April 2025

Canada Votes - Here's What You Need to Know

On Monday, April 28, a Federal election will take place across Canada.

With the Canada Disability Benefit needing significant improvements, Track 2 medical assistance in dying (MAiD) threatening the lives of people with disabilities, and countless other issues at stake, this election is one of the most important for people with intellectual disabilities and their families in Canadian history.

Inclusion Canada has defined our Federation's priorities in an election priorities document. This document, also available in plain language, clearly states the commitments we asking of all Federal parties.

We encourage everyone who cares about disability issues to get out and vote. Please help us ensure that disability issues are at the forefront of government decision-making.

Click here to review our election priorities. >

En français. >

Click here to find your closest polling station. >

Federal Party Commitments to People with Disabilities in Canada

We've compiled all of the commitments made to disability issues in the major party platforms this election.

Unfortunately, disability issues did not feature heavily in party platforms.

As the infographic above illustrates, there is still much work to do.

We encourage everyone to review the infographic to understand federal party commitments to the disability community.

Inclusion Canada and our Federation will continue to work tirelessly to hold parties to the commitments they have made during this election cycle. We will also advocate to the new government on all of our priorities and push for them to become government mandate priorities. Regardless of who wins on April 28th, we will continue to hold the government accountable to their obligation to advance inclusion.

Click here for an accessible version of the infographic. >

Inclusion Canada & Elections Canada Webinar Series

Over the last month, Inclusion Canada and Elections Canada co-hosted two informative webinars to maximize inclusion and accessibility in the election process. "Reducing Barriers to Working at the Polls" and "Reducing Barriers to Voting" provide comprehensive overviews of how Elections Canada supports disability inclusion in working at a poll station and voting in the election.

Both webinars have been made available in English and French with ASL and LSQ interpretation.

For last-minute tips on the voting process, we encourage you to watch.

Click here to watch "Reducing Barriers to Working at the Polls." >

Click here to watch "Reducing Barriers to Voting." >

2025 Annual Feedback Survey

We want to hear from you about how we're doing! 

Each year, Inclusion Canada asks people with an intellectual disability and their families and allies for feedback on our national work. We appreciate your thoughts on how you feel we are advancing inclusion for people with an intellectual disability and their families. Your honest answers allow us to flag important opportunities for improvement in the areas that matter to you. 

The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete, and there is an opportunity at the end of the survey to be entered to win an Inclusion Canada prize package. 

Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts! 

The survey will be open until May 16, 2025 and is fully bilingual.

Click here for the survey. >



New Resource Available for Advance Care Planning!

Inclusion Canada has launched a new resource to support advance care planning. Supported Choice: A Practical Guide to Advance Care Planning with Supported Decision-Making for Healthcare Professionals positions New Brunswick's legislation as the national benchmark for supported decision-making and offers workarounds for provinces still reliant on substitute decision-making.

The resource features plain-language checklists, printable summaries, and case studies to help clinicians move from "best interest" to "will and preferences" in facilitating and legitimizing supported decision-making practices across the country.

Click here to view the resource. >

En français. >

Be Part of Something Powerful – Save Your Seat Today

On May 14th, 2025, something truly meaningful is happening — and you’re invited.

Join us for Inclusion Canada’s National Fundraising Event, a riveting 45-minute virtual experience themed around one powerful idea: Hope.

This isn’t just another online event. It’s a front-row seat to the heart of a movement. You’ll hear inspiring stories from individuals and families whose lives have been transformed, and get a firsthand look at our bold vision for a future where everyone belongs.

This is more than an event — it’s a chance to bring hope to thousands.

And it’s completely free to attend.

Save your virtual seat today. >

Our Federation - Provincial/Territorial Member Updates

Did you know Inclusion Canada has a federation of 13 provincial/territorial and over 300 local member associations across Canada? In this section, you'll learn more about their work to advance inclusion across the country!

• Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society has a new Executive Director while Nicole Diakite is on maternity leave. We are pleased to welcome Pierre Essoh to this role!

• Inclusion BC, along with Inclusion Canada, is hosting a conference on June 19-21 in Richmond, BC! "Everyone Belongs" will bring together stakeholders from across the country to share ideas, new information, and resources on inclusion. We are happy to be partnering with Inclusion BC and Aspire Richmond to bring you this event. Click here for more info.

• During their Family Conference in April, Inclusion Alberta announced a new partnership with Concordia University of Edmonton to create The Canadian Institute for the Inclusion of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (CIPD). This new university institute will advance knowledge, inclusion practices, innovative approaches, and policies that enable the full inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities in Alberta and across Canada.

Dr. Tim Loreman, President & Vice-Chancellor of Concordia University of Edmonton, and Bruce Uditsky, CEO Emeritus of Inclusion Alberta, announcing the creation of the CIPD.

• Community Living Ontario has released a new report detailing the shocking number of students with intellectual disabilities facing exclusion, seclusion, and restraint in Ontario schools. Crisis in the Classroom is available to read here.

• Inclusion New Brunswick has appointed a new Director of Inclusive Education. Shana Woodill brings over a decade of experience in fostering inclusive education environments and a passion to advocate for the rights and educational needs of individuals of all abilities. Learn more here.