The National Task Force on Deinstitutionalization was formed in 2002 by People First of Canada (PFC) and the Canadian Association for Community Living, now Inclusion Canada (IC). The Task Force held its first meeting in Halifax. By establishing this Task Force, People First of Canada, Inclusion Canada, and their provincial and territorial associations, commit to highlighting the continued and unacceptable confinement of people with intellectual disabilities in institutions throughout Canada.

The Task Force is co-chaired by an Executive Member of People First of Canada and Inclusion Canada.

The Task Force believes that the institutionalization of persons with intellectual disabilities is a denial of their basic right of citizenship and participation in community. We believe institutionalization is against the rights protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The institutionalization of people with intellectual disabilities in Canada remains a major barrier to full inclusion and citizenship. As long as these facilities exist, people with intellectual disabilities will be at risk of being institutionalized.