[para transit fellow]

this government is really bad at math

Chris Ryan, a Calgary lawyer living with progressive multiple sclerosis, has been on AISH for years while struggling to find work.

He says his experience highlights both the potential and the pitfalls of the government’s new approach.

Ryan acknowledges that people like him, who may be able to return to higher-paying work, could eventually benefit — but stresses that most Albertans on disability programs are not in that position.

“Not a chance. I don’t buy the argument at all. They (the UCP) were voted into office on the promise that they would increase benefits to index them to inflation, which they did, but now they’re trying to take that away, which is upsetting in a democracy,” he said.

“They give one example in their materials of a guy working an extra 68 hours a month, but he’s only taking home an extra $500. That’s a lot of work for not much gain. You’re working for less than minimum wage.”