January 2023
Inclusion Matters
January 2023
Bill C-22 Update - Let's Get this Done!

The House of Commons returns on January 30th and will sit until February 17th before it takes it's scheduled winter break. With such a small window, it is important that we advocate for Bill C-22 to be the first order of business when Parliament returns.

Your continued support has helped us get to the stage we are at now, and we need your help in a final push to help the bill get through the final stage in the House of Commons and off to the Senate.

There's still work to do, and we still need your help!

We have created an updated letter for you to send. Join us in asking our MP's to prioritize and fast-track the bill for Third Reading as the first order of business when the House of Commons returns this Monday, January 30th.

Inclusion Canada 2021-2022 - Our Year in Review

Our recently released annual report provides a detailed summary of who we are, what we do, and the work that we have accomplished in our priority areas over the last year. We invite you to review the report and join us in celebrating our work in building an inclusive Canada for people with an intellectual disability and their families.

The report is now available as an accessible pdf on our website. The document is available in both French and English for viewing and download.



February is Inclusive Education Month!

Did you know that February is Inclusive Education Month? Every February, our Federation celebrates and explores the importance of inclusive education for people with an intellectual disability and their families.

We'll be joining Inclusive Education Canada in featuring content about inclusive education throughout February, including a webinar featuring inclusive education experts, parents, and more. Tune into our social media, newsletters, and websites as we discuss the importance of building inclusive classrooms across the country!
Inclusion Canada in Action
  • Inclusion Canada Project Officer Charlotte Pyke and Director of Community Justice & Health Equity Natalia Hicks hosted representatives of People First of Canada in Toronto to film videos about the Bivalent COVID vaccine. Donna Brown, a self advocate, and Charlotte Pyke, a sibling, were voice actors in the videos.

  • Executive Director of Legal & Public Affairs Kurt Goddard and Director of Community Justice & Health Equity Natalia Hicks met with the Harvard Law Project on Disability to learn more about disability rights in action.

  • Director of Community Justice & Health Equity Natalia Hicks represented Inclusion Canada at the International Federation on Ageing’s Expert Roundtable on improving vaccine confidence and health equity for older adults in Canada.
New Federal Benefit

One-time Housing Top-Up Benefit

For many people in Canada, it is increasingly challenging to find safe and affordable housing. The Governments new one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit aims to help low-income renters with a one-time tax-free payment of $500. You may be eligible if you:

  • were born on or before December 1, 2007
  • have a family net income for 2021 of $35,000 or less for families, or $20,000 or less for individuals
  • are resident of Canada for tax purposes in 2022 and principal residence is situated in Canada on December 1, 2022
  • paid at least 30 per cent of family net income, based on their 2021 income tax return, on rent in the 2022 calendar year for principal residence in Canada

Note: applications are open until Friday, March 31, 2023.

click here for more information and to find out if you might be eligible.

Shortchanged - a CBC Special from Carlos Sosa

Inclusion Canada Board Member Carlos Sosa recently created and released a podcast special with CBC. 'Shortchanged' explores how inflation and significant increases in the cost of living have disproportionately impacted people with disabilities.

Meagre government financial supports have people making decisions between rent, food, and other essentials. People with disabilities need more government support to ensure they can live fulfilling and valued lives in community.

This awesome broadcast explores the issues related to financial security and features interviews with people with lived experience and the "who's-who" of political and government circles.

We invite and encourage you to listen.

Great work, Carlos!
Unloved: Huronia's Forgotten Children Premieres Sunday, January 29 on CBC

Barri Cohen's new documentary, Unloved: Huronia's Forgotten Children, will premiere on CBC this upcoming Sunday at 8:00pm EST. Check your local showtimes. It will also be made available on CBC Gem for streaming.

This powerful documentary explores the abuse, neglect, and trauma experienced by the people with disabilities who were forcibly confined to the Huronia institution in Orillia, Ontario. Cohen clearly illustrates the horrors of institutionalization and provides a strong case for closing all institutions once and for all.



CBC Fifth Estate on Medical Assistance in Dying

Earlier this month, CBC's The Fifth Estate released 'A Complicated Death', an investigative documentary exploring medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in Canada.

The piece focuses specifically on people who are accessing MAiD whose deaths are not reasonably foreseeable. This includes many people with disabilities who live in poverty and are not receiving adequate support from the government to fully address their support needs.
Upcoming Dates & Events
January 30 - Parliament resumes business
February - Inclusive Education Month
February 22 - Pink Shirt Day
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Our work to strengthen families, defend rights, and transform communities would not be possible without your financial support.