We Advocate is a podcast about empowerment, advocacy, and understanding the systems that affect Albertans with disabilities. Hosted by Gordon VanderLeek, a Calgary wills and estates lawyer, and Annie VanderLeek, a disability advocate, the show explores the intersection of law, policy, and lived experience for people with disabilities and their families.
Each episode breaks down complex topics — from AISH and the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) to support programs both provincial and federal, guardianship & trusteeship for those with disabilities, issues on capacity, and general planning opportunities— in plain language that helps listeners make sense of their rights and options.
With insight, empathy, and a dash of candid conversation, Gordon and Annie share their experiences from both sides of the advocacy table — legal and personal — helping listeners stay informed, prepared, and empowered to navigate life with confidence.
If you care about disability rights, inclusion, legal issues and social policy reform in Alberta and beyond, We Advocate is your trusted voice for clarity and change.
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004. ADAP, ‘Empowerment,’ and the Math: A Conversation with Dr. Gillian Petit
Saison 1 · Épisode 4
vendredi 7 novembre 2025 • Durée 44:08
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.
003. Money and Work Under ADAP
Saison 1 · Épisode 3
mercredi 29 octobre 2025 • Durée 27:24
In this episode of We Advocate, Gordon and Annie continue unpacking Alberta’s proposed Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), this time focusing on income, benefits, and employment expectations under the new system.
The discussion dives into what the government’s discussion paper outlines for people with disabilities who have “some ability to work,” including how income exemptions will change and what the new employment supports might look like.
In This Episode
ADAP vs. AISH income differences: ADAP’s monthly payment is set at $1,740, compared to $1,940 under AISH — a $200 reduction that assumes recipients can make up the difference through work.
Lower income exemptions: The amount individuals can earn before clawbacks drops from $1,072 to $350 per month, significantly impacting those who can only work a few hours.
Government case studies:
Jasmine: A fictional participant who moves from AISH to ADAP, receives employment supports, and supposedly finds 24 hours of work per week — a scenario Gordon and Annie argue is unrealistic for most.
Joe: Another case claiming increased earnings through more work hours, despite unrealistic assumptions about wages, supports, and employer availability.
Employment supports and realism: The hosts question whether meaningful, sustained employment opportunities — and qualified job coaching — truly exist at the scale ADAP assumes.
Systemic concerns:
Many individuals on AISH already struggle to find stable, accessible employment.
Alberta’s minimum wage hasn’t increased while costs of living continue to rise.
The government’s assumption that jobs and supports will materialize may not reflect real conditions.
The bigger question: Why couldn’t these employment initiatives simply be added to AISH, rather than introducing a new system that reduces benefits and adds uncertainty?
Key Takeaways
ADAP introduces less money and lower income exemptions — even before clawbacks.
Government case studies paint an overly optimistic picture that doesn’t match the lived experience of most AISH recipients.
002. Who Actually Qualifies for ADAP?
Saison 1 · Épisode 2
mercredi 29 octobre 2025 • Durée 21:40
In this episode, Gordon and Annie unpack eligibility for Alberta’s proposed Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) and how it may differ from AISH. They walk through age, residency, income and asset tests, the medical criteria, and the new adjudication flow. Plus why episodic and complex disabilities may be hardest hit if the rules aren’t nuanced.
In This Episode
ADAP at a glance: Proposed to run alongside AISH starting July 1, 2026; placement appears to hinge on “ability to work.”
Baseline eligibility (what we know from the discussion paper):
Age: 18–64 (not eligible for federal seniors’ benefits)
Residency/citizenship: Alberta resident; Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Financial tests: Income limits and asset tests (exempt vs. non-exempt)
Medical: Severe, long-term disability not expected to resolve with treatment
Assets — key exemptions (mirroring AISH today): Principal residence, one vehicle (incl. mobility-adapted), RDSP balances, and certain trusts where the recipient is a beneficiary.
Application & placement: Single application with the government deciding ADAP vs AISH; requires a medical report (physician).
Adjudication & reviews: Use of adjudicators and a medical review panel is contemplated; concerns raised about no external appeal route and what “re-apply with new info” will look like.
Episodic conditions & equity: How bipolar, schizophrenia, severe anxiety, and other fluctuating conditions fit when eligibility is judged at a single point in time.
Practical worry: Families who fought to secure AISH may have to re-prove medical status, straining access to doctors and documentation.
Key Takeaways
Two-track system: AISH (cannot work) vs. ADAP (some ability to work) sounds simple, but real-life disability is complex and episodic.
Proof burden rises: Expect fresh medical evidence and more adjudication steps; capacity to work may be interpreted broadly.
Fairness gap risk: If decisions are final (no appeal), applicants with fluctuating conditions could be locked into the wrong stream.
Assets still matter: Exemptions like home, one vehicle, RDSP, and some trusts are expected to remain similar—details pending.
