Episode Summary

Gordon (wills & estates lawyer) and Annie (disability advocate) sit down with Dr. Gillian Petit—an economist and JD—to unpack Alberta’s proposed Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) and what it could mean for people currently on AISH. The government frames ADAP as “empowering” people to work while keeping needed supports. Dr. Petit puts that claim under a microscope: lowered base benefits, smaller earnings exemptions, missing policy details (clawback rate!), new administrative hurdles, and the reality that only ~16% of AISH recipients currently have employment income. Her takeaway: for most, ADAP may reduce choice—not increase it—and leave many worse off.

Why this matters

• Money: ADAP’s proposed max benefit ($1,740) is lower than AISH ($1,901/$1,940 in 2026).
• Work claims: Government says you can “earn more,” but exemptions shrink and the math may not add up for many.
• Process & power: Forced transition to ADAP, re-applications to return to AISH, and a medical review with no appeal raise serious fairness concerns.

Featured Guest

Dr. Gillian Petit — Senior Research Associate, Department of Economics, University of Calgary. JD (Queen’s), PhD (Economics, UCalgary). Research focus: income supports, poverty reduction, and how policy design impacts real people. Author of the analysis: “The New Alberta Disability Assistance Program: Will It Deliver on Its Promises?”

Key Takeaways

• “Empowerment” vs. reality: Making ADAP the default and forcing re-application to AISH removes choice rather than expands it.
• The numbers problem: With a lower max benefit and a much smaller earnings exemption (and an undisclosed clawback rate), many recipients must earn ~$1,800–$2,500/month just to be better off than on AISH—an unrealistic bar for most.
• Who actually works now? Only ~16% of AISH recipients report employment income, a share that’s been flat for years—even when exemptions were previously made more generous.
• Administrative barriers matter: Re-medicalization and a non-appealable medical review risk excluding people whose disabilities are episodic or complex.
• Policy alternative exists: Improve AISH (supports + fairer clawbacks) without creating a parallel program and wholesale transition.

Memorable Lines

• “The choice isn’t expanded—it’s reassigned.”
• “Generous rhetoric doesn’t pay rent; policy math does.”

Resources & Links

• Dr. Gillian Petit’s article (Substack): The New Alberta Disability Assistance Program: Will It Deliver on Its Promises? [link]
• Alberta Government ADAP Discussion Paper [link]
• AISH program overview & current exemptions [link]
• Contact your MLA / Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services [link]

Call to Action

• Subscribe on your favorite podcast app to catch upcoming deep dives on eligibility, transitions, appeals, and planning.
• Share your story: We’re gathering real experiences from Albertans affected by AISH/ADAP. Email or message us on social.
• Download our ADAP White Paper for a plain-language overview and talking points when contacting your MLA.

Disclaimer

This episode provides general information, not legal advice. For guidance on your situation, please consult a qualified professional.