This election toolkit is designed to provide ideas and help patients, caregivers and family members that are part of the rare disease community to navigate the 2021 federal election and ensure that their voices are heard. The goal is to make it VERY, VERY EASY for you to prepare and to engage with candidates and campaign teams in your riding. Check out the toolkit for all the details on “how to engage” and a comprehensive guide to the 2021 election.
Link to the toolkit: https://cutt.ly/qWpZmrh
Election 2021 could decide whether Canada’s progress on rare disease continues on track … or not.
GOOD NEWS! All major federal political parties have recognized the need to “do better” for rare disease patients. Access to diagnosis, care and treatment for rare diseases have dominated health-related public and social media … second only to COVID-19.
BETTER NEWS! The rare disease community has worked hard to be visible even during the pandemic, and rare diseases have dominated the public and social media … second only to COVID-19.
BEST NEWS! Thanks to strident, coordinated, evidence-driven patient advocacy led by CORD with multisectoral support, political leaders know there is widespread consensus on key components of a National Rare Disease Drug Strategy built around a National Rare Disease Framework, as documented in the government report “Building a National Strategy for Rare Diseases: What We Heard from Canadians”, released just prior to dissolution of Parliament.
BUT! There are many election issues, including public health, economic recovery, environment, and social justice, competing for the political candidates’ attention. It is up to us to ensure that rare disease remains a priority.
TO RECAP! We are building on a number of key initiatives and promises, including the development of a national strategy for rare disorders that the federal government has committed to in addition to the support of hundreds of MPs over the course of the past several years since CORD launched Canada’s Rare Disease Strategy in 2015.
Use our toolkit to make contact with the candidates in your riding!
Link to the toolkit: https://cutt.ly/qWpZmrh
RARE DISEASE DAY 2024 CANADIAN ILLUMINATIONS
On February 29, 2024 these monuments will be lit up in honor of Rare Disease Day. #LightUpForRare Amherst Town Hall in Amherst Nova ScotiaBrampton Clock TowerBritish Columbia LegislatureBritish Columbia PlaceCalgary TowerEdmonton High Level BridgeEdmonton TowerFred A. Lundy bridge in Newmarket, ONMississauga City HallNanaimo BastionNiagara Falls (10:00pm – 10:15pm.) [Live cam link: https://www.earthcam.com/canada/niagarafalls/?cam=niagarafalls_str]Niagara sign in Thorold/Niagara regionOakville Town HallOlympic Cauldron Vancouver Convention CentrePeterborough City HallSales Of Light VancouverScience World Vancouver (FEB 28th)Signal Hill in St. John’s, NLThe Hamilton SignToronto CN TowerToronto Sign in Nathan Phillips SquareVaughan City HallVancouver Convention CentreThe Peace Bridge between Canada and the US Winnipeg Sign Winnipeg Bridge Let us know if there are other Canadian illuminations to add. Tag us on social media @raredisorders (Twitter/X), @raredisorders_cord (Instagram) or email us at info@raredisorders.ca with your photos of the monuments and Rare Disease Day events.
Join us and become part of an active Canadian rare disorder community. The only national organization representing all rare disorder patient groups in Canada.
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