Autism on the Hill by QuickStart Autism

Wed, April 15th, 2026

Location: Down from the Centennial Flame towards the Parliament Buildings on the pavement or grass area - there will be a temporary platform set up for the speakers.

12:00 - 12:15pm: 2026 Faces of Autism banners displayed.
12:15 - 12:45pm: Come and hear folk singer-songwriter and proud autistic, Vincent Bishop, perform his original music and hear the 2026 Speakers:
-The Honourable Mike Lake
-Dr. Deepa Singal -Update on the National Autism Strategy by the Autism Alliance of Canada
-Courtney Weaver - autistic speaker
12:45 to 1pm event concludes

Please join us on Parliament Hill, Ottawa. Everyone is welcome!

**The Honourable Mike Lake with his son Jaden at Autism on the Hill**

**Courtney Weaver**

Courtney, M.A., is and has been active and engaged in multiple roles in/related to autism and accessibility since graduating in 2017 from York University with a Master’s degree in Critical Disability Studies. Her current roles include Learning and Development Assistant for the Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE), member of the Azrieli Self-Advocate Advisory Group and office assistant to national autism advocate MP Mike Lake. She is also a FER-YER course graduate and project advisor. Her leisure interests include reading, walking, writing and puns.

**The Honourable Jim Munson**

Jim has been a strong advocate for many years. He retired from the Senate but his voice remains strong supporting neurodiverse persons.
Suzanne Jacobson with The Honourable Jim Munson at Autism on the Hill

Autism on the Hill
A national rally promoting autism awareness and acceptance

In 2012 An Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day (by The Honourable Jim Munson) was passed in Parliament and became law, with Canada now officially recognizing World Autism Awareness Day.

Suzanne Jacobson, Founder and President of QuickStart Early Intervention for Autism, wanted to do something in our nation’s capital for World Autism Awareness Day so in 2013, the first Autism on the Hill was held on Parliament Hill and our first Faces of Autism banner was created and displayed.

With the support of The Honourable Jim Munson and The Honourable Mike Lake the first Autism on the Hill took place on Wednesday, March 27th, 2013!

The goal of Autism on the Hill is to raise awareness and understanding of autism, creating greater acceptance. We advocate for a National Autism Strategy so autistic people have the support they need, when they need it, throughout their lifetime, no matter where they live in Canada.

Each year Canadian autistic people are invited to send us their photo to be included on our Faces of Autism banners, a highly anticipated part of Autism on the Hill. Last year, the banners featured more than 130 faces. They are displayed at Autism on the Hill and are shared on QuickStart Autism’s social media and website.

Autism on the Hill is held on a Wednesday, when Question Period is held, so MPs and Senators can attend and show their support. This year we are pleased to collaborate with the Autism Alliance of Canada. Autism on the Hill is occurring during their Canadian Autism Leadership Summit so summit attendees may attend Autism on the Hill.

The Honourable Jim Munson's advocacy for a National Autism Strategy: https://sencanada.ca/en/sencaplus/opinion/senators-call-for-federal-autism-strategy-sen-munson/

In 2023, there were two Acts in progress in Canadian Parliament that will have a positive impact for autistic people:

An Act respecting a federal framework on autism spectrum disorder (S-203) is in progress.

An Act to reduce poverty and to support the financial security of persons with disabilities (C-22) is also in progress. "When the Senate passes Bill C-22, it has Royal assent and becomes law! A major step closer to getting money in the hands of disabled people!" - Disability without Poverty, 2023 Everyone is welcome.

In honour of Autism Awareness Day, Autism on the Hill was created in 2013 by Suzanne Jacobson, a grandmother of two Autistic boys.

These are our 2025 Faces of Autism Banners

Photos are in alphabetical order, by the individual’s first name.

Follow us on Twitter:
twitter.com/autismonthehill

Like us on Facebook:
facebook.com/AutismontheHillCanada