Ronald Bisson
Ronald Bisson a démontré un engagement actif et soutenu comme bénévole au sein d’organisme tout au long de sa vie d’adulte. À titre d’exemple, il a servi comme membre du panel linguistique et vice-président du Programme nationale de contestation judiciaire avançant les droits à l’égalité, et comme représentant de la communauté sur le Comité d’éthique de la recherche de l’Hôpital Montfort d’Ottawa.
Depuis 2005, il participe activement au parrainage, à l’accueil et à l’établissement de familles réfugiées francophone d’Ottawa. Durant les dernières années, il a consacré bénévolement de nombreuses heures à la fondation de la Maison de la francophonie d’Ottawa qui a ouvert ses portes en 2020.
Depuis 2021, il siège sur un comité aviseur d’appel à l’action contre le racisme systémique anti-Noir en Ontario et a participé à l’organisation de la conférence « Vaincre le racisme ensemble ».
Philippe Chartrand
Philippe Chartrand is the Chairman of the Ottawa Branch of the Monarchist League of Canada. He is an advocate and organizer for monarchy-related events and education, as well as a promoter of the constitutional monarchy and the Westminster Parliamentary system.
Chartrand has been a member of the Monarchist League for over 15 years and served as the Ottawa Branch's media spokesperson before becoming Chairman in 2022. Under his leadership, he revitalized the League during the challenges of the pandemic.
He has organized key events, including “A Crowning Moment” celebrating King Charles III's accession, the Coronation Luncheon in May 2023, and the King’s Birthday Lunch in May 2024. Through these initiatives, he has maintained and expanded member interest via lectures, celebrations, and educational outreach.
He has also advanced awareness of the Westminster Parliamentary system among citizens, with a particular focus on engaging younger Canadians and immigrant communities. He emphasizes the critical role of constitutional monarchy in Canada's governance, promoting its value to diverse audiences.
Bob Chiarelli
Bob Chiarelli has served as an Ontario Cabinet Minister, Mayor of Ottawa, and MPP for Ottawa West–Nepean. He is recognized for his impact on countless individuals, including in areas like Carlington, where he championed the revitalized Carlington Community Health Centre and attached affordable seniors housing, and the Francophone community with his support of the Maison de la francophonie (CMFO).
Throughout his political career, he held several significant provincial ministerial portfolios, including Infrastructure, Transportation, Energy, and Municipal Affairs. He first served as MPP from 1987 to 1997, establishing himself as a dedicated representative of his constituents.
In 1997, Chiarelli became Regional Chair and played a key role in Ottawa's amalgamation. Later, as Mayor of Ottawa, he spearheaded initiatives such as the redevelopment of Lansdowne Park.
Chiarelli’s commitment to public service is underscored by his electoral success, having won nine elections—a testament to his tenacity.
The youngest of eight children in an Italian family, Chiarelli grew up above a shop in Little Italy. Despite his achievements, he has remained deeply connected to his roots and is known as an orator and bridge builder.
In retirement, he continues to contribute as a senior fellow at the University of Ottawa and serves as Chair of the Kiwanis Club Medical Foundation Board and the RA Centre.
Simone Choy
Simone Choy is an entrepreneur and social enterprise leader based in Ottawa, known for her work in supporting marginalized communities. She is the founder of Britannia Studio, a glass studio specializing in beads, where she provided employment opportunities for individuals who are visually impaired or have autism. The studio’s profits were directed toward charitable initiatives, including support for Ottawa Blood Services.
Choy is currently leading a project called Luma Blue Glass, which sponsors activities designed for seniors and youth with Caribbean and African roots. These activities include dance classes, arts, and crafts, fostering community engagement and cultural expression.
For over 25 years, Choy has been actively involved in fundraising efforts focused on children and education in Guyana, South America, Barbados, Jamaica, and Haiti. In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Choy is a trained pastry chef and is currently working on developing emergency food products for use during crises.
