About IL Canada
Founded in 1986, Independent Living Canada (IL Canada) is the national umbrella organization, representing and coordinating a network of Independent Living Centres (IL Centres) at the national level.
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:
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:
- Policy articulation and development
- Guidance and support to IL Centres in operations, programs and services delivery
- Resources, training development and providing networking opportunities
- Liaison and education with the government, general public, community agencies, media, nonprofit and private sector
Executives
Kathleen Odell
National Chairperson Toronto, ON |
Carrie Ernst
1st Vice-Chair Halifax, NS |
Samantha Walsh
2nd Vice-Chair Toronto, ON |
Sue Larocque
Treasurer Kapuskasing, ON |
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Provincial Representatives |
Members at Large |
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Carrie Ernst, Nova-Scotia
Cathy LaFrance, British-Columbia Jimmy Tessier Royer, Québec Julie Haché, New-Brunswick Kathleen Odell, Ontario Ken Taylor, Saskatchewan Stephen Wheeler, Newfoundland and Labrador |
Kimberly Yetman Dawson, Newfoundland and Labrador
Samantha Walsh, Ontario Sue Larocque, Ontario |
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Deborah Louise Kennard 1954 – 2019 |
It is with heavy hearts that the board of directors for IL Canada regretfully announce the passing of Deborah Kennard (1954-2019), board member, colleague and friend.
As a fierce activist for the rights of persons with disabilities, all those that knew Deborah, knew of her dedication to the independent living philosophy and what that meant for persons with disabilities. Deborah lived her life with an incredible sense of resilience, a respect for the rights of everyone and a smile that lit up a room. She had a gentle quiet wisdom and believed in the simple truth that individual people have the power to make a difference but that together we are stronger.
IL Canada will be forever grateful for Deborah's tireless work and advocacy on both a national level as well as for her work within her own province, as chair of Vie autonome – Montreal. The memory of this truly remarkable woman will remain with IL Canada and all its sister centres across the country embedded in the work we do each day. It will be the memory of Deborah's tenacity and genuine kindness that will remain with us all as we forge ahead for the rights of persons with disabilities.
On behalf of the IL Canada Board of directors, we would like to offer sincere condolences to Deborah's family, friends, colleagues and to everyone who had the pleasure and honour to meet and know her.
As a fierce activist for the rights of persons with disabilities, all those that knew Deborah, knew of her dedication to the independent living philosophy and what that meant for persons with disabilities. Deborah lived her life with an incredible sense of resilience, a respect for the rights of everyone and a smile that lit up a room. She had a gentle quiet wisdom and believed in the simple truth that individual people have the power to make a difference but that together we are stronger.
IL Canada will be forever grateful for Deborah's tireless work and advocacy on both a national level as well as for her work within her own province, as chair of Vie autonome – Montreal. The memory of this truly remarkable woman will remain with IL Canada and all its sister centres across the country embedded in the work we do each day. It will be the memory of Deborah's tenacity and genuine kindness that will remain with us all as we forge ahead for the rights of persons with disabilities.
On behalf of the IL Canada Board of directors, we would like to offer sincere condolences to Deborah's family, friends, colleagues and to everyone who had the pleasure and honour to meet and know her.
Our Vision
Independent Living Canada envisions an inclusive and accessible society where people with disabilities are valued equally and participate fully.
Our Misson
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.
Independent Living Canada envisions an inclusive and accessible society where people with disabilities are valued equally and participate fully.
Our Misson
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.
