Independent Living Canada (IL Canada) – Board of Directors

The Board of Directors for IL Canada are comprised of a majority of people who themselves live with a disability and include Members at Large as well as a representative from each Province where an Independent Living Centre is located.

IL Canada’s aim has been about empowering the individual to self-identify positive changes. IL Centres are designed to facilitate greater independence through the active and meaningful involvement of persons living with any form of disability in all aspects of their lives.

Independent Living Canada (IL Canada) commits to promoting and building awareness of its mission by undertaking the following activities:

  1. Policy articulation and development
  2. Guidance and support to IL Centres in operations, programs and services delivery
  3. Resources, training development and providing networking opportunities
  4. Liaison and education with the government, general public, community agencies, media, nonprofit and private sector

Portrait of Katleen ODell

Kathleen Odell

National Chairperson, Provincial Representative – Ontario Toronto, ON

Stephen Wheeler

1st Vice Chair, Provincial Representative – Newfoundland and Labrador St. John’s, NL
Portrait of Carrie Ernds

Carrie Ernst

2nd Vice-Chair, Provincial Representative – Nova-Scotia Halifax, NS

Samantha Walsh

Secretary, Member at large – Ontario Toronto, ON

Sue Larocque

Treasurer, Member at Large – Ontario Kapuskasing, ON
Portrait of Kimberly Yetman Dawson

Kimberly Yetman Dawson

Member at large – Newfoundland and Labrador St. John’s, NL

Cathy LaFrance

Provincial Representatives British-Columbia

Jimmy Tessier Royer

Provincial Representatives Québec

Ken Taylor

Provincial Representatives Saskatchewan

Resources

Independent Living Canada and the Independent Living Centres across Canada have produced quality resources over the last 30 years. You’ll find a few here and you can contact your local IL Centre for more information on the other resources available and a representative will assist you.

View All Resources

Our Mission

Independent Living Canada is a national non-profit association of Independent Living Centres run by and for people with disabilities who promote the Independent Living Philosophy.

Independent Living Canada supports the development of Independent Living Centres, and provides education and leadership for its member organizations, partners and communities.

  1.  Be consumer-controlled: More than 51% of people directly involved in the organization’s management and decision-making are people with disabilities.
  2. Serve cross disability: Offer programs and services to all persons, regardless of the type and number of their disabilities.
  3. Be community-based and not-for-profit: More People with disabilities can identify issues in their own communities which affect their lives.
  4. Promote full participation & integration: Supporting people with disabilities and encouraging individuals to participate in all aspects of economic, cultural and social life in Canada.