How one small voice changed Alberta

Emily made a huge difference for the disabled, Christina Ryan writes.

“All of those opposed say No .... ”

The three seconds that followed that phrase seemed to stretch on for an eternity, as I held my breath in anticipation for the outcry of opposition. Surprisingly, the sound that rang off the history-rich walls of the Alberta legislature was deafening silence.

As the Speaker of the house broke that silence, I exhaled sharply as she announced, “Bill 28: Family Statutes Amendment Act 2018 has passed third reading.”

Beginning to absorb what had just happened, emotion replaced shock as I realized everything I had been fighting for over the past two years had come to an end.

In a rare display of solidarity across the legislature floor, unanimously, my battle was over.

As we made the three-hour trek from Calgary to Edmonton earlier that morning, I had plenty of opportunity to reflect upon the journey that brought us to this moment in time.

The issue was simple. Outdated wording kept my daughter Emily, and many others in her position from protection under the Alberta Family Law Act. Alberta was the only province in Canada that did not protect dependent adults with a disability. As the wording existed, children of a marriage that cannot leave the care of their parents due to a disability, are eligible for ongoing support beyond the age of 18. As my relationship had been common-law, Emily was excluded from ongoing support. If we were married, there would have been no problems.

As Emily’s ongoing financial needs continued to compound, it became increasingly necessary to seek out options, including legal counsel. Never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate this avenue leading to me launching a challenge of Alberta Family Law under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Never in my wildest dreams did I believe one small singular voice could go up against a government and win.

Yet, here we were at the legislature, as guests of Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley. I don’t care if I sound like a politics nerd, but as Emily occupied the premier’s seat, Ms. Ganley presented us with a signed copy of Bill 28 with a penned message on the cover that reads, “Christina and Emily, thank you both for the work you have done to help make the province better for all Alberta families.”

Sitting in the public gallery, overlooking the legislature floor while bearing witness to the dysfunction of question period, I noticed Alberta Party MLA Greg Clark writing a note, and cueing a page to pass it on to its recipient.

I looked away briefly before returning my attention to the floor to see the Alberta Party caucus waving at us. Then, a tap on my shoulder as the note was passed to me. “Great to see you! So proud of what you’ve accomplished.”

Of course, we didn’t get here on our own.

There are a few notable people deserving of credit and gratitude.

My dad for believing in us, my fiancé for lending me his strength and support to finish this long journey, friends and strangers that helped us, and lastly, there is my lawyer, Janet Russell, for holding the Alberta government accountable with our Charter challenge.

People who look after a dependent adult with a disability understand the endless hidden costs.

The extensive expense of medical supplies, the lost work days due to sick respite aides, the time off work to attend medical appointments, all take a toll on a family’s income.

It’s economically devastating for a single parent.

What does all of this mean for Emily and me?

She can take part in a quality of life that many Albertans take for granted.

She does not have to live below the poverty line without financial help from both parents for the incredible costly bills for physio, medications, specialty equipment and programming.

What continues to amaze me is for a young lady who is non-verbal, Emily, persuaded enough policymakers, news media and everyday people to be her voice and to help change family law to protect vulnerable Albertans.

Knowing others like her are supported under Alberta law and no longer have to fight individual battles is the legacy she leaves behind.

I am so proud.