Inclusion Lethbridge would like to encourage community members to speak or write to their MLAs and other decision-makers regarding the decision by the Government of Alberta to reduce people’s AISH by the amount they receive through the Canada Disability Benefit.
“We’re also encouraging people to take action about other troubling aspects of supports and services for people in Alberta with disabilities,” notes Executive Director Rene Plaizier.
There will be an information and letter writing evening on August 13 at CASA in the Community Room from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
There are several areas of concern for people living with disabilities, particularly people that receive the AISH supports in Alberta, adds Plaizier.
“People have been slowly understanding they have to go through the process of application for the tax credit first of all, then they have to go through the process of the Canada Disability Benefit application. These all have to go through medical practitioners and can cost anywhere from $50 to $400 depending on the circumstance and service provider. And they’re required to do so by the AISH program.”
“They don’t have a choice in whether they apply for the federal benefit or not. If they receive the federal benefit, their AISH amount will be docked by the same amount. It’s a very frustrating process for people, who for the past several months and years there was the promise of the Canada Disability Benefit, and they had thought perhaps there would be a little extra income coming for them. Now, it turns out, they won’t have any benefit from it at all. And in fact, have to pay for the privilege of applying,” Plaizier explains.
People on income supports also live below the poverty line, says Plaizier. “If somebody’s completely dependent upon AISH, and that is their source of income.”
“We’re already asking people living below the poverty line to say goodbye to a $200 increase they may have gotten, that is supposed to be helping them get out of poverty, but the AISH program requires it be docked.”
With the letter writing evening, Plaizier adds, Inclusion Lethbridge will be providing information about upcoming legislative changes coming and trends happening.
“We’re going to provide a tutorial on writing letters to your MLA and decision-makers. And we’re going to be providing letter templates if people want information points, so they can write letters. We will ensure they’re mailed or emailed. This is a chance for citizenship in action. People can exercise their rights.”
According to Plaizier, Inclusion Lethbridge is a local organization that can help support people and help people walk through some difficulties they may have or assistance challenges they may have. “And to be in contact with us and we’ll help if we can.”
