About Us
MS Canada provides services to people with multiple sclerosis and their families and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease. We have a membership of over 7,000 and are the only national voluntary organization in Canada that supports both MS research and services. Since our founding in 1948, the core support of MS Canada has been from tens of thousands of dedicated individuals, companies and foundations in communities across Canada. We receive almost no funding from government.
MS Canada is governed by a board of directors comprised of 14 volunteer members who are elected annually.
Some 1,500 volunteers serve on our national, division and chapter boards and committees. An estimated 13,500 Canadians are volunteers for service programs, fundraising events, public awareness campaigns and social action activities.
Our Mission, Vision, and Values
Our Vision
A world free of multiple sclerosis.
Our Mission
To connect and empower the MS community to create positive change.
Our Values
Impact-driven
We make a difference.
Collaborative
We work together.
Compassionate
We help.
Bold
We think big.
Resilient
We do not give up.
Our Leadership
Pamela Valentine
President and CEO
@DrPamV
Hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, I am a proud mother of three. I enjoy cooking up a storm for a full table of family and friends and when the weather allows, I can often be found outside tending to my garden.
I am a trained research scientist who is passionate about the power of collaboration and believe that through building strong relationships, we can build stronger communities. My most recent role was with Alberta Innovates where I spent over 15 years leading innovation and change.
I am honoured and excited to go to work for Canadians impacted by MS. Together with our board, I hope to grow the impact of our efforts and ensure that we remain a strong national, bilingual organization that delivers exceptional community-based programs and drives a results-oriented research portfolio.
A more detailed biography can be found here.
Benjamin Davis
Senior Vice-president, Mission
@BJDSEA
I’m proud to have held senior positions in the charitable Sector for the past 15 years. I’m deeply motivated to help others, and I’m passionate about leadership that encourages staff and volunteers to change lives for people living with disabilities. I’ve met a number of people living with MS over the years, and I’m motivated every day by their courage and resiliency. It’s with them in mind that I choose to work to make a difference.
A proud Maritimer who grew up on one of the many beautiful coasts of Nova Scotia, I have Bachelor in Kinesiology from the University of New Brunswick and a Master of Human Kinetics from the University of Windsor. When I’m not chasing my two little boys around the wonderful beaches of NS, I’m cheering hard for Canada’s Toronto Raptors.
Danielle Mandell
Vice-president, People Innovation & Volunteers
I am passionate about people – the power of staff and volunteers – and the role they and all stakeholders play in bringing about change. I learned early on in my career that I’m a mission-driven person with a large desire to contribute my best in an organization focused on creating lasting positive social impact.
After earning a masters degree in International Human Resource Management from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in England, I spent over 15 years gaining diverse, cross-sector executive leadership experience in organizations that ranged from providing financing and mentoring to entrepreneurs, to affordable homeownership programs, to international development. I have focused my efforts on developing people-centred programs, policies and practices that maximize the stakeholder experience.
Having only recently joined MS Canada, and I have quickly recognized there are many in my expanded community who are living with or affected by MS. I am both energized and humbled by both the work the organization carries out and the people who, every day, in small and large ways, advance the mission on a local, national and international stage.
I was born and raised in Toronto, and today I still really enjoy the city I call my home -- exploring different neighbourhoods within it, and spending time outside with my dog in the green spaces.
Diego Mena Martínez
Executive Director, Quebec Division
Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the world. I want to contribute to making a significant impact on the quality of life of all Canadians, including Quebecers who are affected by MS. Committed to working directly with people living with and affected by MS, I know that one day, we’ll be able to say that we do not fear this disease because we will have achieved our vision of a world free of MS.
For the past 17 years, I have been working in non-profits – something that I have always wanted to do and something I am very proud of. I began my career with the Swiss government in international work and collaboration. I continued my work in Canada at the David Suzuki Foundation, the Fondation de Dr Julien, and the Canadian Cancer Society, where I headed up the Quebec team. I also spent a period of time at CREDO Consulting, which specializes in social impact. Since 2013, I have been working in health and social services in La belle province.
Originally from Ecuador and now residing in Quebec, I am proud to say that my mother wanted her children to study in French. Growing up and going to school entirely in the French-language system, I also lived in France for five years for my university studies. Additionally, I have just completed my Executive MBA at McGill-HEC.
