To every delegate who walked the halls of Parliament this year, this blog is for you.
T1D on the Hill 2026 was about more than meetings and metrics. It was about people. It was about families, kids, parents, adults living with type 1 diabetes, and the shared belief that progress happens when we show up together.
And show up you did.
On May 4th and 5th, 28 delegates from across Canada met with Members of Parliament, Senators, and senior staff. In total, 49 parliamentarians engaged with Breakthrough T1D Canada and learned about the Breakthrough T1D Network Canada. We can confirm, the reception to our message was overwhelmingly positive.
What made the difference was you.
Delegates spoke with confidence, clarity, and heart. You shared personal stories that brought the realities of type 1 diabetes into sharp focus. You explained why 2026 is a critical moment for research and access. You showed decision-makers that T1D is not abstract or theoretical. It is something families live with every single day.
The feedback we heard again and again was that the message was clear and compelling. Parliamentarians appreciated the materials you shared, the focused ask, and the fact that everything fit into a meaningful conversation. Many asked thoughtful questions. Many requested follow-ups. And many committed to helping move this work forward.
There were real and tangible wins. We secured commitments from MPs and Senators to champion the Breakthrough T1D Network Canada internally and we identified strong allies across parties. We saw statements made publicly in the House of Commons and the Senate. We opened doors with central agencies and built new connections that will support the path ahead.
These outcomes matter, but they only happened because our delegates were prepared, supported, and brave enough to speak from experience. Kids and their parents spoke not only about their daily challenges, but about why a cure matters to their future. Adults living with T1D spoke about the daily mental and physical load of managing this disease, the financial burden, but they also shared how a cure would impact their lives. Together, you struck a balance between policy and humanity that left a lasting impression.
One of the most powerful moments of the week came at our reception. More than 90 people filled the room, including over 20 MPs and Senators. The energy was unmistakable. Conversations flowed easily. Parliamentarians stayed, listened, and engaged. It was a clear signal that when our community gathers, people pay attention.
This year also marked an important evolution for T1D on the Hill. With new Breakthrough T1D branding, a more centralized government relations approach, and board members working closely with delegates, the effort felt cohesive and purposeful. Kids and adults advocated side by side, showing that T1D affects every stage of life and that solutions must too.
There is still work ahead. Questions about research funding and science will continue. Follow-ups with offices and committees are already underway. But the momentum is real, and it was built by the collective effort of this community.
To our delegates: thank you for your time, your preparation, and your courage. Thank you for sharing your story and for lending your voice so that others living with type 1 diabetes may someday live with less burden, and eventually, without this disease.
T1D on the Hill 2026 reminded us of something powerful. When our community comes together, we don’t just ask to be heard. We are heard.
If you’d like to help keep this momentum going, we invite you to send a letter to your MP by clicking the link below. https://Advocacy.BreakthroughT1D.ca/page/188437/action/1 We’ll keep you updated on our progress in the months to come!
