Strengthening our Message of Inclusion

Last month, Inclusion BC traveled to Montreal to join provincial and territorial partners from across the country for an Inclusion Canada leadership gathering. These national meetings are always an important opportunity to reflect, share, and strengthen our collective work. Together, we’re advancing the vision of full inclusion and belonging for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in every part of Canada.

This year’s theme centred on strengthening our message of inclusion—how we demonstrate our values, how we tell our stories, and how we build a shared narrative that moves people, policy, and systems toward equity and justice. We dug into what it means to be a more impactful organization—not just in what we say, but in how we act, engage, and lead. The conversations were honest and energizing. We asked ourselves tough questions about where we can grow, how we show up for others, and how we ensure that people with lived experience are at the centre of everything we do.

There’s something powerful about being in the same room with passionate, committed advocates from every province and territory. We’re all working in different local contexts, while we face many of the same challenges we all share a common goal: a Canada where inclusion isn’t optional—it’s expected.

Of course, no national gathering would be complete without a little fun and connection. One night, we gathered with friends from across the country to watch the federal election results roll in—cheering, groaning, and sharing a lot of laughs as the night unfolded. And yes, we made time to stop by Montreal’s famous Schwartz’s Deli for a classic smoked meat sandwich (worth every bite).

We left Montreal with new ideas, stronger relationships, and a renewed commitment to telling the story of inclusion in a way that inspires action. As we return home to BC, we’re excited to keep building momentum—amplifying the experience of people with disabilities, strengthening our partnerships, and continuing to push for a world where everyone belongs.