Marjorie Silverman PhD is an associate professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Ottawa. A critical social gerontologist with a background in clinical practice, she conducts research using creative methods on topics related to family care, dementia, place and space, sociology of the body, and trans and gender studies.

Helen is the co-founder of Siblings Canada, part of the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence. Siblings Canada raises awareness of the critical role siblings play in creating robust and responsive systems of care for people with disabilities.

Helen is a community builder, innovator and, most importantly, carer to her brother Paul. During a lifetime of advocating, Helen has learnt of the power of full and inclusive citizenship for all members of our community. Helen holds an MBA from the University of Guelph.

MP Mike Morrice has spent his career bringing people together. Whether working with different levels of government or not for profit organizations, Mike has a proven record of introducing ambitious ideas along with finding the funds to pay for them. He is the founder of Sustainable Waterloo Region, co-creator of ClimateActionWR, and piloted Canada’s first Green Economy Hub. This later led to Green Economy Canada and eight Green Economy Hubs across the country, which have enabled hundreds of organizations to both lower their carbon footprint and increase their profitability. He also initiated evolv1, Canada’s first net-positive energy multi-tenant building, which an ambitious group of individuals later brought to fruition.

Mike believes in using his platform to amplify the concerns of his community. This includes his commitment to science-based action on the climate crisis, to racial justice, to completing the country’s social safety net through programs like a Guaranteed Livable Income, and to electoral reform.

Mike is inspired by the great things people can accomplish when we genuinely listen to one another, look to find common ground, and prioritize future generations. He was elected to represent the riding of Kitchener Centre in 2021, winning the riding along with the title of Ontario’s first elected Green MP.

Since being elected, Mike has worked to address wealth inequality through dedicated advocacy for the Canada Disability Benefit, and to improve housing affordability through his Private Members Motion 71, which would end tax exemptions enjoyed by corporate investors.

Mike was named Young Alumnus of the Year by Laurier (2011), Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the KW Chamber of Commerce (2012), given a Special Citation for Social Entrepreneurship by EY Canada (2018), and has been an Ashoka Fellow since 2012.

Mary Lou Kelley MSW, PhD has been engaged in practice, teaching and research in gerontology and palliative care since 1972. Major research contributions were in rural and First Nations communities and long-term care homes. She was the recipient of the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association’s Award of Excellence (2011) and the Ontario Hospice Palliative Care Visionary award (2015) in recognition of her career contribution to Canadian palliative care practice, education, and research. After 35 years as a professor at Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, she retired in 2015 and relocated to Ottawa to be with family. Mary Lou has been a volunteer with Compassionate Ottawa since 2016.

Addie Greco-Sanchez is the founder and president of AGS Rehab, a leader in disability management and assessment services since 1999 that has grown into a successful company with a large network of professionals across Canada. Selected as one of PROFIT/Chatelaine’s Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs, Addie is a passionate and expert advocate for mental health in the workplace and frequent national speaker on the topic of how companies can safeguard employees’ psychological health. She is co-author of the book, The 5-Minute Recharge, 31 Proven Strategies to Refresh, Reset and Become the Boss of Your Day.

Dr. Ashley Flanagan (she/her) is the manager of health research and policy at the National Institute on Ageing (NIA), a Toronto Metropolitan University think tank focused on leading cross-disciplinary, evidence-based, and actionable research to provide a blueprint for better public policy and practices needed to address the multiple challenges and opportunities presented by Canada’s ageing population.

Ashley’s research focuses on 2SLGBTQIA+ ageing and old age with the goal of advancing comprehensive health and wellness policy, programs, and services for older adults with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. She is also chair of Rural Diversity and Aging at Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health and a member of the Ontario Centre for Learning, Research and Innovation’s (CLRI) Supporting Diversity & Inclusion in Long-Term Care Advisory Group. Ashley holds a PhD in Aging, Health, and Wellbeing from the University of Waterloo.

Oliver is the young carers coordinator at AMI-Quebec, where he promotes awareness, research and policies to support young carers, and provides group and individual support to young carers aged 5-30. He studied health and community services at the University of Victoria with a focus in disability. His personal experience as a caregiver and care recipient has given him a particular interest in interdependent caregivers, chosen family, knowledge creation and peer support.

Angela Bradley is a dynamic professional with a deep commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. Her indigenous heritage, stemming from her grandfather who was a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, has instilled in her a strong sense of identity and purpose.

Currently serving as senior director, Social Enterprise and Philanthropy at Community Living Toronto, Angela’s dedication to the non-profit sector has been both a personal passion and a lifelong professional journey. Her commitment to enhancing choice and opportunities for people with disabilities is evident through her involvement in a variety of impactful initiatives.

Angela holds an Honours BA in Psychology & Sociology from Queen’s University and has pursued post-graduate studies across North America including, York University, the Rotman School of Management, and the MBA program at North Park University.

Angela’s expertise extends to fundraising, marketing, and revenue generation. With a track record spanning over three decades, she has led an array of events that have garnered recognition for their excellence – everything from intimate community gatherings to high-profile political and celebrity affairs. Always with a focus on inclusion, community, and empowerment.

Beyond her professional roles, Angela is a passionate volunteer, sharing her knowledge with others seeking to improve various aspects of their organization. From event management and governance structures to fundraising and marketing strategies, government relations, and communication tactics, Angela’s contributions extend beyond her official roles. Her lifelong journey is a testament to her commitment to fostering more inclusive and supportive communities for all.

Christine Kelly, PhD, is an associate professor in Community Health Sciences and a research affiliate with the Centre on Aging at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Kelly is a health policy researcher with expertise in home care services for people with disabilities and older people, especially directly funded home care. Dr. Kelly has published widely and worked as an expert witness and consultant on human rights cases related to home care and disability supports. She is co-editor of Dispatches from Disabled Country (2023), The Aging —Disability Nexus (2020), Mobilizing Metaphor: Art, Culture and Disability Activism in Canada (2016), and author of Disability Politics and Care (2016), all published by UBC Press.

Claire Webster is a certified dementia care consultant (PAC), certified professional consultant on aging (CPCA), and conference speaker and educator in the field of caring for an individual with dementia. She is the founder and president of Caregiver Crosswalk Inc., a consulting firm that provides education and support services to help individuals navigate the journey of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia related illnesses. As a former care partner to her late mother who had Alzheimer’s disease, Claire has lived experience on the impact this illness has on a person living with dementia and the ripple effect on family members.

Claire works in collaboration with McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Division of Geriatric Medicine. She is the founder and ambassador of the McGill Dementia Education Program and McGill Cares, a webcast series designed to support family care partners.

Claire is one of the McGill senior co-editors of Alzheimer’s Disease International’s World Alzheimer Reports for both 2021, Journey through the diagnosis of dementia and 2022, Post-diagnostic management and support: a prescription of care. She is also a member of the Government of Canada’s Ministerial Advisory Board on Dementia.