By Pierre-Selim - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18644744
EDMONTON — The Alberta government says it plans to invest a record $3.7 billion this year to support people with disabilities if Budget 2026 is passed by the legislature.
Officials say the funding represents the largest single investment in disability supports in the province’s history and reflects an increase of nearly $100 million from the previous year.
Assisted Living and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon says the funding will help ensure Albertans with disabilities receive supports tailored to their individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
The budget proposes increased funding for programs including Persons with Developmental Disabilities and Family Support for Children with Disabilities, which help adults and children access services at home and in their communities.
Nearly $48 million is also earmarked for service delivery networks across the province, including programs supporting people living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, brain injuries and sensory impairments such as hearing or vision loss.
The province says the budget also includes a record $1.7 billion for disability income supports through programs such as Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped, known as AISH, as well as the Alberta Disability Assistance Program set to launch in July.
Government officials say the new program is intended to allow people with disabilities to pursue employment while continuing to receive financial supports.
Since 2019, the province says annual spending on disability supports has increased by more than $1 billion, representing roughly a 40 per cent rise in funding.
Advocate for persons with disabilities Greg McMeekin says the additional funding is intended to strengthen accessibility and help more Albertans with disabilities participate fully in their communities.
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