Election 2018 Toolkit - MS Society of Canada
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E l e c t i o n 2 0 1 8 To o l k i t
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100,000 Cana dia ns liv e with MS.
H elp the m win th e fight.
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E l e c t i o n 2 0 1 8 To o l k i t
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250 Dundas Street West, Suite 500 Toronto, ON M5T 2Z5
E l e c t i o n 2 0 1 8 To o l k i t
Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s
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Why advocate for people living with MS?
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What is the objective of the toolkit?
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What are the MS Society key issues?
Supporting Our Caregivers 10
Employment and Income 12
Independent Living 14
Accessibility 15
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Do you have 30 seconds?
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How to take action
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Additional information, resources and support
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W H Y S H O U L D W E A D V O C AT E
FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH MS?
Canada has one of the highest rates of people living with multiple
sclerosis (MS) in the world. It is estimated that nearly 40,000
Ontarians live with MS. For the Multiple Sclerosis Society of
Canada, Ontario & Nunavut Division, Ontarians living with
multiple sclerosis are at the heart of everything we do and that
includes advocating for improved services, access to treatments
and therapies, enhancing the rights of people living with disabilities,
and creating greater supports for caregivers.
The provincial election in June 2018 presents an opportunity to
be heard on the issues that affect you and the MS community.
Our strength is in the number of people affected by MS. The MS
community not only includes Ontarians who have been diagnosed
with MS, but also their family members, their caregivers, their
friends, and their medical support network.
The Multiple Sclerosis Society advocates for changes and
improvements that affect the MS community directly. However,
we also reach out broadly to people living with disabilities, people
living with neurological conditions and people everywhere who care
for their loved ones. If every one of us takes action, we will help
candidates recognize and learn about issues that impact the lives of
people living with MS. “Because we are seated
[in reference to my
Sometimes those working within government and the public service wheelchair] does not mean
may or may not be aware of what they can do to make a difference. that we can’t stand up for
During this election, join the MS community in voicing our concerns ourselves. A life without
and providing practical solutions that can be easily implemented. As obstacles, inconveniences
one elected official said, “don’t be afraid to come and ask for things or challenges becomes
because you elected us. If we don’t know what you need, we can’t long, boring and
uninteresting.” 5
get it for you.”
-Denis, MS Advocate6
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W H AT I S T H E O B J E C T I V E O F T H E T O O L K I T ?
We want to provide members of our community with a
resource through which they can learn about the issues that
require government support and partnership. This toolkit
provides information on how to engage with local candidates
during the election campaign and how to share practical
recommendations about crucial issues. This toolkit also
serves as a quick reference guide that supplies you with
information and facts that you can share with people you
speak to, whether it be a current MPP, an election candidate,
or someone close to you. It is the starting point of change.
In the following pages you will find an outline of key
advocacy issues, the ‘asks’, and steps on preparing and
approaching local candidates in your constituencies.
8“Being diagnosed with MS presented me with
new opportunities. My grandma used to say that
‘opportunity only knocks once’ but that’s untrue.
Opportunities are abundant and there isn’t
anything we can’t do if we set our minds to it.”
- Joan, MS Advocate
9W H AT A R E T H E K E Y I S S U E S ?
There are four issues that candidates need to hear about
that will improve the social, financial, physical and mental
health of people affected by MS and other Ontarians with
disabilities or chronic conditions.
The Ask:
1.
Improve caregiver
SUPPORTING
supports through flexible
OUR respite programs and
CAREGIVERS financial support.
Everyone either knows of or is a caregiver. Respite
One in five Ontarians is currently providing Funding dollars for caregiver respite must be
care and as the population ages, there will implemented in a way that gives caregivers
be an increased need of a family or informal more flexibility and control over when and how
caregiver. The economic value of caregivers is they use services if such respite is to truly
astounding: caregivers who look after seniors provide a sense of relief and a real break from
the stresses of caregiving. Many caregivers are
save Canada’s health care system between
either unemployed, working only part-time or are
$24 to 31 billion annually.
seniors on low income and even modest charges
for respite care are beyond their means. Respite
Our current health care system is designed
programs be flexible and responsive to the
to focus on assisting the recipient of care,
unique needs and circumstances of caregivers.
overlooking the important role of caregivers. Respite options should build on successful and
Candidates should commit to recognizing innovative programs currently being employed –
caregivers by providing social and financial particularly well-designed self-directed caregiver
support. respite options. Accessibility to respite must be
universal and not discriminate on grounds of
affordability.
