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In this episode of We Advocate, Gordon and Annie sit down with two powerful voices in Alberta’s disability community: MLA Marie Renaud (St. Albert, Opposition Shadow Minister for Community & Social Services) and disability advocate Zachary Weeks.

Together, they unpack what’s happening behind the scenes with the proposed Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), from the lack of meaningful consultation to fears about reduced benefits, reassessments, and the real-world impact on people who rely on AISH.

Marie offers an insider’s view of how legislation actually moves through the Alberta Legislature (and how that process is being shortened and constrained), while Zachary shares what he’s hearing directly from disabled Albertans: fear, anxiety, and a growing sense that they are being pushed further into poverty and blamed for needing support.

This is a grounded, honest conversation about policy, power, and people - and what all of us can do next.

Why this matters:

• This isn’t abstract policy — it’s rent, food, and medication.

• It sets the tone for how Alberta treats disabled people.

• The process signals how other systems may be changed.

• Families and caregivers are being pushed to the breaking point.

• Silence will be read as consent.