Disability Alliance BC (DABC) unequivocally condemns the public comments made by MLA Tara Armstrong on July 13th, 2026, regarding people receiving Disability Assistance (known as PWD). MLA Armstrong stated that “the government’s welfare law hands out disability payments to drug addicts simply because they use drugs.” This statement is false, misleading, and deeply harmful.
People do not qualify for PWD designation simply because they use substances. Eligibility for PWD is determined through a rigorous and extensive application process that assesses whether an individual has a severe and prolonged disability that significantly restricts their ability to carry out daily living activities.[1] Suggesting otherwise misrepresents the PWD system and fuels harmful myths about people with disabilities.
MLA Armstrong’s comments are dehumanizing towards people living with addiction or substance use and those with co-occurring disabilities. Substance use does not exist in a vacuum; it is often intertwined with mental health, poverty, homelessness, discrimination and systemic barriers in accessing healthcare and other living supports. Many people with disabilities who may also live with addiction experience these realities simultaneously. To reduce their lived experience to a dismissive stereotype is not only inaccurate, it is profoundly offensive.
As the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition states, substance use exists on a spectrum and cannot be understood separately from the social, economic, health, and policy conditions that shape people’s lives.[2] Compassionate, evidence-based approaches recognize the inherent dignity of every person and reject narratives that shame individuals with complex health and social issues.
Through her actions, MLA Armstrong has perpetuated misinformation and stigma towards people with disabilities, which further reinforces an ableist system designed to restrict people with disabilities from accessing employment, housing, healthcare, education, and community participation. Her words embolden others to discriminate against some of the most vulnerable and marginalized people in our province and undermine years of work to build a more accessible and inclusive BC.
Equally concerning is MLA Armstrong’s characterization of disability assistance as ‘welfare.’ PWD exists because many people with disabilities face barriers to employment and incur significant disability-related costs to living that others do not. PWD is an essential income support program, not a moral judgment about an individual’s worth or contribution to society. Referring to PWD as ‘welfare’ perpetuates outdated stereotypes that people with disabilities are dependent, undeserving, or somehow less valuable members of our community.
People who experience substance use deserve dignity, respect, and evidence-based public policy, not sensationalist and harmful rhetoric that pits communities against one another for political gain. People with disabilities are not punch lines.
MLA Armstrong’s comments are particularly shocking given her past involvement with her family’s franchise business, Driving Miss Daisy (which is still in operation but has since been sold). The company specializes in providing accompaniment and transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities.
British Columbians expect more from our MLAs. MLAs have a responsibility to engage in public debate honestly, accurately, and respectfully. They should help reduce discrimination, not amplify it. They should rely on evidence, not misinformation. They should use their office to build community, not deepen divisions.
For these reasons, Disability Alliance BC calls on Tara Armstrong to:
- Publicly retract her misleading statements;
- Issue a sincere apology to people with disabilities and those affected by substance use; and
- Resign from the Legislative Assembly if she is unwilling or unable to uphold the standards of respect, and dignity expected of her role.
[1] Please see the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction’s eligibility for PWD here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/pwd-designation-and-application/designation-application
[2] Please see the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition’s statement on addiction treatment: https://drugpolicy.ca/our-work/addiction-treatment-position-statement/
This on Disability Alliance BC website click here
