A Future of Belonging:  Moving Beyond Systems to True Inclusion

As we reflect on the recent coroner’s inquest into the tragic passing of Florence Girard, we are
reminded of the profound importance of community, safety, and support. Florence’s story is
heartbreaking and underscores the urgent need to address gaps in systems of care and the
essential role of community in safeguarding the well-being of ALL citizens.

At Families Supporting Regular Equitable Authentic Lives (REA-L), we believe in a future where
people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live fully as valued members of their
communities, supported by relationships and opportunities that foster belonging and reflect their
strengths and aspirations. Yet too often, systems focus on safety and control rather than on the
possibilities of an inclusive life. Paid support tends to replace, rather than strengthen, natural
connections. Families are left feeling disempowered as the influence of professionals often
overshadows their experience and commitment, while support workers lack the training to build
community and foster inclusion.

We need systems that recognize, harness and facilitate community connections. Where inclusion is
expected and not an afterthought. When people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
participate in our neighbourhoods, workplaces, and social circles, their contributions are seen, their
relationships grow, and their lives become more secure. True safety does not come from
segregation or isolation, it comes from being known, valued and included.

As families age, the urgency of this work becomes clearer. We cannot rely on the government alone
to ensure that our family members live fulfilling and inclusive lives, and when funding and support
are needed, systems must be flexible and responsive. At the same time, we must build the capacity
of our communities; friends, neighbours, co-workers, elected officials, and community members to
be partners in this work. Inclusion is not a service; it is a shared responsibility.
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Together, we can create a future where our loved ones are not seen as recipients of care but as
active, fully engaged citizens directing and shaping their own lives. This is the world we want, and
this is the world we must build now.

In addition to the jury recommendations from the coroner's inquest, REA-L's key recommendations
include:

• Prioritize community and relationships: Safety does not come from segregation, it comes
from being known, valued and included in our neighbourhoods, towns and cities.
• Empower families as key partners: Families are in it for the long term. Policies and
practices must support not replace the role of families in fostering personal agency and
inclusion.
• Train support workers and home share providers for inclusion: Workers should facilitate
relationships and community engagement, not just provide care.
• Ensure flexible and responsive systems: Funding and services must be adaptable,
ensuring that people and their families can access the right support at the right time, and that
enhances not dictates their lives.
• Strengthen community capacity: Inclusion is a shared commitment that requires
engagement from all members of society.
• Support CLBC’s founding and ongoing commitment: CLBC was created to uphold the
voices of self-advocates and families in decision-making and promote full citizenship. While
change is necessary, dismantling CLBC would do more harm to both the people it serves and
their families. Instead, we must work together to strengthen systems, address shortcomings,
and implement innovative solutions learning from the pockets of success that are already
happening in our province, our country and beyond to advance inclusion and full citizenship.