001. Understanding Alberta’s New Disability Assistance Program (ADAP)
Saison 1 · Épisode 1
jeudi 23 octobre 2025 • Durée 28:49
Welcome to the relaunch of We Advocate , a podcast where lawyer Gordon VanderLeek and disability advocate Annie VanderLeek break down the Alberta government’s proposed Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) and what it means for Albertans living with disabilities.
In this first episode, they explore the government’s goals for ADAP, how it compares to the long-standing AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) program, and why the change has many people worried.
In This Episode
What is ADAP? The Alberta government plans to launch ADAP in July 2026 as a “modernized” program that runs alongside AISH, focusing on those who have some ability to work.
A Two-Track System: ADAP will apply to people who can work in some capacity, while AISH will remain for those who cannot work due to permanent disabilities.
The Financial Impact:
Current AISH benefit: $1,901/month, rising to $1,940 in 2026.
ADAP benefit: $1,740/month — a $200 reduction for those deemed able to work. The government says this can be offset by increased earnings — but many question how realistic that is given Alberta’s job market and support limitations.
Health Benefits & Positives: ADAP promises continued access to health and prescription benefits even for those working, which Gordon and Annie agree would be a positive — if it’s implemented as promised.
Concerns About Stigma & Reality: Annie points out that the new program risks reinforcing stigma — implying people on AISH aren’t working by choice, when most already face barriers that prevent full employment.
Bigger Picture: Rather than scrap and rebuild, the hosts question: Why not improve AISH instead? They argue the system already allows people to work within set income limits and simply needs refinement, not replacement.
Key Takeaways
ADAP introduces a two-tier system that separates people with disabilities based on perceived ability to work.
The $200 monthly reduction creates additional financial strain in an already tight cost-of-living environment.
005. Understanding the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) – and Alberta’s Clawback
Saison 1 · Épisode 5
jeudi 20 novembre 2025 • Durée 36:26
Episode Summary:
In this episode of We Advocate, Gordon and Annie unpack the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) — what it is, who qualifies, and why many Albertans on AISH are feeling confused, frustrated, and let down. They walk through how the benefit is supposed to reduce poverty for working-age Canadians with disabilities, and how Alberta’s full clawback and upcoming ADAP changes leave many people worse off than they expected.
Why this matters:
If you or someone you love is:
on AISH
applying for or receiving the Canada Disability Benefit
trying to understand how the CDB, DTC, AISH, and ADAP all fit together
…this episode will help you see the bigger picture:
why you might be seeing no net gain from the CDB in Alberta
how to protect yourself with documentation and clear communication
where and how you can add your voice to the push for change
Key Takeaways:
The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) was created to reduce poverty for working-age Canadians with disabilities by adding an extra $200/month — but the rollout has created confusion and frustration for many Albertans.
Eligibility for the CDB requires approval for the Disability Tax Credit, being between ages 18–64, and having low family income. Not everyone with a disability will qualify.
Alberta is the only province clawing back the full $200, meaning AISH recipients see no financial increase despite the federal intention for this to be a supplemental benefit.
Communication with AISH is now critical — especially for those still applying for the DTC or waiting on a CDB decision. Updates must be sent proactively and in writing.
People without strong supports are at high risk, as many may not understand the letters, requirements, or deadlines — and could lose money simply because they can’t navigate the system.
Memorable Lines:
006. Speaking Out on ADAP: A Conversation with MLA Marie Renaud & Advocate Zachary Weeks
Saison 1 · Épisode 6
mercredi 3 décembre 2025 • Durée 47:09
Episode Summary:
In this episode of We Advocate, Gordon and Annie sit down with two powerful voices in Alberta’s disability community: MLA Marie Renaud (St. Albert, Opposition Shadow Minister for Community & Social Services) and disability advocate Zachary Weeks.
Together, they unpack what’s happening behind the scenes with the proposed Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), from the lack of meaningful consultation to fears about reduced benefits, reassessments, and the real-world impact on people who rely on AISH.
Marie offers an insider’s view of how legislation actually moves through the Alberta Legislature (and how that process is being shortened and constrained), while Zachary shares what he’s hearing directly from disabled Albertans: fear, anxiety, and a growing sense that they are being pushed further into poverty and blamed for needing support.
This is a grounded, honest conversation about policy, power, and people - and what all of us can do next.
Why this matters:
This isn’t abstract policy — it’s rent, food, and medication.
It sets the tone for how Alberta treats disabled people.
The process signals how other systems may be changed.
Families and caregivers are being pushed to the breaking point.
Silence will be read as consent.
Key Takeaways:
ADAP is coming — but the rules aren’t clear. The government has announced the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) to “replace” or sit alongside AISH, but so far we have only a discussion paper and vague timelines, not full legislation or detailed regulations.
