We are shocked and surprised to share our sad news from various parts of the province at our Virtual News Conference tomorrow at noon.
Please read our joint news release.
For Wednesday
January 15th, 12 pm
LET US SPEAK
Virtual News Conference
https://calgaryscope.zoom.us/j/89814570358?pwd=mzdGSwM91Miy80tVS5tXgmruBNB6cl.1
Meeting ID: 898 1457 0358 Passcode: 449734
Who We Are:
Disability rights groups across Alberta, including the Southern Alberta
Individual Planning Association (Lethbridge), the Disability Action Hall
(Calgary), and the Self Advocacy Federation (Edmonton), have lost
their funding from the Government of Alberta. This funding, which
totals less than $424,000 annually, was cut 15 months too early. For
over 25 years, these groups have helped people with intellectual disabilities
speak up for their rights and share their experiences. This sudden loss of
funding, with just 90 days’ notice, puts our work at risk.
What’s Happening:
Self advocates from across the province will be
addressing the defunding and are asking the Government of Alberta to reconsider
its decision and to honour the original contract, which was set to
run until March 2026. Our organizations provide unique and critical
support that other advisory bodies and service providers cannot replace.
Without this funding, individuals who depend on us for advocacy, education, and
peer support will lose a vital lifeline.
Beyond
advocacy, we fill gaps in services by helping people during crises such as
mental health challenges, domestic violence, and food insecurity. Our peer
support programs improve well-being and prevent more costly interventions from
other government departments. Our work benefits not just individuals but the
entire province by improving safety, education, and employment opportunities
cost-effectively.
Why This Matters:
We understand the need for financial restraint, but cutting funding for these
self-advocacy groups delivers more harm than savings. The work we do is
vital and comes at a very modest cost. We ask the government to honour
the last 15 months of our contracts so we can continue providing these
essential services and ensure a smooth transition.
For Media Contact:
Keri
McEachern: Self Advocacy Federation 780 907 2575
Colleen
Huston: Disability Action Hall 403 717 7630
Leah
Dormaar: Southern Alberta Individualized Planning Association 403 320 1515
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