Urgent call to amend Bill 12 and to strengthen AISH instead

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3rd, 2025), a day typically recognized for the contributions of persons with disabilities, Albertans urge the Alberta government to amend Bill 12 to strengthen the AISH program. 

Despite UCP Ric McIver, the appointed Speaker of the House, advising on the afternoon of December 3rd that if Bill 12 is wrong, people should speak up now to their MLA to amend the bill. Yet 43 MLAs voted against Amendment 1.A debate begins with Minister Nixon clarifying the ADAP program at about 2:08, and the vote occurred at 10:30 PM on December 3rd. Watch here. 

What is proposed? 

Visit the Alberta government website. To learn more about the proposed Alberta Disability Assistance Program ADAP), which is proposed to be effective July 1st, 2026. All people will then be transferred from the AISH program to the ADAP program. As stated on the government website, ADAP clients can apply for reassessment for AISH if their medical condition or ability to work changes. How people will be assessed for either program is still unclear as this is addressed in regulations. 

Amending Bill 12:

Trusted experts and people with disabilities who have a complete understanding of the barriers to employment and of Bill 12 state that it is not a pathway to employment; in its current form, it is a pathway to poverty due to health, cost of living and systemic barriers. 

The outcomes of implementing Bill 12 will ultimately add greater strain on healthcare, emergency shelters, social services and justice. 

Members of the Disability Action Hall were pleased to meet with the government to share what is working well with AISH and what could be strengthened....

What works well under AISH?

Under the current AISH program, where people are working and contributing to the economy, the proposed ADAP changes are redundant. People can retain more income under the current AISH program until a person can work 33 hours a week at minimum wage. If that individual continues to work 33+ hours a week, the AISH monthly allowance is reduced to $1. 

What could be strengthened with AISH?  

Systemic investment to work with employers to address barriers:

The reality is that many people on AISH cannot work 33+ hours a week and face systemic barriers to securing employment for a host of reasons, none of which are their fault. What people like about the consultation is a greater investment in tools for working with employers and employment supports to secure and maintain employment. 

Systemic approaches to help employers can be implemented without modifying AISH and can coexist with current AISH legislation. This will ensure people remain safely housed and employment-ready, with nutritious food, work clothing, and access to affordable public transportation to secure employment, volunteer, go to the hospital, and continue to contribute to society. 

ADAP Petitions: 

There is an ADAP petition from former members of the Premier's Council calling for ADAP's cancellation. Many members of the Premier's council are very familiar with the AISH program and its adaptability, tailoring it to a person's ability to work due to health limitations. 

Latest News coverage: 

A second ADAP petition, Vote No, and halt the introduction of ADAP by Barrier Free Alberta 

Barrier Free Alberta also adds that the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Honourable Ric McIver, gave the following advice to persons with disabilities at the Legislative Assembly's 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities ceremony: 

"Do not suffer in silence. If you see something that needs fixing, complain about it. Make that known. Some of the rest of us don't live your reality. It's our responsibility to try to understand your reality, and sometimes we need help. Again, don't suffer in silence. That's the only way the rest of the world will catch up with what you already know. 

We hope Alberta continues to inform all MLAs 

to amend Bill 12 and cancel ADAP. 

Latest News coverage (December 3rd and 4th)  

'A 'punishment': Calgarians protest as Province prepares to move AISH recipients to new disability benefits program', Calgary Herald, December 3rd, 2025 

'International Day of Persons with Disabilities highlights inclusion, advocates warn Alberta’s Bill 12 undermines it', My Lloydminster Now, December 3rd, 2025

'Group uses International Day of Persons with Disabilities to urge rethink on AISH changes', Medicine Hat News, December 4th, 2025.

'Omnibus financial statutes bill includes AISH changes, advocates make last push to change province’s mind', Sunny South News, December 4th, 2025.