NEWS: Rethinking the Canada Disability Benefit

The School of Public Policy is urging the Government of Alberta to reconsider its approach to the new federal Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) and its impact on Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) recipients.

A recent policy brief, led by senior research associate Brittany Finlay, was developed through the Disability Policy Research Program in collaboration with eight provincial organizations, including Inclusion Alberta and Disability Action Hall.

The brief highlights concerns among AISH recipients with respect to the Government of Alberta decision to claw back the Canada Disability Benefit.

“These decisions result in real impacts on Albertans with disabilities,” said Finlay. “Losing the disability benefit can mean losing hope.”

The brief recommends that province reconsider the CDB clawback and provide support to AISH recipients to access the Disability Tax Credit.

CBC coverage: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/aish-recipients-panicked-over-looming-provincial-deadline-health-providers-1.7588697