PEI People First

06/04/2026

“I lost 18 years of my life to an institution. But I don’t concentrate on that. I concentrate on what I can change. “- Peter Park, Ontario

Peter is one of thousands of survivors of institutions. Survivors helped write The Right Way so no one else has to live through that harm again.

Closing institutions matters — but how we do it matters just as much.

You can make a difference by reading and sharing The Right Way: www.institutionwatch.ca/the-right-way/

05/31/2026

National AccessAbility Week is a time to recognize the contributions, leadership, and lived experiences of people with disabilities across Canada. It is also a time to reflect on the work still needed to build communities where everyone can participate fully and equally.

Accessibility is about more than removing physical barriers. It means making information understandable, creating inclusive spaces, listening to disabled voices, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to belong, contribute, and grow. This week, we celebrate progress, recognize ongoing challenges, and recommit to building a Canada where accessibility is not an just afterthought — it is a priority.

05/28/2026

Please find below a news release from People First of Canada about a story out of London, Ontario, that has again raised serious concerns about the medical assistance in dying (MAiD) law in Canada. People First of Canada

Please find below a news release from People First of Canada about a story out of London, Ontario, that has again raised serious concerns about the medical assistance in dying (MAiD) law in Canada.

05/28/2026

People First of Canada

The People First of Canada & Inclusion Canada National Task Force on Deinstitutionalization is pleased to announce an update to The Right Way. This is a resource from our task force. This updated version is called “The Right Way: A guide to closing institutions and building a good life in the community for people with intellectual disabilities.”
The first version of this guide was created in 2010, and it’s been used all over the world! This updated version includes quotes, photos and new information to help with closing institutions of all sizes.
This updated resource is ready to use in both French and English! You can find it on our website at www.institutionwatch.ca/the-right-way/

05/26/2026

Time to get out your calendars and Save the Date for the 17th Annual Federal Policy Forum on inclusion! The theme this year is “From getting by to getting ahead: Eliminating poverty and building financial stability.”

This year’s policy forum is being held on Thursday, December 3, 2026 in person in Gatineau, Quebec.

04/22/2026

Did you know that the United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers!

People First of Canada is built on volunteers. Our members, Board of Directors, and advisors are all volunteers. Across the country, people give up their time and energy and raise their voices to make change happen for people with intellectual disabilities.

We celebrate and thank all our volunteers and the positive impact they make every day. We appreciate you!

04/14/2026

The latest issue of the Institution Watch newsletter is available.

The Institution Watch Newsletter is written and produced by the  People First of Canada and Inclusion Canada National Task Force on Deinstitutionalization. This newsletter is dedicated to monitoring the progress towards a vision of full community living for all people with intellectual disabilitie...

04/02/2026

04/01/2026

PFC has finished up our validation focus groups for our ASC research project. The topic is about barriers to federal financial services. We had a great time talking to people last week about our research and their experiences. Thank you to everyone who joined us online or in person in Toronto. Thank you also to People First Quebec for your help with these focus groups.

03/25/2026