PEI People First

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

03/21/2026

Today is World Down Syndrome Day! The theme this year is ‘Together against loneliness.’ We believe that loneliness should not be part of anyone’s story. Togetherness starts with a smile, a wave, or a simple ‘Hello.’ Inclusion means belonging, being connected, and taking part in all aspects of life!

03/10/2026

We are deeply saddened to share the news that PEI People First Co-President, Joni Miner, has passed away.

Joni was a strong and passionate advocate who believed that everyone, no matter how they communicate, deserves to have their voice heard and their decisions respected and supported by the people they trust. Her dedication to self-advocacy and inclusion touched many lives across PEI and beyond.

Joni loved spending time with friends, listening to music, and especially travelling to Winnipeg for the national People First of Canada People First of Canada meetings, where she proudly represented PEI and connected with fellow self-advocates from across the country.

She will be deeply missed by her friends, colleagues, and the many people whose lives she influenced through her kindness, leadership, and advocacy.

Please see the link below for information about Joni’s service.
https://epfuneral.ca/tribute/details/2673/Joni-Lee-Miner/obituary.html -start

Our thoughts are with Joni’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved her. 💙