Kids Brain Health Network Hosts Parliament Hill Reception Showcasing Disability Research Innovations for Child and Family Health
KBHN hosted a gathering in Ottawa, uniting MPs, political figures, and over 200 attendees at Parliament Hill’s Sir John A. MacDonald Building, fostering dialogue to enhance the lives of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
December 20, 2023
Vancouver, Canada — Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) held a gathering on October 23 in Ottawa, bringing together Members of Parliament, key political figures, researchers, and conference attendees at the Sir John A. MacDonald Building on Parliament Hill. More than 200 attendees interacted with policy makers and Parliament staff at the event, alongside KBHN’s annual conference in the same week, aimed at improving the lives of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Distinguished speakers representing the Government of Canada graced the stage throughout the evening. The Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, shared her insights into the critical realm of neurodevelopmental disabilities. Conservative M.P. Mike Lake, joined by his son Jaden who has Autism, expressed heartfelt sentiments while emphasizing his long-term family and political support for KBHN. Liberal M.P. Francesco Sorbara delivered impactful remarks as host of the reception, and committed to being a vocal advocate for KBHN in Parliament—as did NDP M.P. Heather McPherson.
The Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, shared her insights into the critical realm of neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Conservative M.P. Mike Lake, joined by his son Jaden who has Autism, expressed heartfelt sentiments while emphasizing his long-term family and political support for KBHN.
NDP M.P. Heather McPherson commits to being a vocal advocate for KBHN in Parliament.
The entire KBHN community welcomed this reception as an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships with government officials and policymakers. Network leaders and researchers also made new connections as part of KBHN’s ongoing government engagement efforts, while providing a venue for nonpartisan conversations about disability research innovations among federal government leaders. Notable attendees included the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, former Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, M.P. Brendan Hanley, former Yukon Chief Medical Officer of Health, and Dr. Stephen Ellis, Conservative Shadow Minister of Health. The reception also introduced the mission and work of KBHN to esteemed officials including the Honourable Helena Jaczek, former Federal Cabinet Minister, Conservative M.P.s Greg McLean and Michelle Ferreri, and Bloc Québécois M.P. Andreanne Larouche. Staff members from Health Canada and from Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada also participated in the event and engaged with KBHN research teams.
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Nicky Lewis, CEO of KBHN, expressed her gratitude to everyone who joined the reception. “This evening is both a thank you and a celebration,” she remarked. “It is our opportunity to say thank you to the Government of Canada for its support of KBHN for over 14 years; to acknowledge the researchers, trainees, and the families who have worked so hard to improve the lives and outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities — to give kids the very best quality of life and every opportunity to reach their full potential. Our mission of translating research into practice and of implementing those changes into real-life, real-world experiences is only possible because of this community.” |
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Geoff Pradella, KBHN Board Co-Chair, spoke about the Network’s efforts to work hand in hand with the government. “Over the past year, the researchers, policy specialists, partners, families and team of Kids Brain Health Network have collaborated to contribute policy briefs to four causes that have come before the federal government—including the National Autism Strategy, navigating pandemic recovery through disability-inclusive policy, implementing the Canada Disability Benefit, and implementing the Child Care Benefit bill.” |
Pradella further emphasized the Network’s efforts to help children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, “We deeply appreciate this gathering of Kids Brain Health Network members and government representatives serving communities nationwide. This event emboldens our stand for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, who are often overlooked, along with their families. This is a space for connection, listening, and building relationships—a pivotal moment for these kids and communities everywhere.”
The reception spotlighted KBHN’s transformative work with researchers and policy experts discussing ideas and putting forth conversations on disability research innovations; while also advocating for crucial support, namely the federal government’s Strategic Science Fund.
Liberal M.P. Francesco Sorbara delivered impactful remarks as host of the reception.
KBHN CEO Nikki Lewis speaks with the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, former Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, along with other network members and researchers.
KBHN CEO Nikki Lewis; Jamie Dunlop, Superintendent-Executive Officer at Ottawa Police service; Sara Saber Freedman, Board Co-Chair, KBHN; and, Geoff Pradella, Board Co-Chair, KBHN
About Kids Brain Health Network
KBHN is a national network that develops and harnesses scientific advances in technologies, interventions and supports with the goal of helping children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families live their best lives. The science of children’s brain health is making advancements and KBHN is bridging the gaps between these scientific advances and implementing solutions that directly address the needs of children and families. In delivering on its mission, KBHN is advancing federal responsibilities and priorities aimed at building a healthier future for all kids.
More information is available at: www.kidsbrainhealth.ca/.
For further details
Contact: Prachi Jatania
Communications Manager, KBHN
communications@kidsbrainhealth.ca