10Caregiver Allowance
The focus of this is to reduce the caregiver’s burden by compensating for their financial
loss. An allowance also has the potential to reduce the likelihood for care recipients to be
admitted to long term care. A preliminary study of the Nova Scotia’s Caregiver Benefit shows
that caregiver benefit has reduced the probability of institutionalization by 56% that would
otherwise cost our system approximately 50 million dollars. As the total cost of caregiver
benefit is 5.6 million dollars, the Nova Scotia government has saved approximately 44 million
dollars from this program.
11The Ask:
2. Increase the level of income or remove
income as a basis of eligibility for income
EMPLOYMENT
supports such as the disability benefit,
& INCOME refundable tax credits and ODSP which
SUPPORT currently penalize individuals with MS
who want to continue to be employed
and receive work-related benefits.
Much more is needed from government to help people living with MS and other
disabilities stay in the workforce and improve their income support so that they can live
independently and fully participate in their communities.
Responses to the MS Society’s Listening Survey from nearly 1,500 Ontarians living with
multiple sclerosis indicated that almost one third had to rely on financial help outside
their personal resources to deal with issues related to MS and almost 50% of people
receiving disability benefits found this income was not enough to maintain their quality
of life. As well, the episodic nature of MS means that some individuals can only work on
an intermittent basis and too many become unemployed as jobs and supports are not
flexible enough to accommodate their needs. Many Ontarians with MS cannot qualify
for disability-related public or private insurance programs because eligibility is obtained
through employment that they are not able to maintain.
Individuals are often diagnosed during their working years and are sometimes absent
from work on a periodic basis due to the episodic nature of MS. Workplaces still need to
endeavor towards better inclusivity for staff and a deeper understanding of the realities
12 of colleagues with disabilities. The MS Society believes that investments need to be
made in order to bring awareness to the episodic nature of MS and to train employers on
the importance of making accommodations for individuals who want to continue to work.Some people living with MS continue to
work and earn a sufficient income which can
disqualify them from eligibility of specific
disability related benefits and credits. As
their illness progresses, expenses related
to their disease put strain on their income
and a larger percentage of their earnings
go to healthcare related costs. As day to
day expenses like housing, equipment,
services and other illness-related costs rise,
household incomes are depleting quicker
than ever before.
The MS Society is also in support of the
Basic Income Pilot. We hope that those
participating in the Basic Income Pilot will
not lose access to other essential benefits
such as drug coverage, child-care subsidies
and any tax credits currently awarded which
will continue to be critically required.
13The Ask:
The Direct Funding Program requires further
investments that can help provide consistency
3. throughout the program and increase the
number of people able to participate. We also
INDEPENDENT ask the Government to expand the list of
LIVING approved equipment to include items such as
hospital beds, shower lifts, and ceiling lifts
which will give more people the opportunity to
live comfortably at home.
People living with MS want to have the opportunity
to live independently, ultimately lessening dependence
on the healthcare system and other care facilities. This cannot
be achieved without at home supports such as equipment that
enables their independence, and caregivers that support their day
to day needs.
Programs like the Direct Funding Program through the Centre
for Interdependent Living (CLIT) allows people with MS to live
independently and with dignity, giving them more control over
their own healthcare decisions. In turn, as more people are able
to live independently, pressure is alleviated off of the healthcare
system. Such programs are effective in helping more people with
MS live at home instead of supportive housing.
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) allows individuals to live
independently at home, longer without having to move to care
facilities in order to access equipment such as hospital beds or
wheelchair lifts as their illnesses progress. At present, the ADP
program lacks a comprehensive list of essential equipment and
the waiting list to participate in the program is often quite long.
14The Ask:
Ensure Ontario is a completely
accessible province by 2025, that
4.
information and services are readily
ACCESSIBILITY
accessible and that all people living
with MS has access to adequate
benefits and services.
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
Further assurance is needed in regards to adherence and compliance of the AODA. Although some
Ontario business and service locations are considered to be accessible, barriers for people with
disabilities still exist.
