Since its founding, Inclusion Alberta has been a family organization dedicated to realizing fully inclusive community lives for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families. Advances in inclusive education, inclusive employment, community living, and family support have always depended on citizens getting involved, speaking up, and exercising their voice in the democratic process. In periods of political uncertainty and change, it is especially important that the voices of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families are heard.  

Speak up before Budget 2027 is planned: 

We need your help to make all elected representatives aware of the issues of importance to children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families. As explained in our response to the 2026 Alberta budget, funding falls short of addressing the current crisis being experienced by many people with intellectual disabilities and their families. With the provincial government soon beginning decisions for Budget 2027, now is the time to contact your MLA and advocate for meaningful investment in disability supports. Learn more about how to connect with your MLA and some of the issues you could raise here. 

Speak up before and vote in the fall referendum and the 2027 provincial election: 

One of the most effective ways to influence public policy is to get involved before an election. 

Inclusion Alberta is non-partisan and does not endorse any political party or candidate.  

The October 19, 2026, referendum and the provincial election scheduled for October 18, 2027, will affect issues that matter to children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families. Regardless of which party or position you support, we encourage you to learn about the issues, ask candidates and political parties where they stand, ensure you are registered to vote, apply for a mail-in ballot for the referendum if needed, and participate in the democratic process. 

There are many ways you can get involved. Families can help ensure that disability supports, inclusive education, and inclusive employment remain part of the conversation by: purchasing a party membership (usually $10), joining their local constituency association, participating in a party’s policy processes, attending candidate nomination meetings, and asking candidates where they stand on these issues. Candidates are chosen through local nomination contests, often decided by small numbers of party members. 

For information on Alberta’s registered political parties, visit Elections Alberta’s political parties page. 

Opportunities to advocate also exist at the municipal, school board, and federal levels, where public policy decisions affect the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Staying informed, building relationships with elected representatives, and speaking up about the importance of inclusion helps ensure these issues remain a priority. 

Thank you in advance for your advocacy. Let’s make inclusion a priority at every level of government in Alberta!