Brad Saunders

Engage with the federal government, including through Build Canada Homes, CMHC and as part of the National Housing Strategy, to address the growing supportive housing needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Ontario and Canada. Advocate for innovative housing and financing models that support inclusive, mixed-use communities integrating affordable housing, support services, and community amenities, while advancing accessibility, inclusion, and long-term affordability within Canada's broader housing strategy. Expand the discussion about supports for people within the developmental services sector to include dual diagnoses and the intersection with mental health. Early Learning & Childcare Plan – increased supports for families with a child with special needs, inclusion in the financial commitment for accessible spaces. Canada Disability Benefit – consult with government officials to develop concrete actions to help reduce poverty & create opportunities for meaningful employment for people with intellectual disabilities. Advocate for the inclusion of the developmental services sector when making plans and decisions related to future emergency responses, especially as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. Advocate for increased and continued representation of disability sector supports in annual budget. Seek additional funding for Disability Benefits, Disability Tax Credit, Enabling Accessibility Fund. Advocate for federal expansion of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A or B to include developmental service workers (NOC 4212), which are currently not under the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exemption codes. Accessible Canada Act – contribute to discussions surrounding the ACA’s objective of creating a barrier-free country by 2040.