The MS Society believes that investing further in arms-length inspections and monitoring of AODA
standards will ensure that Ontario businesses and service locations are accessible for people with MS
and others with disabilities, especially those mandated to serve people with disabilities.
Access to Information and Services Access to Benefits and Services
Many people living with MS find navigating the Current methods of assessing individuals for
current healthcare system to gain knowledge financial benefits and access to programs
about programs and services available to them, and services are restrictive and exclusionary.
difficult and confusing. Having a point of contact Although many people living with MS have the
shortly following diagnosis and especially same healthcare needs and challenges as
throughout the first few years of being diagnosed seniors, age restrictions for people under 65
can benefit individuals in adjusting to their new mean they do not meet eligibility requirements for
circumstances and challenges. programs that would benefit them. One example
is the current model for physiotherapy that is only
The MS Society believes that being able to work extended to seniors.
with one point of contact, such as an individual
staff member who acts as a 'Patient Navigator' on The MS Society believes that broadening
health teams and/or in communities, can ensure eligibility criteria and bringing more equitable
people with MS are connected to the supports access to rehabilitation to include people with
that enable their wellbeing and independence. MS who do not currently qualify due to age and
income criteria, will ensure they receive the same
quality of care as others experiencing similar 15
health issues and barriers.D O Y O U H AV E 3 0 S E C O N D S ?
The 30-second elevator pitch is a quick summary of your
issues. This is an opportune moment to make an impactful
and effective pitch to your candidate or elected official.
Below is a short and effective example statement that
you can use. Feel free to adapt the statement; however
remember to keep it short.
16In 30 seconds you want to introduce yourself,
present the cause, state the problem and identify a solution.
INTRODUCE YOURSELF:
My name is ______________ and I have been living with MS for ___ years.
(Your Name)
OR
I am a caregiver and my __________ has been living with MS for ___ years.
(Relative)
PRESENT THE CAUSE:
The Multiple Sclerosis Society’s mission is to find a cure and enhance the
quality of life for those living with MS. There are nearly 40,000 Ontarians
living with MS, most of who are of working age.
STATE THE PROBLEM:
The progression of MS can lead to disabilities, prolonged or permanent absence
from work, and can ultimately cause an individual and their caregiver(s) to
depend on disability pensions or social assistance programs.
IDENTIFY A SOLUTION:
I want my elected official to take action in three areas. I want my
government to 1. Provide caregivers with financial and social supports;
2. Ensure people with MS can work and access benefits equitably; and 3. Help
people with MS live independently. Thank you!
You may even wish to end the pitch by asking a question or two about their
stance on the issues affecting those living with MS.
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If you wish, mention that if they are elected, you would like to arrange to meet
with them formally to discuss these issues in detail in the near future. This is a
good way to establish a longer term relationship with your locally elected official.H O W T O TA K E A C T I O N
Some of us have a passion for policy reform and want to be active
and fully engaged in order to improve the livelihoods of people
in our communities. We may feel a sense of responsibility to
take action. There are many different ways you can take action
depending on how involved you wish to get. Here are steps to help
guide you on advocating the issues with your local candidates.
18Step 1: Know Your Electoral Riding Step 2: Know Your Candidates
It is good to start by knowing the name of your Political parties may nominate a candidate
electoral district or constituency. You can within your constituency. Get a list of the
find yours by entering your postal code at the candidates running and their parties of
Elections Ontario website: representation from the Elections Ontario
https://eregistration.elections.on.ca/en/ website:
voter-info/find-electoral-district
https://www.elections.on.ca/en/political-
Ontario is currently divided into 107 electoral entities-in-ontario/candidates.html
districts but the number of electoral districts will
increase to 124 for the 2018 General Election. Each party will also have a listing and
Any by-elections that take place before the a biography of the candidates they are
2018 General Election will be based on the nominating. In addition, each candidate will
current electoral districts. have their own website. The links to these
pages can also be found through the Party
Based on an analysis carried out by the website.
government relations team, it is estimated that
the MS Society has a volunteer Ambassador
present in approximately one-quarter of the
total number of constituencies. As well, there is
chapter representation throughout Ontario.
