Advocacy in Action: Protecting the Canada Disability Benefit

The new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is designed to lift people with disabilities out of poverty by providing additional monthly income support. But there is a concern: if provinces reduce their own benefits (known as clawbacks) when someone receives the CDB, the purpose of the program will be lost.

People with disabilities should not have to choose between keeping their current supports and accessing a new national benefit. That’s why it’s important for all of us to speak up.

What You Can Do
You can help by contacting your MLA and asking them to commit to protecting the Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks. Your message can be simple:
Tell them you support the CDB as a way to reduce poverty.
Ask them to ensure Alberta will not reduce existing disability benefits (like AISH) when people start receiving the federal benefit.
Remind them that the CDB is meant to add support, not replace it.

Together, our voices can make a difference. By raising awareness and urging action now, we can help ensure that the Canada Disability Benefit truly improves the lives of people with disabilities. To find your MLA: www.assembly.ab.ca/members