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 at 10:30 PM on December 3rd.  

What is proposed? 

Visit the Alberta government website. To learn more about the proposed Alberta Disability Assistance Program ADAP effective July 1st, 2026. 

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. The outcomes of implementing Bill 12 will ultimately add greater strain on healthcare, emergency shelters, social services and justice. An ADAP petition by former members of the Premier's Council asks that ADAP be cancelled. 

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.