“The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.”- Mahatma Gandhi

On Thursday, November 8 right here in our community at the Boyle Street Plaza, a very important announcement was made. Bill 26 was announced and later that day had its first reading in the Alberta Legislature.

According to the Government of Alberta website:

If Bill 26 passes, the following changes would come into effect on Jan. 1, 2019:

• Core and supplementary benefit rates would increase for people who receive: 0 Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH). 0 Income Support. 0 Alberta Seniors Benefit and related special needs assistance program. 0 Minimum monthly disposable income while living in lodges, long-term care, and designated supportive living.

• Benefit rate would go up each year to keep up with inflation – as measured by Alberta’s Consumer Price Index – to help people manage rising costs of living.

• Increase the amount of savings or assets a person could have when determining eligibility for: 0 AISH child allowance 0 AISH supplementary personal benefits 0 Income Support

This is a much-needed announcement, and a lot of time and consulting went into this. I was proud to be able to be a part of a portion of this through roundtable discussions with other AISH recipients, disability advocates, and Minister Irfan Sabir. It was a responsibility and challenge I accepted, as I care about my community.

I was honoured when asked to speak alongside Premier Rachel Notley; Minister of Community and Social Services Irfan Sabir; MLA for Edmonton-Centre David Shepherd; and former City Councillor, adjunct professor, Chair of the University of Alberta Board of Governors, advocate, and humanitarian Michael Phair.

I expressed the importance of not seeking a handout, but rather a hand up. Bill 26 will help thousands of Albertans. Having your concerns heard is one thing – having them addressed is gratifying.

Ian Young is a proud member of the Boyle Street and McCauley communities and a columnist and board member with Boyle McCauley News_. He is a member of Advocacy Groups such as Voice of Albertans with Disabilities and The Canadian Council of Persons with Disabilities, and is a past board member with Friends of Medicare. Ian was honoured to speak to the people of Alberta alongside the Premier Rachel Notley, and will keep advocating and educating decision-makers of the needs persons with disabilities deserve._