Her volunteer work includes contributions to the Ranger Program, which addresses the issue of drinking and driving, as well as Silver Spring Farm, an organization that supports individuals with disabilities. Choy also provides executive coaching through Bransen Group, continually innovating in her approach to both business and community initiatives.
Jeremy Dias
Jeremy Dias is a prominent advocate for social justice and equality, and a leader in building community for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. He worked on various sectors, focusing on inclusivity and rights for marginalized communities.
Dias's advocacy career began in high school, where he founded multiple initiatives including Stop Racism, Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving, and Sault Ste. Marie's first regional LGBTQ youth group. At the age of 21, he won one of Canada's largest human rights settlements, using the funds to establish the Canadian Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity (CCGSD).
He created the International Day of Pink, a global initiative to raise awareness about bullying and discrimination, and the Jeremy Dias Scholarship to support students in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. He has served on various federal and provincial advisory committees, including the Federal Minister of Status of Women's Gender-Based Violence Prevention Advisory Committee, the Ontario Human Rights Community Advisory Group, and the Ottawa Police Liaison Committee.
He expanded the reach of the International Day of Pink to millions globally and launched national awareness tours such as the Stonewall Tour and the Visibility Anniversaries Tour. In his professional capacity, Jeremy pioneered workplace inclusivity initiatives at Public Services and Procurement Canada, developing the department’s first Trans Guide and authoring the Guidelines for Name Change. Through educational and awareness campaigns, he has been a tireless advocate for diversity and inclusion across Canada.
Sue Garvey
Sue Garvey is an advocate for marginalized groups and a leader in community service and housing support. She has dedicated much of her career to supporting women at risk of homelessness.
She served as the long-term Executive Director of Cornerstone Housing for Women, where she played a key role in advocating for women in need. In recognition of her work, she was awarded the Key to the City by Mayor Jim Watson in 2019. Even after retirement, she continues to advocate for vulnerable populations, with a focus on improving the lives of marginalized individuals and fostering respect and dignity in society.
Michel Gravel
Michel Gravel is a historian known for his work in commemorating Canada's role in World War I. He is the author of five books on the Canadian war effort, one of which inspired the creation of a new Canadian WWI museum in France.
He played a key role in the commemoration of General Arthur Currie by having a plaque placed in France in his honor. He also successfully advocated to French authorities to change the name of the road between Arras and Cambrai in France to "Voie Sacrée du Canada" to recognize the more than 7,000 Canadian soldiers who died during WWI and are buried along it. In recognition of his contributions, he was elevated to the rank of "Chevalier de l'Ordre national du Mérite" by the President of France.
Richard Kubele
Richard est père de cinq enfants. Sa candidature a été particulièrement mise en valeur par une lettre émouvante de sa fille.
En tant que nouvel arrivant, il a rapidement consacré son temps et son énergie à aider d'autres personnes arrivant dans le pays. Que ce soit pour les guider à naviguer systèmes complexes ou pour les soutenir émotionnellement, il a toujours voulu que personne ne se sente seul. Professionnellement, Richard est un travailleur social et possède une maîtrise en médiation interculturelle. Conscient des tensions entre les forces de l'ordre et les jeunes immigrants, il a créé le Centre de médiation et de cohésion sociale à Sherbrooke pour favoriser la confiance, le respect et la compréhension des différences culturelles.
Il a également lancé des camps d'été et d'hiver gratuits pour les enfants, afin de leur offrir des moments de loisirs et d'apprentissage. A son arrivée à Ottawa, il a continué son engagement en aidant les étudiants étrangers, allant jusqu'à héberger un étudiant chez lui pendant la pandémie de Covid-19. Lors de la guerre en Ukraine, il a aussi aidé une famille ukrainienne à trouver un logement.
Enfin, Richard est particulièrement fier de sa culture francophone.
Arthur Leader
Arthur Leader is a renowned physician, professor, and author of hundreds of publications. He is recognized for his advocacy and leadership on women’s reproductive rights as well as his work on holocaust education.
From 1988 to 2006, he co-directed and founded the Fertility Centre Program for Assisted Reproductive Technologies at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, where he advanced innovative approaches in fertility care.
