Publishing Details
About This Podcast
We Advocate is a podcast about empowerment, advocacy, and understanding the systems that affect Albertans with disabilities. Hosted by Gordon VanderLeek, a Calgary wills and estates lawyer, and Annie VanderLeek, a disability advocate, the show explores the intersection of law, policy, and lived experience for people with disabilities and their families.
Each episode breaks down complex topics — from AISH and the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) to support programs both provincial and federal, guardianship & trusteeship for those with disabilities, issues on capacity, and general planning opportunities— in plain language that helps listeners make sense of their rights and options.
With insight, empathy, and a dash of candid conversation, Gordon and Annie share their experiences from both sides of the advocacy table — legal and personal — helping listeners stay informed, prepared, and empowered to navigate life with confidence.
If you care about disability rights, inclusion, legal issues and social policy reform in Alberta and beyond, We Advocate is your trusted voice for clarity and change.
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Recent Episodes
S1E12 012. Reimagining Disability Supports in Alberta: What Does Real Reform Look Like?
Episode Summary:In this solo episode, Gordon VanderLeek steps back from reacting to policy changes and instead asks a bigger question:If we could redesign Alberta’s disability support system from…
S1E11 011. The Disability Tax Credit (Part 2): Why It’s a Gateway Benefit
Episode Summary:In Part 2 of our Disability Tax Credit series, we move beyond eligibility and focus on why the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) matters so much - not just for taxes, but as a gateway to…
S1E10 010. The Disability Tax Credit (Part 1): What It Is, Who Qualifies, and Why It Matters
Episode Summary:In this episode of We Advocate, Gordon and Annie VanderLeek unpack one of the most misunderstood, and increasingly important, disability supports in Canada: the Disability Tax Credit…
S1E9 009. Looking Back at 2025 And What Comes Next for Disability Supports in Alberta
Episode Summary:In this reflective year-end episode, Gordon and Annie look back on a tumultuous year for Alberta’s disability community and look ahead to what 2026 may bring.What began as…
S1E8 008. Myth-Busting AISH: Is It Really “Easy to Get”?
Episode Summary:In this episode, Gordon and Annie tackle one of the most persistent and most harmful myths about the Alberta Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program:“AISH is easy…
S1E7 007. Bill 12 – What It Really Means for AISH & ADAP
Episode Summary:In this episode of We Advocate, Gordon and Annie unpack Bill 12 – the biggest change to AISH in over 20 years. They walk through what the Bill actually does, why it’s so concerning…
S1E6 006. Speaking Out on ADAP: A Conversation with MLA Marie Renaud & Advocate Zachary Weeks
Episode Summary: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…
S1E5 005. Understanding the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) – and Alberta’s Clawback
Episode Summary:In this episode of We Advocate, Gordon and Annie unpack the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) — what it is, who qualifies, and why many Albertans on AISH are feeling confused,…
S1E4 004. ADAP, ‘Empowerment,’ and the Math: A Conversation with Dr. Gillian Petit
Episode SummaryGordon (wills & estates lawyer) and Annie (disability advocate) sit down with Dr. Gillian Petit—an economist and JD—to unpack Alberta’s proposed Alberta Disability Assistance…
S1E2 002. Who Actually Qualifies for ADAP?
In this episode, Gordon and Annie unpack eligibility for Alberta’s proposed Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) and how it may differ from AISH. They walk through age, residency, income and…
S1E3 003. Money and Work Under ADAP
In this episode of We Advocate, Gordon and Annie continue unpacking Alberta’s proposed Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), this time focusing on income, benefits, and employment…
S1E1 001. Understanding Alberta’s New Disability Assistance Program (ADAP)
Welcome to the relaunch of We Advocate , a podcast where lawyer Gordon VanderLeek and disability advocate Annie VanderLeek break down the Alberta government’s proposed Alberta Disability Assistance…
Frequently Asked Questions
We Advocate has published 12 episodes since October 2025, covering topics in Education, How To.
We Advocate is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 33m.
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