National Public Dialogue Series

In collaboration with our Provincial/Territorial Associations for Community Living, CACL has hosted a series of Public Dialogues to engage Canadians in conversation about the issues affecting people with intellectual disabilities. The dialogues took place in cities across Canada, at least one in each province and territory. Each Dialogue focused on one of the objectives in the 10-Year Agenda for Change which was adopted by our members across the country in 2005.

Moderated by a local radio/TV or other public personality, with outreach to media and community organizations, each dialogue engaged participants in 2-3 hour conversations on questions related to each of these topics. Our message for all Dialogues is: Rethink diversity. Challenge exclusion. Help create a new vision of community in Canada. Together we can.

Locations and dialogue topics were:

Vancouver – Safe and Inclusive Communities
Toronto – Global Issues, Combating Poverty, Inclusive Education
Iqaluit – Supporting Children and Families
Whitehorse – Safe and Inclusive Communities
Fredericton – Access to Disability Supports
St. John's – A Real Job
Yellowknife – Supporting Families
Saskatoon – Closing Institutions
Charlottetown – Access to Disability Supports
Montreal – Access to Disability Supports
Edmonton – Genetics and Bioethics
Halifax – Closing Institutions
Winnipeg – Rights and Equality

We're inviting people to join us in person or participate online.

Over the year, 3-5 podcasts will be created based on the public dialogues and made available through iTunes. A 2008 Public Dialogues report will be prepared based on the input.