Alberta's Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services, Jason Nixon, has firmly pledged that there will be no budget reductions to the province's disability support programs. This commitment comes as the government prepares to launch a new specified disability program this summer.
New Program Launching, AISH Remains
The new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) is scheduled to begin in July 2026. Officials emphasize that ADAP is not a replacement for the existing Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program, which will continue to serve individuals with substantial and permanent work limitations. The key difference with ADAP is that it will offer lower base monthly payments but feature fewer clawbacks for recipients who earn employment income.
Despite these assurances, advocates and recipients of both programs have voiced ongoing concerns. Many worry that payment levels still fail to keep pace with Alberta's soaring cost of living, particularly housing expenses, and fear potential benefit reductions.
Minister Addresses Cost-of-Living Concerns
In an interview, Minister Nixon acknowledged these concerns but defended the province's level of support. "Alberta doesn't just have the highest — we have the highest by a country mile," Nixon stated, referring to disability support payments compared to other Canadian jurisdictions.
He highlighted the government's significant financial commitment, noting that Alberta spends approximately $3.6 billion annually on disability supports. Nixon pointed to additional supports beyond direct payments, including subsidized housing programs where rent is based on 30% of a recipient's income, and other medical and support services.
Medical Review Panel Details Finalized
With the enabling legislation for ADAP passed in December 2025, Nixon confirmed that no further legislation is required. The final regulations will be released in the coming months.
One of the most scrutinized aspects of the new framework is the composition of the medical review panel that will assess applications. Nixon sought to allay fears, stating, "There won't be government bureaucrats. It will be medical professionals." He confirmed the panel will be comprised solely of qualified medical experts, with its membership to be announced before the July launch.
The minister's vow against budget cuts and the clarification on the medical panel aim to provide certainty for thousands of Albertans with disabilities as the province transitions to its new two-tiered support system this summer.
