Effective social assistance systems should provide appropriate support for those in need and help them return to normal life. Based on Mending the Safety Net：Social Assistance Reform in Alberta. This Commentary evaluates Alberta’s social assistance programs-Income Support（IS）and Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped（AISH）-in light of international best practices for reforming social assistance，especially with a view to improving labor-market attachment and reducing any potential risks of fraud and error. Shifting the focus in disability support programs from the inability to work to the ability to work，removing supplemental benefits from social assistance programs，formulating the proactive employment policy are required to achieve these goals. The reform of urban social assistance in Alberta is of great reference significance to China.