About PFC
People First of Canada is the national organization representing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
We are the national voice for people who have been labelled with an intellectual or developmental disability. We are about rights – human rights, citizenship rights, accommodation rights, and language rights. We believe in the right to freedom, choice, and equality for all.
We see ourselves as self-advocates and full citizens of our country – living equally in the community. We see ourselves as people first, and as people who have taken back control of our lives from families, policy makers and professionals such as support workers, doctors, social workers, and others who, for far too long, made decisions for us.
People First of Canada is unique in that we are a 100% member-led organization.
Our Mission and Vision
PFC envisions a Canada that values diversity and honours, respects, and includes all its citizens.
People First of Canada is a national non-profit organization for people with an intellectual or developmental disability. We support each other to reclaim our right to be recognized as full citizens. We do this through peer support, sharing our personal stories, developing leadership skills, advocating for our right to choose where and with whom to live, and by making sure that our voices are heard and respected.
We work together to educate and influence communities and government to ensure that all persons with intellectual disabilities are fully included and supported to live as equal citizens in Canada.
Who can be a member of People First?
People First membership is open to all people who have experienced any of the following:
- Labelled with an intellectual or developmental disability.
- Lived in an institution or group home.
- Attended a special education program or sheltered workshop.
- Received services meant for persons with an intellectual or developmental disability.
- Self-identify as having an intellectual or developmental disability.
Executive Committee
This is our Executive Committee for the 2024-2027 term.
Pictured, from left to right:
Takara Lockyer (1st Vice President, Newfoundland and Labrador), Donna Brown (President, New Brunswick), Valerie Wolbert (Treasurer, Manitoba) and Chris Rowley (2nd Vice President, Alberta).
Our next elections will be held at our Annual General Meeting in the fall of 2027.
Board Members
Yukon Representative – Theresa Richard
British Columbia Representative – Margaux Wosk
Alberta Representative – Ben Rowley (Interim)
Saskatchewan Representative – Tina Millar
Manitoba Representative – Valerie Wolbert
Ontario Representative – Jennifer Grol
Quebec Representatives – Louise Bourgeois and Jonathan D'Alessandro
New Brunswick Representative – Patty O'Donnell
Nova Scotia Representative – Charlie Lemon
Prince Edward Island Representative – (Interim)
Newfoundland and Labrador Representative – Dan Ralph
Indigenous Representative – Charlene Barney
Francophone Representative Outside of Quebec – Jonathan Bouchard
Youth Committee Chair – Jolene Nelson
Provincial and Territorial Chapters
People First of Canada has provincial and
territorial chapters throughout Canada.
PFC National Staff
Shelley Fletcher, Executive Director
Catherine Rodgers, Director of Communications
Lora Beddall, Financial Director
Monica Schroeder, National Project Coordinator
Camryn Young, National Community Engagement Coordinator
Kory Earle-Morrow, Provincial/Territorial Coordinator
Shane Leighton, Administrative Assistant
PEOPLE FIRST OF CANADA
3-120 Maryland Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3G 1L1
Canada
Phone: 204-784-7362