Disability Alliance BC (DABC) unequivocally condemns the public comments made by Tara Armstrong MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream 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. 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. 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. Read our full statement here: https://disabilityalliancebc.org/disability-alliance-bc-calls-on-mla-tara-armstrong-to-resign-following-harmful-and-misleading-comments-about-people-with-disabilities/ #PeopleWithDisabilities #disability