From policy to practise: AISH, ADAP, and Rural Health
On May 8, 2026, the Health and Social Wellbeing Committee met for the third time this term. The Committee discussed potential Convention session ideas, two recent health care bills that change to physician practice, diagnostic access, and health cost‑sharing frameworks (Bill 11 and Bill 29), and received updates from Government of Alberta officials.
As with all five policy committees, the mandate is broad, which can make it challenging to stay focused. Separating health and social issues from policing, justice, and emergency management has helped both committees manage full agendas and support more focused discussions.
Marika Giesen, Assistant Deputy Minister overseeing the Assured income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), joined the meeting to provide an overview of recent changes. She outlined how the proposals have evolved since ADAP was first announced in January 2025 and responded candidly to members’ questions. Since the meeting, final details on ADAP and changes to AISH have been confirmed through regulation, with more information available on the ADAP website.
Representatives from the Rural Health Branch within Primary and Preventative Health Services also presented on progress under the Rural Health Action Plan. Members were particularly interested in the Rural and Remote Family Medicine Resident Physician Bursary, as well as updates on Rural Medical Education Program training centres in Grande Prairie and Lethbridge.
With 15 members around the table, discussions were thoughtful and wide-ranging, reflecting diverse perspectives. In the closing roundtable, members noted they are now better equipped to share information on AISH and ADAP changes with their communities, while recognizing that resident responses may vary. The discussion reinforced the importance of monitoring and engagement to understand how these changes are experienced on the ground and to inform future advocacy.
