Advocacy in Action: What's Next After the Election?

Celiac Tax Advocacy Update

After a disappointing end to our federal petition last fall—cut short by the proroguing of Parliament—we were more determined than ever to make our voices heard during the federal election.

More than 4,000 supporters joined us in calling for affordability and tax fairness, sending letters to all major party leaders. We amplified our message by reaching out to local candidates, engaging media outlets across the country, and sharing the real cost of living with celiac disease—including your photos of “mounds of receipts” that underscored the unfair financial burden so many face with little relief in return.

One story that stood out was that of Andy Carnovale of Ontario, who has been audited twice over just $300—each time having to submit 60 pages of photocopied receipts. Andy’s experience reflects the frustration of countless Canadians with celiac disease: navigating endless red tape for minimal tax relief, despite the high cost of a medically necessary gluten-free diet.

Now that the election has concluded and the Liberal Party has earned the confidence of Canadians, we’re shifting to our post-election advocacy strategy. Guided by our Advocacy Working Group, we’re launching several key initiatives to push for affordability and safe food access for all Canadians living with celiac disease:

Send letters of congratulations to Members of Parliament and Ministers in key portfolios—Health, Finance, and Revenue
Invite key Ministers on a “Celiac Tour” to experience the daily realities of living gluten free
Launch Petition #2, our renewed national petition to the House of Commons
Submit recommendations for the federal budget and fall economic statement
Build relationships with new Parliamentary Committees on Health and Finance
Re-establish the All-Party Celiac Caucus to drive policy change and raise awareness. Learn more about the Celiac Caucus here.

Stay tuned for ways to get involved. With your continued support, we can move the needle on real affordability for Canadians living with celiac disease.