Bill 12 Changes to AISH December 1st, 2025 & News coverage

Bill 12, for what is known to introduce an expected work stream known as (ADAP) Alberta Disability Assistance Program, is scheduled for a second reading today, December 1st, just two days before International Day of Persons with Disabilities, despite the community, experts, advisors and Albertans with disabilities urging to cancel Bill 12. 

View December 1st news release in PDF.

AISH and ADAP in the news

Okotoks Online, (December 1st, 2025) Alberta’s new ADAP program raises concerns over reduced benefits for disabled persons

Cam Tait, Edmonton Sun (November 30, 2025)  Province announces Stollery triumph as Albertans with disabilities face mounting challenges. 

Medicine Hat News, (November 29, 2025), Lawyer blasts rollout of AISH changes in omnibus bill

Trent Wilkie - St. Albert Gazette (November 28, 2025) Rural Albertans warn disability benefit changes will deepen poverty

Zoe Mason Medicine Hat News (November 28, 2025)

Omnibus financial statutes bill includes AISH changes, advocates make last push to change the province’s mind

Miracle Channel Christian TV station with Neil Pierce about ADAP on their Bridge City News 5 pm newscast, (November 28, 2025) https://youtu.be/sYe5qQvKg3o?si=yVohMSiHId5IeTMr&t=577

CBC News (Nov. 26, 2025): CBC: Advocates call on Alberta government to halt shift to new disability benefits program

CTV Calgary (Nov. 26, 2025): ‘We didn’t ask for change’: Alberta gov’t draws ire with tabling of AISH overhaul

CBC Radio Edmonton AM (Nov. 26, 2025): Bill 12 amendments clear the way for the Alberta Disability Assistance Program

 

Open letter to cancel ADAP signed by former members of the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilieis

Open letter to cancel ADAP signed by Former members of the Premier's Council

Almost 20 former members of the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, appointed Albertans who understand the government and how it works, all signed and sent an open letter today, Tuesday, November 25th, to request the Alberta government to protect the dignity and livelihood of Albertans with Disabilities. The letter requests:

1. The Alberta Disability Assistance Program ADAP be cancelled.
2. To consult with individuals about the barriers to employment. 
The letter can be viewed on the Action Network website, which also has a petition.

About Bill 12, (1st reading) Tuesday afternoon, November 25th, 2025

In a provincial news release that included Bill 12, Honourable MLA Nate Horner, the Treasury and Finance Minister, tabled the legislation this afternoon.  Bill 12,  Government of Alberta Website, which passed a 1st reading this afternoon. 

Link to news release 

The Alberta website says "If passed, this legislation would enable the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), offering increased flexibility and support for disabled Albertans. ADAP would allow disabled Albertans to receive the highest level of employment income in the country while continuing to receive financial benefits.

This legislation would also modernize the Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act and Public Trustee Act to better serve vulnerable individuals requiring assistance with personal or financial matters. 

"With these amendments, we’re opening the door for people with disabilities to build the careers they want without having to sacrifice the supports they rely on, and we’re cleaning up outdated processes so families can get the help they need, when they need it."

-Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services

Let's talk AccessAbility...Attitudinal Shifts cost nothing

We are big into adaptability. Many of the barriers we face are attitudinal and are relatively inexpensive to change. 'AccessAbility' is far bigger than ramps. According to the Job Accommodation Networks 1996 study, the majority of adaptations cost less than $500 —almost nothing. And for those one-time costs, check out the Government of Canada's Enabling Accessibility Fund. 

Did you know? 

We are encouraged by the City of Calgary's update to its accessibility policy for the built environment. Having deeper conversations helps everyone feel a stronger sense of belonging. All Calgarians are invited to take part in the Accessibility Policy Update. Visit this link by November 21st, 2025. 

Let's Open Alberta!