Being true to Canada’s famous winter climate, I love seeing my 16-year-old dog enjoy a nice walk in the snow; snowshoeing with my partner; and watching the Bye Bye show with my family on New Year’s Eve!
Becky Mitts
Vice-president, Community
@Joyful_becks
Having built my career around a passion for leading high-performing teams, I’m dedicated to building communities of people driven to make change and rallying them to achieve the extraordinary. This has led to becoming a respected expert in peer-to-peer fundraising, events and community engagement through successive leadership roles at the Canadian Cancer Society and MS Canada. I take an innovative and collaborative approach to my work and love connecting with members of our community.
In my work with the MS community, one moment that stands out for me is the first time I crossed the finish line at MS Bike. Riding alongside so many dedicated people -- all of them committed to a world free of MS -- and seeing community in action is powerful. Each year as I train and fundraise for MS Bike, it allows me the time to reflect on my mom’s experience living with MS and meaningfully empowers my family to act.
Originally from Belleville, Ontario, I have completed my Bachelor of Arts, Honours in International Development and a post-graduate program in Fundraising and Volunteer Management at Humber College. I am an enthusiastic sports fan and love sharing that with my active family. I’m a social curler who follows and cheers on our elite Canadian teams. Without a doubt my favourite team to support is our Canadian Women’s Soccer team and I cannot wait to see them at the World Cup in 2023!
Pam Seto
Vice-president, Digital Strategy, Marketing and Communications
@pam_seto
I'm a passionate and inspired communicator committed to the improvement of relatable, relevant and meaningful communication between human beings.
Originally from Alberta, and starting my journey with MS Canada in that province, this University of Alberta alumni relocated to Ontario to continue my work for a cause near and dear to my heart. An evangelist of innovative technologies that make social impact, I'm honoured to serve as a digital, marketing, and communications strategist in our mission to connect and empower the MS community to create positive change.
Both a nerd and geek at heart, curiosity is a main staple in my way of living. I do a lot of listening, and I ask a lot of questions!
Shawn Slack
Vice-president, Corporate Services
@shawns64
As a finance, technology and digital transformation leader with over 25 years of experience, I am happy to join MS Canada with a deep appreciation for a connected MS community. I am encouraged by the support of the community and how technology has helped to bridge the gap of in-person and the online MS Community.
I've held several leadership roles in the public sector in business, administration and information technology -- spending the last eleven years as Chief Information Officer for the City of Mississauga. I’ve also held Board positions with the PSBN Innovation Alliance and Living Arts Centre; and have been the Past President of Municipal Service Delivery Officials.
Originally from Burlington, Ontario, I completed my MBA at Athabasca University. Having grown up in a hockey family, I’m an avid and hopeful Maple Leafs fan, and enjoy all of Canada’s seasons and the outdoors.
I’ve seen the impacts of MS on a young mother within our family, but I’ve also seen the resilience and impacts of having both family and MS Canada supports. I am very committed towards a world free of MS.
Governance
MS Canada is accountable to persons living with MS and to those who support MS Canada in its dual mission of ending MS and enabling those affected by MS to improve their quality of life.
MS Canada is a member-based organization. The members steer the direction of the organization by exercising their right to vote at the national AGM to democratically elect MS Canada Board of Directors. The board is responsible for the stewardship of the organization and to ensure that the mission and vision of MS Canada are carried out in the best interests of persons with MS.
MS Canada is incorporated as a single organization. It is structured in three levels: national, regional (divisions) and local (chapters). The Quebec division is incorporated separately to enable the division to receive grants from the government of Quebec. MS Canada is governed through by-laws, policies and MS Canada Board of Directors.
Our Impact
Every year, we strive to find better ways to serve Canadians living with MS.
MS Canada's Impact Report highlights our achievements in serving people who live with MS and advancements to finding a cure for the disease.
Financial Information
MS Canada is transparent and accountable. Our important work as leaders in the search for a cure and in our efforts to improve the quality of life of people with MS requires vigilance and strong financial oversight. This involves the stewardship of donations entrusted to us by generous donors, the implementation of strategies to generate efficiencies in all aspects of our work, and the prudent management of investment assets and risk.