In addition to his medical achievements, he is an advocate for Holocaust education. As the son of Holocaust survivors, he dedicates himself to preserving and documenting their stories, ensuring future generations learn from this history.
Elsa Lessard
Elsa Lessard, born in 1922, is a longtime Ottawa resident and a Second World War veteran who served in the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRENS). She has dedicated her life to advocating for the recognition of military history and the contributions of women during war time.
In 1943, she enlisted in the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service, joining over 7,000 women who served as WRENS between 1943 and 1946. Since the 1970s, she has worked tirelessly to honor those lost during the Battle of the Atlantic and to raise public awareness about the role and contributions of the WRCNS during the Second World War.
Through her long-term efforts, she has significantly contributed to preserving the legacy of women's war time service in Canada.
Rasheda Nawaz
Rasheda Nawaz, originally from Bangladesh, came to Canada as a student and has been actively volunteering since 1982. Her efforts have focused on supporting immigrant women and promoting cultural initiatives. She has contributed to organizations such as the Regina Multicultural Society and Immigrant Women of Saskatchewan. From 1982 to 1987, she served as Vice President of the National Follow-Up Committee on Immigrant Women. She has also been President of the Canada-Bangladesh Association of the Ottawa Valley and worked with the City of Ottawa to proclaim Mother Language Day.
As an advocate for women, Nawaz represented her province as part of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women and represented Canada at the United Nations Women's Conference in Nairobi in 1985.
Professionally, she is an urban planner with over 30 years of experience across three levels of government, specializing in sustainable development.
Margaret Parlor
Margaret Parlor is a public servant with expertise as a statistical and policy analyst and a longtime community volunteer. She has focused her efforts on issues affecting young people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Fibromyalgia (FM).
As President of the ME/FM Action Network, she has been a strong advocate for federal funding for research and for widening disability definitions. She has also worked to bring about changes in the Ontario education system.
She is the author of the “TEACH-ME Sourcebook”, a resource designed for teachers and parents of children and youth with ME, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CPS), and FM.
John Rossiter
John Rossiter is an expert in governance, known for his dedication to public service and philanthropy. Following the loss of his infant daughter to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in 1995, he demonstrated resilience by founding the Ottawa chapter of the Canadian Foundation for the Study of SIDS and later serving as Chair of the Board of the National Foundation. Through these efforts, he raised awareness of SIDS both in Canada and globally.
As President and CEO of SER-ENG International, Rossiter is recognized for his commitment to ethical practices and governance. He has also contributed to urban development as a member of the Mayor's Advisory Council on Downtown Revitalization, where he participated in the task force and contributed to Ottawa's Urban Design Strategy.
In addition, John Rossiter served as Chair of the Board for Ontario's Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority, working to improve care and protection for residents in retirement homes.
Mohamed Sofa
Mohamed Sofa is a Somali-born community activist and builder who has been dedicated to supporting his community since a young age while living in Britannia Woods. He is a role model for youth, inspiring others through his commitment to service.
In 2003, Sofa helped establish the Somali Youth Basketball League, a non-profit organization that engages over 200 youth. He is also the founder of the Ottawa branch of Young Somali Professionals of North America, a group focused on networking and promoting business and social enhancement.
Currently, Sofa serves as the Executive Director of Britannia Woods Community House and is a board member at the Catholic Immigrant Centre, continuing his work to uplift and empower his community.
Karen Somerville
Dr. Karen Somerville grew up on a dairy farm in Ontario and has since established herself as a businesswoman, academic, professor, and researcher. She serves as the President of Performance Plus Group, a management consulting firm.
She has been a longtime advocate for women's rights, volunteering with organizations such as Big Sisters. She has also contributed her expertise as a board member for the Children's Aid Society and International Social Services Canada.
For over 20 years, she has led Canadians for Properly Built Homes as its President, working pro bono to advocate for thousands of families. Through her efforts, she collaborates with governments, stakeholders, and industry to establish a fair system for consumers regarding home construction, regulations, and warranties.
