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Inclusion Matters
September 2023
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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We remember the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, along with their families and communities. The pain of these experiences continues to this day.
We encourage everyone to take some time to reflect on the past and how we, as a country, can learn, understand, and take action.
For resources and ideas on how you can reflect, educate and act, we invite you to explore the following two links as great places to start:
https://tinyurl.com/3nmwkec7
https://tinyurl.com/5btpeej3
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Parliament is Back! What are Inclusion Canada's Priorities this Year?
Monday, September 18, marked the end of the summer break for parliamentarians. MPs and Senators are back in Ottawa and engaged with critical legislation and policy affecting people with an intellectual disability and their families.
Inclusion Canada has several priority policies and bills that we are following closely this autumn. Here's some of what we're watching:
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Canada Disability Benefit - with the Canada Disability Benefit approved and in the development phase, we are seeking several guarantees from the government. We want the benefit to be funded in the upcoming federal budget, the benefit designed in full for implementation next year, and ensure that there are no clawbacks to existing provincial/territorial or federal disability payments or by private disability insurers.
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Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) - people with disabilities are placed in vulnerable situations. We seek the government to reconsider MAiD for people with a mental illness. If nothing is done, on March 17, 2024, doctor-assisted suicide will be made available to people whose "sole underlying condition" is a mental illness. We also continue to fight to reverse previous changes (Track 2).
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Early Learning and Childcare - Bill C-35, an Act respecting early learning and childcare in Canada, sets out Canada’s vision for a high-quality, affordable, and inclusive early learning and childcare system by committing to long-term funding for other levels of government to deliver necessary programming. The bill offers an opportunity to advance inclusive early learning and childcare in Canada; however, it must be specific in its commitments to inclusive childcare and provide a clear and proper definition of inclusion. Inclusion Canada will continue to push for specific accountabilities to be included in the bill to create fully inclusive early learning and childcare systems.
Follow our social feeds for more information on the other important federal legislative priorities we are watching. We will update on any significant progress or changes. We will continue to fight for the rights of people with an intellectual disability and their families and for a Canada where everyone belongs.
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MP Mike Lake's Private Members Bill on Inclusive Education Passes
On Wednesday, September 27, MPs voted unanimously to support MP Mike Lake's M-78, a private members motion reaffirming every Canadian's right to an inclusive education.
Inclusion Canada is encouraged by the passing and we thank Mike Lake for his efforts in bringing this important issue to the floor of the House of Commons. M-78 calls on the federal government to give clear consideration for the full inclusion of people with an intellectual disability in the education system. It calls on government to ensure that funding for education is targeted towards inclusive education.
As per Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, all students have a right to an inclusive education in neighbourhood schools, learning alongside their peers.
As a private members motion, it does not automatically require the government to act. However, we call on the government to do so in the spirit of M-78.
Details on the full text of the motion can be found here. >
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Inclusion Canada & People First of Canada announce topics for our Annual Federal Policy Forum on Inclusion!
We are pleased to announce the topics for the 14th Annual Federal Policy Forum on Inclusion. Taking place virtually from November 21-22 at 12pm-4:30pm EST, Day 1 of the forum will focus on Inclusion at Work, while Day 2 will discuss Justice for All.
Registration information will be made available soon. Please stay tuned to our newsletter and social media for details about how to register, attend, and more!
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Inclusion Canada in Action
- On Tuesday, September 5th, Inclusion Canada staff met with representatives from the Department of Health. We discussed long-term care, deinstitutionalization, and people with intellectual disabilities’ right to live independently and be included in the community.
- On Thursday, September 7th, Inclusion Canada staff met with representatives from the Departments of Health and Justice. We discussed labels, stigma, and disability identity, and provided feedback on the analysis of Canada's medical assistance in dying (MAiD) monitoring data.
- Inclusion Canada met with Senate of Canada staff to discuss progress and provide feedback on the Senate’s Accessibility Plan and annual report, required under the Accessible Canada Act for federally regulated entities.
- Inclusion Canada attended federation member, Community Living Ontario's (CLO), 70th Annual AGM and 2023 Conference in Ottawa on September 27-29.
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Accessibility Standards Canada Public Review on Employment
The Accessibility Standards Canada Standard on Employment is now available for public review and comment. The standard seeks to create guidelines for workplaces that are inclusive, accessible, and barrier and discrimination-free for all employees.
ASC invites people in Canada to look at the standard and provide feedback. You have until October 31, 2023 to have your voice heard on this critical issue.
Click here for the English version. >
Cliquez ici pour la version française. >
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Family Members Needed for Accessible Government Communication Survey
We are recruiting family members and supporters of people with an intellectual disability to participate in an online focus group on Wednesday, October 25th from 12pm-1:30pm Eastern time.
Inclusion Canada, People First of Canada, and the Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship are wrapping up a national project about how to make government communication more accessible for people with an intellectual disability. During this focus group, we will present what we have learned so far and ask for your input to shape our recommendations to the federal government.
To register, please contact Rachel Mills at [email protected].
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Krista Carr appears at National Summit
On November 8, Inclusion Canada Executive Vice President Krista Carr will participate as a panelist at CCCE Summit 2023 in Ottawa.
The summit brings together lived experience experts, families, leaders, policymakers, and researchers, all working together to build the foundation of a national strategy.
Family members and supporters are all important contributors to supporting individuals to have inclusive lives. Krista will highlight the importance of families and address the issue of inclusive housing as a foundation for creating inclusive communities and inclusive lives.
Click here to learn more. >
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WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!
Our work to strengthen families, defend rights, and transform communities would not be possible without your financial support.
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