IDEA Launch Event
On May 18th, 2023, IDEA hosted a hybrid launch event, with attendees joining online and in-person in downtown Toronto.
Emile Tompa speaking at the IDEA Launch event
Alec Farquhar speaking at the IDEA launch event
Rebecca Gewurtz speaking at the IDEA launch event
Group photo of the IDEA National Office team from the IDEA launch event.
Ronessa Dass, smiling during a workshop at the IDEA launch event
Mahadeo Sukhai speaking at the IDEA launch event
Hybrid workshop session at the IDEA launch event
Matt Freeman speaking at the IDEA launch event
Karen Harlos and another attendee chatting at the IDEA launch event
Sinead McCarthy and Timothy Lang of Youth Employment Serviced (YES) at the IDEA launch event
View of online Zoom attendees screen
Panel discussion at IDEA launch event with Rebecca Gewurtz, Emile Tompa, Mahadeo Sukhai, Michael Gottheil and Alec Farquhar
IDEA launch event attendee Krista Carr
Attendees at IDEA launch event
Attendees of the IDEA launch in a workshop session
Tammy C. Yates-Rajaduray speaking at the IDEA launch event
Group photo of attendees from the IDEA launch event
Arif Jetha speaking at the IDEA Launch
Francis Fung speaking at the IDEA Launch
Group session at IDEA Launch event
Leaders and champions in government, business, labour and the disability community presented with the IDEA team at the launch. They highlighted the importance and innovation of IDEA’s partnered, knowledge to practice approach. Key speakers included:
- The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Government of Canada
- The Honourable Mona Fortier, President, Treasury Board
- The Honourable Perrin Beatty, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
- Bea Bruske, President, Canadian Labour Congress
- Mayor Mike Bradley, City of Sarnia
- Krista Carr, Executive Vice President, Inclusion Canada
- Michael Gottheil, Accessibility Commissioner, Canadian Human Rights Commission
- Mahadeo Sukhai, Vice President, Research & International Affairs, and Chief Accessibility Officer, Canadian National Institute for the Blind
- Tammy Yates, Executive Director, Realize Canada
214
Total Attendees
159
Virtual attendees
55
In person attendees
IDEA Launch Perrin Beatty
IDEA Launch Perrin Beatty
IDEA Launch Tammy Yates
IDEA Launch Tammy Yates
IDEA Launch Krista Carr
IDEA Launch Krista Carr
IDEA Launch Mike Bradley
IDEA Launch Mike Bradley
IDEA Launch Mona Fortier
IDEA Launch Mona Fortier
IDEA Launch Carla Qualtrough
IDEA Launch Carla Qualtrough
IDEA Launch Bea Bruske
IDEA Launch Bea Bruske
IDEA Launch Kelly McDermott
IDEA Launch Kelly McDermott
IDEA Launch Mahadeo Sukhai
IDEA Launch Mahadeo Sukhai
IDEA Launch Matthew Freeman
IDEA Launch Matthew Freeman
IDEA Launch Michael Gottheil
IDEA Launch Michael Gottheil
Challenges to employment for people with disabilities were shared, such as the gaps that exist across current support systems and the abundance of resources, tools and systems that operate in silos. As these challenges were shared, so too was the responsibility to develop and implement tangible solutions. ‘The fierce urgency of now’ was introduced by Mayor Bradley as a mantra to drive change and encourage everyone to take the steps needed to create accessible and inclusive workplaces.
As the IDEA initiative moves forward, the continued collaboration of those in the social innovation lab network will be critical to the success of the initiative.
In Memorium
Katherine Lippel
Katherine Lippel
Patrick Loisel
Patrick Loisel
David Onley
David Onley
John Rae
John Rae
Marcia Rioux
Marcia Rioux