EDMONTON, AB: The Auditor General report shows the NDP government is failing to properly provide accountability and oversight over Alberta’s $1 billion Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program.
The report found the current program difficult to access for those with severe handicaps and noted that there exists a lack of proper protocols for monitoring applications. The report shows that the government’s own department does not know how to improve the program.
“Several of the Auditor General’s findings show a system that is broken and difficult for some of our most vulnerable Albertans to navigate,” Wildrose Leader Brian Jean said. “Clearly, after 18 months in power, the NDP has brought in little accountability to ensure those most in need receive funding.”
Wildrose Shadow Human Services Minister Angela Pitt said today’s report confirms the AISH program is not working the way it is intended to.
“It is shocking that a system meant to serve our severely handicapped awards those who are persistent and good at completing bureaucratic forms,” Pitt said. “Alberta’s most vulnerable deserve better. Strong communities recognize that social programs like AISH need to be administered effectively, and it is stunning that both the current and previous governments have failed to ensure this program has been administered fairly.”
Pitt said she and Wildrose will be demanding the NDP government adopt the Auditor General’s recommendations, and take immediate steps to improve the program.