Inside the System: Disabled Politicians and the Fight for Representation with Mario Levesque

In this episode of the History in 60 Companion Podcast, host John Loeppky sits down with Dr. Mario Levesque to explore disability and political representation in Canada. From barriers to elected office to shifting public attitudes and policy reform, this conversation examines what’s changed, what hasn’t, and why disabled leadership matters in Canadian democracy. Together, they unpack how institutional systems shape participation, the importance of visibility, and what meaningful inclusion in politics really requires. Watch the full episode on AMI+ Find the Video Podcast on YouTube GUEST BIO Dr. Mario Levesque is a Professor of Canadian Politics and Public Policy in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Mount Allison University.His teaching and research focus on, Canadian public policy analysis, Governance and institutional design, Social policy, and Disability politics and political participation Dr. Levesque’s work examines how institutional arrangements shape policy outcomes, including the barriers and opportunities that people with disabilities encounter when engaging with political systems and seeking elected office. His research has contributed to broader discussions about disability representation in Canadian provincial and federal politics, including analysis of openly disabled candidates and evolving policy platforms.   SHOW NOTES The History in 60 Podcast is the official companion to the television series History in 60 on AMI Television. While the series highlights key moments in Canada’s disability history, this podcast creates space to go deeper and explore the conversations shaping disability culture and public life today. Hosted by John Loeppky, each episode connects the history we see on screen with the people thinking, writing, and working in these areas right now. In this episode, we turn to politics. Who gets to participate in Canada’s democracy? Who gets to run? Who gets heard? What happens when systems were not built with everyone in mind? For much of Canada’s history, disabled people were excluded from political life, not only because of physical barriers, but because of assumptions about leadership, capacity, and legitimacy. Those assumptions shaped who entered politics and how disability was understood within public institutions. In the television episode on disability and politics, we explored how disabled Canadians have navigated structural barriers, claimed space within legislative institutions, and expanded the boundaries of political leadership in this country. In the podcast, John sits down with Dr. Mario Levesque, Professor of Canadian Politics and Public Policy at Mount Allison University, to examine disability and political representation in Canada. Drawing on his research into governance and public policy, Dr. Levesque discusses openly disabled politicians in provincial and federal politics, the structural barriers that remain, and how disability policy platforms can move beyond symbolism toward meaningful change. They explore the difference between barriers facing disabled voters and those facing disabled candidates, how institutional design shapes access to power, and why representation matters not only for legislation, but for how we understand leadership itself. Disability history is deeply connected to democracy. As this conversation makes clear, representation reshapes expectations. This episode is a starting point and an invitation to continue exploring disability, power, and leadership in Canada’s political history.   Referenced in this Episode: Mount Allison University McMaster University Policy Change (Dr. Mario Levesque) Government of British Columbia – Accessibility Directorate Legislative Assembly of British Columbia Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan Jamie Shields Carla Qualtrough Jim Flaherty David C. Onley Stephanie Cadieux Michelle Stilwell Sam Sullivan Keith Jorgenson To learn more about Dr Levesque’s work: Mount Allison University Faculty ProfileLinkedIn   Credits: Dr. Mario Levesque, Guest John Loepkky Host & Creator Brent Kawchuk, Co Producer Cali James, Metamorphosis Media Group, Co Producer & Narrator Podcast Studio Camera: Daylen Hartz & Kody Ng Kade Stevens, KS Media, Editor If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the History in 60 Companion Podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who might appreciate the conversation. Your support helps more people discover these stories and the history behind them. About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services: AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English, plus AMI-télé in French, along with the AMI+ streaming platform. 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