As the federal election approaches, disability organizations are hosting all-candidates meetings to discuss key issues affecting the disability community. These events provide an opportunity to hear from candidates on their commitments to federal policies that impact accessibility, inclusion, income security, and disability rights.
It’s important to note that these meetings focus on federal issues—not provincial concerns. While provincial policies also play a crucial role in disability supports, this discussion is centered on federal responsibilities, such as national disability benefits, employment policies, and accessibility legislation.
Upcoming All-Candidates Meetings:
2025 Federal Candidate Debate on Disability Issues (In-Person and Online)
📍 Toronto, ON – CNIB, 1929 Bayview Ave.
📅Tuesday, April 8th, 7:30–9:00 PM EDT
Hosted by: A coalition of dedicated community agencies and organizations interested in the rights of people with disabilities.
Accessibility: CNIB is fully accessible. Attendant care, live captioning and ASL interpretation will also be available. There is paid on-site parking. Click ‘reserve a spot’ to register and submit any accommodations.
All-Candidates Town Hall (In-Person and Online)
📍 Winnipeg, Manitoba – Unitarian Church, 603 Wellington Crescent
📅Tuesday, April 8th, 6:30–8:00 PM CDT
Hosted by: Accessibility and Inclusion Ministry Team of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg, organized by the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities (MLPD)
Accessibility: Ramp access, accessible washroom, ASL interpretation, and a limited Zoom option.
🔗Register to Attend:
In-person Registration
All-Candidates Mixer (In-Person)
📍 Surrey, British Columbia – 15306 24th Ave
📅Tuesday, April 22nd, 5:00–7:00 PM PDT
Hosted by: SAS Self-Advocates
Stay tuned for more details, and check back for additional events as they are announced.
Advocate for the Down Syndrome Community
Can’t attend an all-candidates meeting? You can still raise your voice.
Use our letter template to write to your local MP or party leader. Urge them to prioritize the rights, dignity, and inclusion of people with disabilities—especially those with Down syndrome—in their platform for the upcoming federal election.
Let them know: It was never okay. Forwards, not backwards.
