On March 17, at the Hilton Québec people from throughout the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community in Quebec gathered for an important advocacy event.
Jointly organized by Breakthrough T1D and Diabetes Québec, the Autour du diabète de type 1 event brought together for the first time in several years, Quebec diabetes organizations, as well as patients, clinicians, researchers, elected officials, and several industry partners.
More than just a gathering, the evening became a true collective call for justice, equity, and change—voiced together, in unity, and directed at decision‑makers within the Quebec government.
This atmosphere was warm and supportive, and reflected the diversity and strength of those in attendance:
- Manon Lalonde and Anne‑Frédérique Simard, two women living with type 1 diabetes
- Representatives from the medtech industry, including Abbott, Dexcom, Insulet, Medtronic, and Tandem, who came to express their support for the community
- Staff members from Breakthrough T1D and Diabetes Québec
- Members of parliament and key players within Quebec’s healthcare system
All were united around a clear objective: to end age‑based discrimination for insulin pump coverage in Quebec.
Heartwarming stories shared in support of an important cause
The central moment of the evening was unquestionably the conversation with Anne‑Frédérique Simard and Manon Lalonde—two individual life journeys but with one shared disease.
By sharing their stories, they brought the discussion back to what truly matters: human experience. With vulnerability and courage, they shared about:
- Their diagnoses, one in childhood and the other in adulthood
- The financial injustice faced when diabetes device coverage ends or is denied
- The psychological impact of a living with T1D, a disease that is 24/7 with no breaks or time off
- The immense burden created by unequal access to life‑sustaining and enhancing diabetes technologies
Their final message resonated deeply with the attendees:
“Access to insulin pumps should be a right, and their use a choice, regardless of the age at diagnosis.”
There was nothing more to add. Only to listen, and act.
A unified voice: organizations speaking together to advocate to Quebec’s provincial government
For the first time, there was public and powerful demonstration of unity among Quebec and national diabetes organizations with a shared goal.
Kim Hanson, Chief of External Relations, and Kim Lacombe, Chief Development Officer of Breakthrough T1D, represented the organization, and demonstrated their commitment to seeing through a change in the current inequitable access to insulin pump coverage in the province.
A particularly striking moment was the joint address by Kim Hanson and Susana Lazzaro, the new CEO of Diabetes Québec. Standing side by side, they delivered a powerful message: divisions no longer belong here, the community is united, the asks are clear: the time for change is now.
They reminded everyone of a simple truth that is sometimes forgotten: behind every administrative decision, every regulation, every delay, there is a person. There is a life affected.
And for people living with T1D, those decisions can mean the difference between more stable T1D management or unnecessary challenges. Patient choice is paramount, and every individual with T1D must be able to make their own decisions regarding their management.
Clear, essential, and urgent political asks
The presentation on advocacy priorities highlighted two requests:
- That the Government of Quebec expand access to insulin pumps and their supplies for adults living with type 1 diabetes or latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA)
- That the Government of Quebec modernize RAMQ processes so approvals are faster, simpler, and ensure continuity of insulin therapy
The message was clear: Quebec can do better. And that Quebec must do better—as the only province in Canada that does not cover insulin pumps for people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes after the age of 18, this inequitable practice needs to change.
A resounding success—and a beginning, not an end
The evening concluded with a renewed spirit of mobilization and openness. Discussions were honest, human, sometimes emotional, but always driven by a shared vision: to build a Quebec where access to healthcare no longer depends on age.
The March 17 event planted something powerful. That the community is strong and that we know the solutions exist.
The next step is for Quebec to end age-based discrimination to diabetes technologies and provide every person living with type 1 diabetes with the tools they need to live fully, healthily and safely.
Closing thoughts
For everyone present that evening, a singular theme emerged: that collectively we witnessed a turning point, and this is a movement that goes beyond individual organizations.
Together, we started working towards needed change, and this event was only the beginning.
If you would like to add your voice to this important movement, you can support our advocacy efforts by signing the petition here.
