November 14, 2021
Autism and Disability Rights Advocate Announces run for Green Party Nomination in Lanark Frontenac Kingston
Carleton Place resident, and autism & disability rights advocate Maddy Dever, has thrown their name into the hat to seek the Green party nomination for next year’s provincial election.
The Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston Green Party of Ontario riding association has opened a call for nominations for the June 2022 provincial election which is set to close on November 17, 2021. The Nomination Meeting will be held via Zoom on Sunday, December 12 at 1 pm. In order to vote, new members must join by November 28.
The Green Party of Ontario has approved two potential candidates for LFK. Carleton Place resident Maddy Dever (they/them) is one of them. They are an Autistic adult and parent of five children with four also Autistic. Maddy has been an advocate for change locally, provincially and federally, in how we fund and support “special education”; affordable and accessible housing; and moving ODSP disability support rates out of poverty levels.
Taking The Plunge
“I have lived in this riding most of my adult life, and have seen first hand the change all our communities have experienced over the last 25 years. In the past few years we have seen significant challenges with our healthcare, as well as significantly increased costs of housing, energy and food. Between COVID and climate change, we are facing a crisis on several fronts that need new ideas and new eyes to bring about effective change to build back a greener and more caring Ontario. I want to be part of that change.”
Maddy is currently on the Board of Directors of ConnectWell Community Health (formerly known as Lanark & Renfrew Health & Community Services), a local rural organization supporting thousands of citizens, including supports and services for Autistic children, youth, adults and their families.
Maddy is also a former member of the Ontario Autism Program Advisory Panel, and current member of the Ontario Autism Program Implementation Working Group.
Positive Collaborator
“I met Mike Schreiner in April 2019, while advocating for better autism services with my teen daughter. He made a huge impression on both of us that day. I have been watching him ever since then as he works constructively with all parties to bring about programs and services that we need.”
“I have spent the last 3 years working hard being part of provincial advisory panels, and national advocacy organizations to see constructive and positive change in how we fund autism services for children in Ontario. In these panels I have tried to strike a balance between advocating for my family based on my experience and advocating for all autistic children/youth, while also working closely with people with differing viewpoints to find a common purpose.”
“I want to bring this same spirit of hard work and collaboration to Queens Park, representing the needs of the people living and working in Lanark Frontenac Kingston”
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to earn the support of the green party members, and join Mike Schreiner’s amazing team. As we “Build Back Better” after COVID, I believe that now is the time for us to make this province affordable, accessible and sustainable”
For further information you may email maddy@maddydever.com, or call 613-700-8090.
maddydever.com
