When: April 15, 2026
Where: Parliament Hill
Autism on the Hill
A national rally promoting autism awareness and acceptance
https://www.autismonthehill.ca/
Date: Wednesday, 15th April, 2026
Where: 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.
Time: Noon - Faces of Autism Banners on display
12:15 – 12:45pm: Special guests and speakers
12:45 – 1:00: event concludes
This year we are pleased to have Vincent Bishop join us. Vincent is a French-language folk singer-songwriter and proud autistic, who will be playing his original music at our event.
Speakers: Suzanne Jacobson, Founder/President QuickStart Autism
The Honourable Mike Lake
Deepa Singal (PhD), Scientific Director, Autism Alliance of Canada, update on the National Autism Strategy.
Courtney Weaver, autistic speaker
Please join us for Autism on the Hill. Everyone is welcome!
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.
For more background on The Honourable Jim Munson's advocacy for a National Autism Strategy, please read this article: https://sencanada.ca/en/sencaplus/opinion/senators-call-for-federal-autism-strategy-sen-munson/
Event Speakers
Vincent Bishop is a french-language folk singer-songwriter and proud autistic, and will be returning to perform his original music at Autism on the Hill again in 2026!
Courtney Weaver, 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.
Edward King - autistic speaker
The Honourable Mike Lake and his son, Jaden, at Autism on the Hill
Dr. Deepa Singal - Autism Alliance of Canada
Photo submission for our 2026 Faces of Autism banners are now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted!
The Faces of Autism banners are more than just photos, they are a reminder that the people are the reason we're on Parliament Hill, asking the Government of Canada for support throughout their lifespan.