40 Years of Independent Living

Welcome to IL Canada's 40th Anniversary Events Page

Learn More About Becoming an Event Partner!

This year marks a remarkable milestone for Independent Living Canada (IL Canada): 40 years of advancing the Independent Living movement across the country. We are proud to launch our official 40th Anniversary Events page, your central hub for all the celebrations, gatherings, and initiatives taking place throughout this special year.

Across Canada, IL Canada and our Member Centres will be marking this milestone through meaningful events that celebrate leadership, community, and the power of lived experience. From our national conference and Annual General Meeting to local and regional activities, this anniversary is an opportunity to come together, reflect, and look ahead.

We invite you to explore this page and return often as new events, announcements, and opportunities to engage are added. Whether you are a community member, partner, supporter, or ally, there will be many ways to take part in this celebration.

Our 40th Anniversary Theme:
We are so pleased to announce this year's event theme which reflects both a deep respect for the history that has brought us here and a strong commitment to the future we are building together.

“40 Years and Onward – Shaping the Future of Independent Living”

Current Communications:

Official 40th Anniversary Media Release

Save the Date - IL Canada's 40th Anniversary

Event Location:
Our official 40th Anniversary Events will be celebrated in Ottawa, Ontario during the last day of our Annual General Meeting and Conference on Friday, September 11, 2026. Venue details will be shared at a later time once confirmed. 

"Geting Inked for IL" Event Campaign:

To help raise awareness of Independent Living Canada, the IL Movement in Canada and our 40th Anniversary, we are currently launching a "Get Inked for IL" Campaign that will invite all allies of IL to don a temporary tattoo of our logo, and share this through various social media channels. If you'd like to take part in this campaign, we invite you to connect with your local IL member centre, as all have been sent bundles of tattoos to share in their regions and lead local campaigns.

 

 

Together, we honour 40 years of progress - and continue shaping a future grounded in independence, inclusion, and collective strength.