAP will allow for the highest level of employment income in the country while continuing to receive benefits, meaning Albertans on ADAP can earn more from working while continuing to receive their financial benefits.

“These financial benefits are in addition to health and personal benefits which Albertans on ADAP will continue to receive regardless of their employment income.”