Include Our Vote
Inclusion Nova Scotia’s Federal Election Priorities
As Canada heads toward a federal election, Inclusion Nova Scotia and our Inclusion Canada federation call on all parties and candidates to prioritize the rights, dignity, and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Now more than ever, we need bold action and meaningful investments to build an inclusive Canada where equity isn’t an afterthought but a shared commitment.
Inclusion Nova Scotia urges our federal leaders to take action on five urgent priorities that will move us toward a more inclusive and just society.
Lift Adults with Disabilities Out of Poverty - Financial Security is a Human Right
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Canada Disability Benefit (CDB): Demand an increase to $2,400/month to end poverty for adults with disabilities.
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Disability Tax Credit (DTC): Expand eligibility to align with the Accessible Canada Act and automatically qualify provincial support recipients.
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Automatic Tax Filing: Ensure low-income individuals with disabilities receive benefits without barriers.
“70% of adults with intellectual disabilities live in poverty. Equity starts with dignity.”
Affordable, Inclusive Housing for All - A home is a right, not a privilege.
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Stop funding segregated housing and invest in dispersed accessible homes.
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Mandate Universal Design in all provincially supported housing projects.
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RDSP Home Buyers Plan: Allow Nova Scotians with disabilities to use savings for homeownership, like the RRSP plan.
Every person deserves a safe, inclusive place to call home.
Support Youth & Families: Inclusion Starts Early
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Invest in inclusive childcare with clear benchmarks aligned with UN standards, ensuring accessibility and quality for all families.
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Double the Canada Child Disability Benefit and extend support for youth over 18.
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End Segregated Education: Ensure 100% acceptance in early learning programs and zero expulsions.
“Children deserve to thrive in their community—not just survive.”
Create Inclusive Employment Opportunities -The right Meaningful work.
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Inclusion NS demands systemic changes to ensure people with intellectual disabilities can thrive in competitive, inclusive workplaces. Shift funding from segregated day programs to competitive, community-based jobs with fair wages.
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Guarantee Inclusive Post-Secondary Education: Ensure access to practicums, labs, and student aid so education leads to meaningful careers.
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Partner with Employers: Incentivize businesses to adopt inclusive hiring practices through tax credits and training programs.
“People with disabilities bring immense value to workplaces—equity starts with opportunity.”
Advocating for Dignity:
Inclusion NS demands robust social, medical and economic support for people with disability in crisis and the repeal of Track 2 MAiD.
The upcoming municipal elections are your chance to shape the future of our community. Local municipal leaders make decisions that impact your everyday life, from public transportation and parks to recreation, events, and sidewalks. Your vote can help ensure we are building more inclusive communities across Nova Scotia.
Below are some important questions you can ask your municipal leaders. If you would like support in bringing forward any issue with your municipality, please reach out to us by email at inform@inclusionns.ca.
Questions to Ask Your Municipal Leaders
1. Roads and Sidewalks:
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Sidewalks and pedestrian crossings are a concern, particularly for individuals with mobility issues between fall and spring. How will you help address these issues?
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How will you work to prioritize the repair and maintenance of sidewalks in our neighborhoods, especially those with a high population of families and individuals with disabilities?
2. Public Transit:
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What actions will you take to improve the accessibility of public transit for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities?
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Will you commit to providing more frequent updates on accessible transit routes and schedules to better serve families with special needs?
3. Parks and Recreation:
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How will you and the council ensure that our recreation activities and events are truly inclusive and accessible to all residents?
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Are there plans to increase the availability of inclusive recreational programs that cater specifically to individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities?
4. Housing and Homelessness:
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What role will you play in supporting affordable housing initiatives for families with members who have intellectual disabilities?
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How will you address the need for accessible shelters and emergency housing options for individuals with disabilities?
5. Waste Management:
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Will you offer any special accommodations for waste collection to assist families with members who have mobility or cognitive challenges?
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How can you improve communication about hazardous waste disposal services to ensure it reaches all residents, including those with intellectual disabilities?
6. Emergency Services:
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How are emergency services personnel in our municipality trained to respond to situations involving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
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What initiatives will you implement to ensure that emergency preparedness plans are inclusive and accessible to all families?
7. Community Planning and Development:
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What standards will you enforce to ensure that new housing developments and public buildings are fully accessible to people with disabilities?
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How will you involve the disability community in the planning and development process to ensure their needs are met?
8. Public Health and Safety:
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How will you collaborate with health services to address the unique public health needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities?
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What initiatives will you put in place to ensure public spaces are safe and welcoming for all residents, including those with disabilities?
Download this document, share it with your community, and empower others with knowledge!