April 3, 2025

A Canadian federal election has been called for April 28, 2025, and every eligible Canadian citizen has been asked to vote to elect our next parliament.  As part of the Service Principles, Karis Disability Services is committed to promoting full citizenship.  Voting, or taking part in an election, is one way in which people can find an opportunity to exercise rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and Karis encourages employees to support people to participate in elections as much as people would like to be involved. 

With an election fast approaching, here are some key actions and timelines for Karis employees to consider:

  • Have a conversation with people you support to find out if they are interested in voting, and if they are eligible to vote, or if they are interested in participating in other ways (e.g., working with Elections Canada, supporting a political party of their choice, participating in elections events and discussions).
  • Use the Elections Canada website to help people to confirm that they are registered to vote (or help them to register to vote by April 22).
  • Talk about what is needed to vote (Voter Information Cards if people have them, ID requirements).
  • Talk about early voting options. Advanced voting will take place between April 18 and April 21) at assigned polling stations.  People can also vote by mail, but they must apply by April 22 at 6:00pm, using the special ballot process. People can also vote at any time at an Elections Canada office by April 22 at 6:00pm.
  • Plan any supports a person needs to vote in advance, or on election day (April 28) if they wish. Help people find information about their polling station.
  • Talk about accessible voting options. These may be found on Elections Canada or by calling 1-800-463-6868 or 1-800-361-8935 (TTY).

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 7:30 to 9pm EST, a candidates’ debate on disability issues for the Federal Election will be held at the CNIB in Toronto. Live attendance is welcome. It will also be streamed live on the internet and you can register at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-federal-candidate-debate-on-disability-issues-tickets-1306790689129?aff=oddtdtcreator

In the coming days and weeks, Karis will be sharing and updating resources available through CH Connect HERE. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact quality@karis.org.

Quality, Research and Practice Initiatives Department