MS Canada calls to protect disability supports in Alberta

November 28, 2025 – Legislation aimed at restructuring disability supports in Alberta will have profound consequences for Albertans with disabilities, including individuals affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). It is critical that this legislation be halted until genuine and meaningful consultation with the disability community takes place. 

The Government of Alberta announced earlier this year that they plan to transition recipients of the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program to the proposed Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) starting in July 2026. ADAP recipients will be expected to seek and maintain employment and will receive $200 less a month than AISH recipients beginning in 2028, after a transition period expires. An omnibus bill to legislate these changes was introduced in the Alberta Legislature in late November. 

“These changes have left many in Alberta’s disability community uncertain of what this means for their income security during a cost-of-living crisis,” said Dr. Pamela Valentine, President and CEO of MS Canada. “The legislation comes on the heels of the government’s decision to claw back AISH payments from those receiving the new Canada Disability Benefit – a move that undermines federal efforts to reduce poverty among people with disabilities.”  

All 79,000 AISH recipients will be moved to ADAP, though some may return to a redesigned AISH if they undergo a review by a medical panel to regain their AISH supports, adding another barrier to accessing essential income support.  

Bill 12 leaves key questions unanswered, including how employability will be defined and assessed and what workplace protections will exist for those with episodic disabilities like MS, where symptoms fluctuate.  

MS Canada is urging community members to send an email to their Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) advocating to halt the implementation of ADAP and reverse the decision to claw back the Canada Disability Benefit from AISH recipients. Another open letter supported by former leaders in Alberta’s disability programs is available for signature.  

“These reforms threaten the stability of thousands of Albertans, including people with MS who already navigate an unpredictable and progressive disease and barriers to employment,” said Dr. Valentine. “MS Canada is committed to continue our advocacy to protect the income security of our community and all vulnerable Albertans.” 

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About MS Canada 

At MS Canada, we are inspired by the vision of a world free of multiple sclerosis. We focus on support, advocacy and research that will positively impact the lives of people living with, and affected by MS. For over 75 years, we have been a trusted connection for the MS community to valuable resources and programs needed on their unique MS journey. We advocate for policy change that removes barriers and improves the well-being of persons affected by MS in Canada. We invest in life-changing research that will advance treatment and care, enhance well-being, help to understand and halt disease progression, and ultimately prevent MS. 

For more information visit mscanada.ca 

About multiple sclerosis (MS) 

Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the world. On average, 12 Canadians are diagnosed every day. MS is a neurological disease of the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord). Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 49. MS is a continuous disease process that progresses through different stages over time, and everyone experiences it differently as severity, symptoms and response to treatment can vary from one person to the next. The unpredictable, episodic yet progressive nature of MS makes it particularly challenging to maintain an adequate quality of life.