Step 3: Know the Issues
In addition to the key election issues section
of this toolkit, there are additional resources
available on the MS Society, Ontario &
Nunavut Division website that provide
background information on each of the priority
issues.
Visit our page on the MS Society, Ontario &
Nunavut Division website to get up to date
information on priority issues:
https://mssociety.ca/support-services/
programs-and-services/406/take-action-
ontario-nunavut-division
Speak to your friends and families and share
your knowledge on the issues affecting people 19
living with MS.Step 4: Step 5:
Know Your Candidates’ View on Know Each Party’s View on the
the Issues Issues
Understand the level of knowledge and interest
each of the candidates has on MS Society All major parties will be releasing campaign
priority issues. There are several ways you can platforms. You can read the platforms by
solicit their responses: visiting the party websites.
Write letters, emails and ask questions. The best In addition, the MS Society has sent out a
method of communication is through email since questionnaire to each party seeking a response
it is received quickly by the candidate and allows to the issues. Check the website to view the
them an easy way to respond to your queries. published responses.
Tweet or write on a Facebook wall! You can follow
candidates through Twitter or Facebook.
Speak to electoral candidates when they come
knocking on your door. Remember to be familiar
with the issues prior to that visit.
Attend an all-candidate debate or town hall
meetings.
20Step 6: Step 7: Meet Your Candidates
Know What Other Related
Organizations are Requesting You can consider hosting an event that will
bring together all candidates in your local
There are plenty of provincial organizations and constituency. Ideally, it should be a community
agencies that have released statements, press event that can be hosted by the chapter or a
releases and information kits for the election. local organization. The larger the number of
Feel free to explore these other resources to voters attending, the more appealing it would
help you make an informed decision and build be for candidates to attend. Organizing an
knowledge on a party or candidate’s stance on event will not guarantee that all candidates will
certain issues. show up. Since the MS Society remains non-
partisan it is important to ensure a balance by
Here are some suggestions on where you can inviting all candidates to an event.
begin your search:
The event will need to be original, appealing,
savvy and fun. It should draw media attention
Coalition Partners: and provide photo opportunities for the
candidates to come out.
Ontario Caregiver Coalition (OCC)
http://www.ccc-ccan.ca/content.php?doc=48
One example of a successful event was a
Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC) candidate macaroni and cheese cook-off
http://www.mybrainmatters.ca hosted by a student organization in Edmonton.
Each candidate was provided a cooking
station with cooking equipment and macaroni
Other Community Groups: and cheese. In addition, they were given $1.50,
which represented the small student daily
Accessibility for Ontarianswith Disabilities Act
food budget provided under the student loan
Alliance
program, to purchase additional ingredients to
http://www.aodaalliance.org/
complete the meal. Student council members
Ontario Community Support Association then judged each of the dishes. The event
(OCSA) garnered attention from local media, brought
http://www.ocsa.on.ca/ together all running candidates and ultimately
was successful in raising attention to the issue
Ontario Home Care Association (OHCA) of lowering tuition fees and increasing student
http://www.homecareontario.ca/public/ financial assistance.
Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committees You can also be creative and raise awareness
(MAACs) at your event. Some suggestions include
You can find this website by connecting to your holding wheelchair races to raise awareness on
municipal website. accessibility issues, or challenging candidates
to try to get to appointments and work using
the accessible transportation system.
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WHERE TO FIND MORE
I N F O R M AT I O N A N D R E S O U R C E S
Key websites: Party websites:
Green Party
Elections Ontario www.gpo.ca
www.elections.on.ca
Liberal Party
www.ontarioliberal.ca
Government of Ontario
www.ontario.ca New Democrat Party
www.ontariondp.com
Legislative Assembly of Ontario
www.ontla.on.ca/web/home.do Progressive Conservative Party
www.ontariopc.com
NEED SUPPORT
FOR ADVOCACY WORK?
Support is always available from the
government relations team at the MS Feel free to contact us at:
Society. We can help you to: Abidah Shamji
run through a mock meeting with Manager, Government Relations
your candidate 250 Dundas Street West,
Suite 500 Toronto, ON M5T 2Z5
find more information on issues 23
Phone: 416-922-6600 x 3117
share briefing documents Abidah.Shamji@mssociety.ca24 250 Dundas Street West, Suite 500 Toronto, ON M5T 2Z5
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