We, the undersigned citizens of Alberta, call on the Province of Alberta to increase the Assured Income Support for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) to at least the poverty line as determined by the after tax Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) rate.
AISH is currently $1,088 per month, which is only $13,056 per year. The after tax LICO 2006 rate was $17,570 per year, which means that AISH is 26% below the poverty line (not including inflation since 2006).
Recently the Alberta Government increased the income exemption level for those on AISH, but only 19% work. Therefore to lift the 36,000 people on AISH out of poverty, their income must increase to at least $1,464 per month.
All Albertans, including the severely handcapped, should be able to live with dignity. Especially in the richest province in Canada.
To find out more information or to participate please visit:
The Disability Action Hall
http://www.actionhall.ca/Poverty Talks
http://calgarydemocracy.ca/povertytalks