PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
Winnipeg, Manitoba, March 13, 2026 – In collaboration with the not-for-profit organization St.Amant, Autism Alliance of Canada brought together some of its members and the Francophone Autistic community for an in-person Town Hall to discuss and identify priorities unique to the Manitoba region. Attendees discussed various topics, including barriers to accessing French-language services, public education on autism from childhood through adulthood, student supports, mental health and well-being, social inclusion, employment, and financial support. Attendees shared their perspectives and insights to help guide advocacy and services in the region.This “Café du Monde-style” conversational event took place at the Centre culturel franco-manitobain.
In addition to connecting and interacting with the autism community, caregivers, support workers, and professionals, participants had the opportunity to get together to network and discover regional resources and services. This gathering also allowed members of the autism community in attendance to share their diverse perspectives and personal stories related to their region and individual experiences.
“These in-person Francophone Town Halls bring together the very people who make up the Alliance’s membership: Autistic people, caregivers, support workers, professionals, and community organizations. Their experience and knowledge shapes our collective priorities. By coming together in person and listening to the realities experienced in each region, we strengthen the grassroots connections that allow the Alliance to carry a unified and credible voice to the Government of Canada”, said Dr. Jonathan Lai, Executive Director of Autism Alliance of Canada.
“Our team is proud to have been organizing and offering these very important moments to people concerned about autism since the fall of 2025. It is essential to create spaces where the Canadian Autistic community is welcomed and, above all, listened to. Aligned with Canada’s Autism Strategy, our Francophone Town Halls bring together diverse Autistic and diverse Francophone voices in a spirit of inclusion and acceptance”, said Krista Leitham, Membership Engagement Coordinator, Autism Alliance of Canada.
“It’s a unique opportunity to meet parents, support workers, and Autistic people during an exchange in French,” said Luc Langevin, a participant at the Francophone Town Hall in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
“It’s important to be part of the community and to discuss the priorities that matter most to us in order to find solutions,” added Gabriel Langevin.
In addition to fostering dialogue and connection among Francophone Autistic individuals, these Francophone Town Halls are the ideal opportunity to discuss proactive and inclusive screening, economic inclusion, research with and among the Autistic community, awareness and acceptance of Autistic individuals in society, and optimization of the tools and resources offered by the Canadian government. The Francophone Town Halls are held in various Canadian provinces and will take place from fall 2025 to summer 2026. The next Francophone Town Hall will be held in June in Trois-Rivières, Quebec.
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About the Autism Alliance of Canada :
Autism Alliance of Canada is a pan-Canadian network with a broad and diverse membership of Autistic people and their families and support persons, as well as clinicians, researchers, policy influencers, service providers and organizations from across Canada.
We work together as a shared leadership movement to champion a National Autism Strategy that ensures Autistic people have equal rights and opportunities for full participation and acceptance in Canadian society. We harness the power of collective impact as an inclusive organization whose members, board of directors and staff reflect our commitment to Autistic participation in all aspects of our work.
https://autismalliance.ca/
Source :
Autism Alliance of Canada :
Inquiries : Catherine Légaré, Communications and Marketing Manager
Contact details : clegare@autismalliance.ca