Alberta has always prided itself on doing things differently. Unfortunately, when it comes to support for people living with disabilities, the new approach isn’t just different — it’s regressive.

In June 2025, the federal government introduced the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), offering $200 per month to Canadians with disabilities. It’s not a large amount of money, but for many it offers long-overdue breathing room.

It’s breathing room that won’t be available to Albertans with disabilities.

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Shortly after the CDB was announced, the Alberta government declared it would deduct the $200 from payments made to individuals through the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program, which currently maxes out at $1,940 per month. This means AISH recipients in Alberta will see no net gain from the federal support.

Alberta is the only province or territory clawing back the federal benefit.

Adding to the complexity, the process to access the CDB is burdensome. To qualify, recipients........

© Calgary Herald