I’m appalled that Premier Danielle Smith’s government is implementing certain policies that will increase the suffering of sick and vulnerable Albertans, including cancer patients. At what point does a government’s disregard for the marginalized become “cruel and unusual punishment” or almost contempt for the poor, sick and disabled?

I’m a long-term cancer survivor, understandably I have a deep connection with those in the cancer community and Albertans who must be hospitalized. Smith’s attack on public healthcare has been unending since she came to power Recent cuts have included limiting food services for outpatients using Alberta hospitals and treatment facilities. Patients visiting the emergency department and oncology patients having chemotherapy in short stay units are now being asked to bring their own food or money for purchasing some. 

At first, this government policy was even going to be implemented at the Alberta Children’s Hospital for pediatric cancer patients! However, as the outrage grew over “taking popsicles from cancer kids” an exception was finally made.

A woman with a young son undergoing cancer treatment posted the following on Facebook:

“After almost two years in this clinic, as our son continues to battle brain cancer, we have witnessed and experienced first-hand how a simple popsicle can calm a crying child who has just endured another needle poke, or an IV access, or a dressing change, or a lumbar puncture. A ginger ale works to calm a nauseous belly from all these chemo medications. 

How this policy passed into action, I can’t even imagine. Had they asked the nurses, the patients, the parents, maybe they would have realized they could have cut back a bit on the “meals” that often go untouched … but the popsicles? Why the ginger ale or crackers when they literally cannot stomach anything else? Don’t take away this small and sweet piece of joy to these unlucky kids enduring hell… find something else to pick on. Us Oncology families are dealing with enough.”

While Danielle Smith’s government is undermining public healthcare and basic comforts like food services for cancer patients, her lack of compassion has also been evident in other ways. For low-income patients or some cancer survivors with financially disadvantage backgrounds, the only option may be to apply for provincial government assistance. If cancer treatment has left a low-income individual unable to work, or they can work, but only part-time, they will typically qualify for the Alberta government’s Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped.

The AISH allowance is less than $2000 a month, but it’s what some chronically ill or disabled Albertan’s depend on to pay rent and buy food. The federal government recently announced the Canada Disability Benefit, a new program to supplement AISH and alleviate some of the poverty endured by recipients. This was welcome news for approximately 75,000 Albertans, but Smith and her government have made a cold-hearted and morally unacceptable decision.

Our premier has chosen to “claw back” the $200 a month supplement from the federal government. With over 70,000 people on AISH, her United Conservative government stands to take in $15,400,000 a month from the money that is supposed to be lifting some cancer patients and other chronically ill Albertans a little more out of poverty. Smith argues that AISH is generous and already enough for severely disabled Albertans to live on. However, this claim is without evidence, it also doesn’t consider inflation or the rising cost of most everyday essentials like food and rent. 

The appalling news was delivered in a blunt and callous letter sent out to all AISH recipients. First, the letter confirmed the Alberta government’s intention to claw back their new benefit.

“Income from the Canada Disability Benefit will be treated as non-exempt for AISH clients, meaning that your AISH benefits will decrease by the amount of the federal CDB that you receive, With the $200 from the CDB, AISH clients will receive a total monthly government income of $1,901, which is unchanged from their current monthly AISH benefits.”

Secondly, the correspondence stipulated that people on AISH must apply for their federal benefit to ensure that Premier Smith’s government can take it!

“As a client of the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program, you are required to access all sources of income for which you are eligible, including federal programs such as the Disability Tax Credit and the new Canada Disability Benefit.”

My question is whether growing public pressure will ultimately cause the Alberta government to do the right thing and allow AISH recipients to keep their supplemental income—it’s revenue they desperately need and obviously deserve. Meanwhile, critics continue to raise concerns about the potential impact of Danielle Smith’s proposed changes to many social programs. 

Beyond specific policies, I question Smith’s overall approach to social issues, too often she demonstrates her lack of empathy and understanding for the challenges faced by marginalized groups.