Thank you for such a compassionate perspective on this. I am so ashamed of this government, that the only way this man could see going forward was to end his life. He mattered and so did his life and how he lived it. It is reprehensible that it comes as an outcome of this government’s policy and ideology. They are a cruel, uncaring group of people. I would like to see how successfully they could live on the AISH income and how anxious they would be if they had to move onto ADAP. It is degrading and disgusting that the government treats its most vulnerable citizens this way.
Just a note that are many disabilities that affect one’s ability to work… we’re not all in wheelchairs. And some of us “look” able even though we are not.
I have been so afraid this would happen. How many more lives will either be drastically changed or life ending? I have family members on Provincial disability, not because they ever thought they'd need to, and life had other ideas. No one asks to have diminished capacity in any form. They do deserve to be in a life worth living. Personally, all provincial disability programs need an over haul. The rules are so out of date and the monthly amounts are all below the poverty line.
100% agree. AISH is already extremely difficult to get. No one should have to requalify to prove they’re disabled.
And if the government wants to see more disabled folks working, perhaps they should focus on programs that connect folks with jobs instead of threatening the very meager funds they are surviving on.
Alberta is one of the wealthiest provinces in Canada, yet nearly 80,000 people with severe disabilities are still living below the poverty line. That is not an accident. That is Danielle Smith’s choice.
The shift from AISH to ADAP is being sold as reform, but in reality it tells vulnerable people they need to justify their existence all over again. It is the same tired “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mindset—applied to people who already face barriers most Albertans will never experience or even understand.
This is not just policy. It is a reflection of priorities. And right now, the message is clear: those who need the most support are being asked to get by with less.
Danielle Smith should be ashamed.
Dignity should not be optional. Yet for many Albertans with disabilities, it is being treated that way.
So I’m not on AISH but this is another reason why I just don’t trust the UCP with anything financial or medical related across the board in this province
Because I know any plans they craft to “fix” something is ultimately gonna fuck it up
This government DOES NOT CARE about any tragedy they create that doesn't affect them, their friends they funnel money to , or their caucus who just voted themselves a $6000 year raise. And they do so little fucking work they are the last people who should trying to force disabled Albertans to work.
What a self righteous sanctimonious bunch of assholes! 🤬
As a disabled person that cannot work, thank you for this, Cole. Too many people treat us as disposable, worthless… despite the fact that anyone can join our ranks at any time.
Disabled people matter. We deserve to live with dignity.
Your assumption that governments are not permanent works in every province except ours.....even with Danielle seeing her approval rating tanking, if an election were held tomorrow the UCP would be handed another majority. For all the comments saying the UCP is heartless - it is Alberta that is heartless and until the UCP splits into the lunatic separtist branch and the less lunatic branch, we will continue to see Alberta attack and leave behind vulnerable sectors - 2SLGBTQ, seniors, disabled, immigrants, anyone caring about public health care or public education. These deplorables will soon be going after women's reproductive rights.....old, white, angry men making the province over in their image.
Such a moving and heartbreaking article, Cole. Thank you. This is the same attitude amongst many in the US. “I don’t want my tax dollars going to —- the poor, the disabled etc. —- you name it. I worked hard for my money.” Also, the Trumpsters shouting “fraud.”
Thank you Cole. It is heartbreaking. My family is dealing with these transitions the best we can. Hoping ADAP is stopped before July 1st. Our hearts are broken for Bruce. May he rest in peace.
Very well said. Thank you for sharing this. People need to be aware of how this government seems to be placing marginalized people in our communities at risk. These are our friends and our neighbours. These people need all Albertans to stand up for them. They are not invisible and they deserve dignity. ❤️
Thank you so much Cole for this recognition of how awful the change to AISH is for people waiting to see how it will affect their lives. Painting this change as improvement without reassurance is shameful. This government cares nothing for its vulnerable citizens>. Shame on thrmQ
A thoughtful and kind essay. It always amazes me that politicians focus intently on those at the bottom of the wealth and income pyramids for whom some programs may be judged imperfect or inefficient, but the really meaningful issues like progressive tax rates and personal and corporate tax evasion receive no attention. It's always easiest to go after those whose voices are imperceptible or muted.
Thank you for such a compassionate perspective on this. I am so ashamed of this government, that the only way this man could see going forward was to end his life. He mattered and so did his life and how he lived it. It is reprehensible that it comes as an outcome of this government’s policy and ideology. They are a cruel, uncaring group of people. I would like to see how successfully they could live on the AISH income and how anxious they would be if they had to move onto ADAP. It is degrading and disgusting that the government treats its most vulnerable citizens this way.