Democratic process is being squeezed. Marie explains that debates in the Legislature are often shortened or pushed through multiple stages in a single day, meaning fewer MLAs get to speak and big changes can pass with minimal scrutiny.
People with disabilities are being left out of the design.
There has been no meaningful consultation with the disability community, front-line advocates, or opposition MLAs on how ADAP should work — despite it fundamentally changing financial supports for ~80,000 people on AISH.
007. Bill 12 – What It Really Means for AISH & ADAP
Saison 1 · Épisode 7
mercredi 10 décembre 2025 • Durée 35:04
Episode Summary:
In this episode of We Advocate, Gordon and Annie unpack Bill 12 – the biggest change to AISH in over 20 years. They walk through what the Bill actually does, why it’s so concerning for people with disabilities and their families, and what we still don’t know because so much is being left to regulations behind closed doors.
If you (or someone you love) relies on AISH, this is a must-listen.
Why this matters:
Financial security is on the line - For many disabled Albertans, AISH is the difference between “barely scraping by” and homelessness. A $200/month cut and no guaranteed indexation is not abstract – it’s food, rent, meds, and transportation.
The rules can change quietly later - Because so much is being moved into regulations, the government can tighten eligibility or reduce protections without the same level of public debate or media coverage.
People with disabilities are being asked to carry all the risk - The people with the least margin – and often the least capacity to navigate complex systems – are being asked to live with maximum uncertainty.
Precedent for how Alberta treats disabled people - This isn’t just about one program. It’s about what Alberta is signalling about the value placed on disabled people and their right to a stable, dignified income.
Key Takeaways:
What Bill 12 actually does
Rewrites the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped Act
Creates a two-tier structure: AISH vs ADAP
Ties eligibility explicitly to employment and “ability to work”
The two-tier system: AISH vs ADAP
AISH: for those whose disability permanently prevents employment
ADAP: for those whose disability substantially impedes employment
The wording sounds simple, but how it will be interpreted is completely unclear.
Automatic transfer of current AISH recipients
009. Looking Back at 2025 And What Comes Next for Disability Supports in Alberta
Saison 1 · Épisode 9
mercredi 31 décembre 2025 • Durée 44:40
Episode Summary:
In this reflective year-end episode, Gordon and Annie look back on a tumultuous year for Alberta’s disability community and look ahead to what 2026 may bring.
What began as conversations around Bill 12 and proposed changes to AISH has evolved into a year marked by uncertainty, fear, increased workload for families, and a growing sense of distrust between the disability community and government decision-makers.
This episode isn’t just about policy, it’s about people, lived experience, and the emotional toll of navigating constant change without clear answers.
Why this matters:
Disability policy doesn’t exist in a vacuum, it affects real lives every day
Uncertainty can be just as damaging as cuts
Families deserve clarity, respect, and a seat at the table
Advocacy doesn’t stop when legislation passes
Key Takeaways:
2025 was marked by uncertainty, not clarity, for people relying on disability supports
Bill 12 has passed, but critical details remain unknown
Regulations not legislation will determine real-world impact
Families and caregivers are facing increased workload and emotional strain
Repeatedly “proving disability” is dehumanizing and exhausting
Government messaging often does not reflect lived reality
Advocacy must continue after legislation passes
Personal stories are one of the most powerful tools for change
Memorable lines:
“It wasn’t just the change it was the uncertainty around how it would be implemented.”
“Stories make us real. They remind government that we’re not numbers.”
“Even if we can’t control the outcome, we still have a responsibility to speak.”
008. Myth-Busting AISH: Is It Really “Easy to Get”?
Saison 1 · Épisode 8
mercredi 17 décembre 2025 • Durée 29:46
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Gordon and Annie tackle one of the most persistent and most harmful myths about the Alberta Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program:
“AISH is easy to get.”
Spoiler: It’s not.
This conversation breaks down the reality of the AISH eligibility process, the misconceptions driving public commentary, and the lived experience of families who navigate the system every day. With major changes coming in 2026 through the proposed ADAP program, understanding the foundations of AISH, what it requires, why people struggle, and how the process really works, is more important than ever.
Why this matters:
Misinformation hurts disabled Albertans.
Families need to know the truth so they can advocate effectively.
AISH is already difficult and changes may make it even harder.
Public narrative shapes legislation.
Understanding the real barriers helps reduce stigma and increase empathy.
Key Takeaways:
1. AISH is not easy to get — or to keep.
Despite public claims, AISH has strict medical, financial, and eligibility requirements. Many applicants are denied, and current recipients undergo ongoing reviews.
2. The medical criteria are rigorous and often misunderstood.
A disability must be severe, permanent, and must prevent the ability to earn a livelihood. Even small wording choices on medical forms can result in rejection.
3. Doctors aren’t always equipped to complete the form accurately.
Psychologists can't submit the medical portion, even if they know the client best. Many family doctors don’t know the applicant well enough, creating gaps in documentation.