Her personal experience with mold inspired her to take action, mobilizing a network of 40 volunteers. Her determination has earned her the reputation as "the mouse that roared and got results."
Natasha Thiessen
Natasha Thiessen is the Director and General Counsel at the Public Prosecution Service of Canada and has been a federal prosecutor since 1997. She is also a member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Force within the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) branch, achieving the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in 2020.
She has extensive experience prosecuting complex drug and organized crime cases and is recognized for her expertise in transnational and cross-border criminal law. Her career includes appearances before the Supreme Court of Canada and membership in the Canada-U.S. Legal Advisory Group. She is also a founding member of the Border Operations Leadership Team (BOLT), where her contributions have solidified her reputation as an expert.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, she volunteers with the Ottawa River Keepers Organization, serves as president of a local community association to protect green spaces along the river, and is a board member of a local daycare.
Kathy Vandergrift
Kathy Vandergrift is an advocate for children's rights and a community leader. Her life mission is "Building a society fit for children," with a particular focus on the rights of children both in conflict zones and within Canada.
She co-founded the Watchlist on Children in Armed Conflict and contributed to resolutions on this issue. In 2008, she received the UNICEF Aldo Farina Award for her work on child rights. She has also served as the Chair of the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children and worked on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Kathy has been an active advocate for ending corporal punishment and prioritizing the best interests of children in divorce proceedings. She has contributed to local community associations, serving as President of the Queensway Terrace North Association. Additionally, she was Vice President of the Canadian Council of Churches, where she worked on promoting peace and social justice.
Jim Watson
Jim Watson is the longest-serving former Mayor of Ottawa, having achieved the highest number of votes (76%). During his time as mayor, he led the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, revitalized Lansdowne Park, and contributed to the creation of the new Ottawa Art Gallery.
He has served at all three levels of government, including as a staff member in the Speaker’s office in Parliament. He began his political career as a City Councillor in 1991 before becoming the youngest-ever Mayor of Ottawa in 1997.
Jim Watson also served as the MPP for Ottawa West-Nepean, holding three cabinet portfolios: Consumer and Business Services, Health Promotion, and Municipal Affairs and Housing. He was instrumental in the expansion of Centrepointe and the passage of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act.
Since retiring from politics, he has dedicated his time to volunteering on various non-profit and corporate boards, including his work with the Shepherds of Good Hope.
Monica Wu
Monica Wu is the founder of the Ottawa Asian Heritage Month Society. She has significantly contributed to the multicultural landscape of the community by fostering cross-cultural understanding. She organizes events, engages with the government, and builds meaningful relationships to promote diversity. Her efforts have helped develop a positive public perception of multicultural communities while addressing discrimination. Monica Wu has been volunteering since an early age, teaching and promoting Chinese folk dance as part of her dedication to cultural preservation and education.
Ian MacNeil
Ian has served as the President, at times Treasurer, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Ottawa Ostomy Support Group since 1998, offering his leadership, compassion, and personal experience to support ostomates through some of their most challenging times. While he has been involved, the Ottawa Ostomy Support Group has flourished, becoming a safe and empowering space for those living with an ostomy to connect, share, and seek guidance. His efforts have helped countless individuals adjust to life with an ostomy, providing both practical advice and emotional support during what can often be a difficult transition.
In addition to his local involvement, Ian is also an active board member of Ostomy Canada, joining them in 1999, where his work has extended far beyond Ottawa to benefit ostomates across the nation. His contributions have included advocacy for improved healthcare access and disability benefits, raising awareness about ostomy-related issues, and ensuring that ostomates have access to the resources they need. Ian has been instrumental in promoting educational initiatives and supporting the development of resources for ostomates, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
Throughout his time with Ostomy Canada, Ian has helped to foster a sense of community and resilience among ostomates, empowering them to lead full and independent lives. He has also played a key role in organizing support events, fundraising efforts, and public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the stigma often associated with ostomies.
Showing 1 reaction