Agreed Joan. And to think they just gave themselves raises, it’s simply infuriating.
Critically Important article Cole, so moving and frustrating.
The whole UCP Government should be forced to spend a week wheelchair bound.
And then be kicked the hell out.
Heartless bastards...!
Just a note that are many disabilities that affect one’s ability to work… we’re not all in wheelchairs. And some of us “look” able even though we are not.
I have been so afraid this would happen. How many more lives will either be drastically changed or life ending? I have family members on Provincial disability, not because they ever thought they'd need to, and life had other ideas. No one asks to have diminished capacity in any form. They do deserve to be in a life worth living. Personally, all provincial disability programs need an over haul. The rules are so out of date and the monthly amounts are all below the poverty line.
100% agree. AISH is already extremely difficult to get. No one should have to requalify to prove they’re disabled.
And if the government wants to see more disabled folks working, perhaps they should focus on programs that connect folks with jobs instead of threatening the very meager funds they are surviving on.
Alberta is one of the wealthiest provinces in Canada, yet nearly 80,000 people with severe disabilities are still living below the poverty line. That is not an accident. That is Danielle Smith’s choice.
The shift from AISH to ADAP is being sold as reform, but in reality it tells vulnerable people they need to justify their existence all over again. It is the same tired “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mindset—applied to people who already face barriers most Albertans will never experience or even understand.
This is not just policy. It is a reflection of priorities. And right now, the message is clear: those who need the most support are being asked to get by with less.
Danielle Smith should be ashamed.
Dignity should not be optional. Yet for many Albertans with disabilities, it is being treated that way.
Well said.
Their priorities are certainly not on disability, healthcare, or education. So what are they on, exactly?
The UCP has got to go.
Well said, agree 100%
So I’m not on AISH but this is another reason why I just don’t trust the UCP with anything financial or medical related across the board in this province
Because I know any plans they craft to “fix” something is ultimately gonna fuck it up
This government DOES NOT CARE about any tragedy they create that doesn't affect them, their friends they funnel money to , or their caucus who just voted themselves a $6000 year raise. And they do so little fucking work they are the last people who should trying to force disabled Albertans to work.
What a self righteous sanctimonious bunch of assholes! 🤬
Wow….Let’s think on this quote awhile
“Most importantly, nobody should ever feel that their only option is to leave us.”
Thank you Cole
As a disabled person that cannot work, thank you for this, Cole. Too many people treat us as disposable, worthless… despite the fact that anyone can join our ranks at any time.
Disabled people matter. We deserve to live with dignity.
This government has got to go!
Your assumption that governments are not permanent works in every province except ours.....even with Danielle seeing her approval rating tanking, if an election were held tomorrow the UCP would be handed another majority. For all the comments saying the UCP is heartless - it is Alberta that is heartless and until the UCP splits into the lunatic separtist branch and the less lunatic branch, we will continue to see Alberta attack and leave behind vulnerable sectors - 2SLGBTQ, seniors, disabled, immigrants, anyone caring about public health care or public education. These deplorables will soon be going after women's reproductive rights.....old, white, angry men making the province over in their image.
Agree, only Albertans voters can fix this.
I think of the idea that every whole person could be one accident, disease etc away from being disabled. Heartless bunch we’ve chosen. 😢
Thanks, Cole. Well said. This situation makes me angry and sad at the same time 😮💨
Such a moving and heartbreaking article, Cole. Thank you. This is the same attitude amongst many in the US. “I don’t want my tax dollars going to —- the poor, the disabled etc. —- you name it. I worked hard for my money.” Also, the Trumpsters shouting “fraud.”
Thank you Cole. It is heartbreaking. My family is dealing with these transitions the best we can. Hoping ADAP is stopped before July 1st. Our hearts are broken for Bruce. May he rest in peace.
Very well said. Thank you for sharing this. People need to be aware of how this government seems to be placing marginalized people in our communities at risk. These are our friends and our neighbours. These people need all Albertans to stand up for them. They are not invisible and they deserve dignity. ❤️
Thank you so much Cole for this recognition of how awful the change to AISH is for people waiting to see how it will affect their lives. Painting this change as improvement without reassurance is shameful. This government cares nothing for its vulnerable citizens>. Shame on thrmQ
A thoughtful and kind essay. It always amazes me that politicians focus intently on those at the bottom of the wealth and income pyramids for whom some programs may be judged imperfect or inefficient, but the really meaningful issues like progressive tax rates and personal and corporate tax evasion receive no attention. It's always easiest to go after those whose voices are imperceptible or muted.