4. Family support can unintentionally mask the severity of a disability.
010. The Disability Tax Credit (Part 1): What It Is, Who Qualifies, and Why It Matters
Saison 1 · Épisode 10
mercredi 14 janvier 2026 • Durée 27:18
Episode Summary:
In this episode of We Advocate, Gordon and Annie VanderLeek unpack one of the most misunderstood, and increasingly important, disability supports in Canada: the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
Often dismissed as “just a small tax break,” the DTC is actually a gateway benefit that unlocks access to other critical federal and provincial programs. With upcoming changes to Alberta disability supports and the introduction of the Canada Disability Benefit, understanding the DTC has never been more important.
This episode provides a practical, plain-language overview of how the Disability Tax Credit works, who qualifies, and why families should prioritize applying, even if there is little or no immediate tax benefit.
Why this matters:
Clears up harmful myths about who qualifies
Explains the real value of the DTC beyond taxes
Helps families avoid missed opportunities and unnecessary stress
Encourages proactive planning instead of crisis-driven applications
Key Takeaways:
The Disability Tax Credit is a gateway benefit, not just a tax break
You can qualify even if you pay little or no tax
Eligibility is based on functional limitations, not diagnoses
Mental health and cognitive impairments now have clearer pathways to approval
There are four eligibility routes, not just one
The application requires accurate, honest storytelling, not optimism
Strong documentation and record-keeping can make or break an application
Having the DTC in place protects future access to:
RDSPs
Canada Disability Benefit
Long-term estate and caregiving plans
Memorable lines:
“The Disability Tax Credit isn’t about the tax, it’s about what it unlocks.”
“If you wait until you need the Disability Tax Credit, you’re already behind.”
“CRA isn’t asking what your diagnosis is, they’re asking how you live your life.”
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Employment supports sound good in theory, but questions remain: who’s providing them, are they disability-informed, and are they ongoing?
Hosts stress the importance of holding the government accountable for ensuring supports are real, continuous, and accessible.
The next episode will explore how transitions from AISH to ADAP will occur — and what risks recipients may face during the shift.
Advocacy needed: Until rules are published, families should document conditions carefully, line up medical support, and prepare for re-assessment.
Resources Mentioned
Alberta government ADAP discussion paper (add the official link when publishing)
Next up: Do the promised income rules and employment supports under ADAP actually add up? Gordon and Annie dig into clawbacks, exemptions, and what “ability to work” means in practice.
Health benefit continuity could be a positive change, but details remain unclear.
The government’s claim that the disability community asked for this reform appears unsupported by public feedback.
Gordon and Annie emphasize the need for transparency, advocacy, and community awareness before ADAP rolls out in 2026.
“People with disabilities were excited to finally feel seen — and then Alberta said, ‘Thanks, we’ll take that.’”
“The CDB was designed as a supplement, not a substitute. Every other province understands that.”
Around 80,000 people on AISH will be automatically moved to ADAP as of July 1, 2026
The ADAP rate is $200/month lower than AISH
There is no right to appeal the move itself – you can only try to prove you “belong” back on AISH afterward.
Indexation & future benefit levels
Bill 12 removes the automatic annual indexation that helped benefits keep pace (somewhat) with cost of living
Any future increases become discretionary and can be changed quietly by regulation, not debated openly in the Legislature.
Memorable Lines:
“Imagine your employer told you: we’re changing your job, paying you less, and we won’t tell you the rules yet. But trust us – it’s better for you. That’s what this feels like.”
“AISH used to focus on whether you could support yourself. Now the language is all about employment – and that’s a very different lens.”
“Every single person on AISH will be moved to ADAP first. There’s no appeal of that move. You only get to fight your way back afterward.”
Resources & Links:
Text of Bill 12 Search “Bill 12 2025 Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped Act” on the Alberta Queen’s Printer site: https://www.qp.alberta.ca
Government information about AISH & ADAP General AISH program page (watch for ADAP updates): https://www.alberta.ca/aish
VanderLeek Law ADAP / AISH summary Gordon’s firm has prepared a 4-page summary of the proposed changes. https://vanderleeklaw.ca/aish-adap
Applicants often appear more capable than they are because their family provides ongoing structure, prompting, and daily support making it essential to describe functioning without that help.
5. AISH’s financial rules are strict and complex.
An applicant must:
Have less than $100,000 in non-exempt assets
Meet income limits
Be 18–65
Be an Alberta resident
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident Any change in income, assets, or living situation must be reported.
Memorable Lines:
“AISH isn’t easy to get. It’s hard to get on, and it’s hard to stay on.”
“People appear more capable because their families work tirelessly behind the scenes.”
“If AISH were truly easy, we wouldn’t see the number of rejections and clawbacks that we do.”
