One day. One country. Six million minutes of reading.

The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada invites Canadians to celebrate the joy of reading and join The Great Read-Along

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 14, 2026 /CNW/ -- One day. One country. Six million minutes of reading. The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC) invites Canadians from coast to coast to share in the joy of reading together on October 22, 2026, as part of the Great Read-Along, a collective movement to support young people who learn differently.  

The Great Read-Along began in Quebec in 2025, exceeding expectations with more than 137,000 participants logging 3.8 million minutes of shared reading. This year, LDAC is expanding The Great Read-Along nationally in collaboration with Institut des troubles d'apprentissage (Institut TA) and with support from LDAC's provincial and territorial partner associations.

"For the millions of Canadian individuals with a learning disability, reading can be a challenge. We want to highlight the joy that reading can bring to our lives and how we must continue to support and provide resources for those who need it so that everyone can experience reading in a way that is meaningful for them," says Kim McLean, Executive Director of the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada.

This bilingual initiative has already recorded over 3,000,000 minutes of shared reading, with more than 103,000 participants who will be joining the Great Read-Along on October 22, and the numbers keep growing!

National campaign ambassadors Wakefield Brewster and Marie-Soleil "Sunny" Labelle are helping bring the Great Read-Along to life across Canada.   

"Growing up with a learning difference, I learned quickly that reading and learning don't look the same for everyone. Sometimes you have to find your own way in.", says Wakefield Brewster, poet, educator, producer and literacy advocate.

For Marie-Soleil "Sunny" Labelle, race car driver and engineering student at the University of Ottawa, her learning difference has become a driving force, both on the track and in life. "I want to show young people that their learning challenges can become their greatest strength."

Every minute counts
It is simple -- and free -- to take part. Register online, individually or as a class, family, workplace or group of friends, and choose a reading duration of 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes.  

Registered participants receive ready-to-use educational kits for elementary and secondary schools, families and adults, making it easy to bring the Great Read-Along into classrooms, homes, workplaces and communities.

On October 22, everyone reads what they love, wherever they want, at a time that works for them.  

To participate in The Great Read-Along: thegreatreadalong.ca(La Grande lecture partagée)

About the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada

The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC) is a national non-profit organization that empowers and advocates for individuals with learning disabilities and associated ADHD, creating equal opportunities for all to succeed. Our vision is that all Canadians honour the rights of persons living with learning disabilities and associated challenges to thrive. Website: ldac-acta.ca 

Available spokespersons

• Kim McLean, Executive Director, Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC)
• Wakefield Brewster, professional poet, educator, literacy advocate and ambassador for the Great Read-Along
• Marie-Soleil "Sunny" Labelle, race car driver, engineering student and ambassador for the Great Read-Along; French-language spokesperson

SOURCE Learning Disabilities Association of Canada

Media Contact / Interview Requests: Tia Ng, [email protected] 647-983-9465