MS Governors 2023-2024

Nancy Love, Chair
Principal, NLo Strategies Inc.

My son lives with multiple sclerosis, and since his diagnosis I have been on a mission to do whatever it takes, whatever I can do, to help find a cure. I have had the opportunity to meet with many MS researchers, and it amazes me the depth, breadth, and amount of MS research that is being conducted here in Canada. Stem cell research, new treatments, imaging, genetics, cognition, and quality of life research – I’m interested in all of it. I am confident that we will find a cure within my son’s lifetime.

I grew up mostly in Ottawa, ON, but I have lived all over Canada, including London, Edmonton, Calgary, and Toronto, among others. I am a passionate Canadian! While I consider myself a lifelong student, I more formally hold an HBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business Administration at Western University. I am currently the principal of NLo Strategies Inc., an investment holding company based in Toronto.

Robin Anthony

Bio and photo to come

Dwight Duncan
Senior Strategic Advisor, McMillan LLP

@DwightDuncan

I would love to find a cure for MS within our lifetime, and I am particularly interested in the incidence of MS in Canada relative to the rest of the world. 

Originally from Windsor, ON, I have a BA in economics from McGill University, a BA of finance, and an MBA from the University of Windsor. I also have an honourary doctorate of laws degree from the University of Windsor. I served in elective public office for close to a quarter century in a variety of positions, including deputy premier and minister of finance in the government of Ontario, and I currently work as a business advisor at McMillan LLP and serve on a variety of corporate and non-profit boards.

Valerie Hussey

Valerie Hussey has held numerous leadership roles at the MS Society at both the national and division level since 2008. In 2011, Valerie joined MS Canada's board of directors and has served as vice-chair and as chair of both the government relations and governance committees. Valerie is also a member of the leadership advisory council and was a member of the renewal initiative task force and the renewal initiative oversight committee. As a past director on the Ontario Division board, she served as board chair, vice-chair, past-chair and provided leadership to the governance committee.

Valerie was publisher, president and chief executive officer of Kids Can Press from 1979 to 2006, having played a leading role in the evolution of the Canadian children’s publishing industry for more than 30 years. Under her direction, Kids Can Press developed an internationally successful publishing program.

She has served on numerous government advisory councils and industry and not-for-profit boards, including the Ontario Media Development Corporation, the Canadian Women’s Foundation, Women’s College Hospital and Tides Canada. She is currently on the board of Art of Time Ensemble. In 2007, Valerie received the Order of Canada for her work in publishing.

Diana Joseph
President, Westman Charitable Foundation

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 33; my daughter lives with the disease as well, in addition to my grandmother. My daughter and I have both experienced the benefits of research. My quality of life and ability to still make an impact is a direct result of research and education, and I believe one day that “MS” will soon stand for “Mystery Solved”.

Born in Edmonton, AB, I currently live in Calgary. While I am now retired, I was the president and owner of Wen-Di Interiors, and vice-president of Jayman Built homes. Named Canadian Woman Entrepreneur in 1996, ranked among the Top Women Entrepreneurs of Canada, and a recipient of the Women of Vision Award for Community Service and Philanthropy in 2005, I am currently the president of Westman Charitable Foundation and still pursuing and engaging in many business opportunities.

S. Paul Mantini
Senior Partner, Bennett Jones LLP

I have seen the way multiple sclerosis has affected the families of some of my closest friends and clients, and as a result, I am particularly passionate about identifying factors that contribute to the progression of the disease so we can stop it in its tracks.

I am from Montorio Al Vomano, a small village in the province of Teramo, Italy. After completing my undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, I acquired my law degree at Osgoode Hall Law School, and in 1977 I began practicing as a commercial lawyer specializing in real estate, project finance, P3 and gaming law. I was a partner at Smith, Lyons, Torrance, Stevenson & Mayer until December 2000 and am currently a senior partner at Bennett Jones LLP.

Gerry Protti
Chairman, BlackSquare Inc.

With one of the highest rates of MS in the world, I would like to see Canada take the global lead in conquering the disease. I am particularly interested in the studies regarding the gut microbiome as a better understanding of gut bacteria and their role in a maintaining a healthy immune system holds promise not only for MS, but other diseases as well.

Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, I am an economist with an undergraduate degree from the University of Alberta, and a graduate degree from Western University. Over the past 40 years I have been involved with many aspects of the Canadian energy industry including private and public companies, utilities, research, government and the largest energy regulator in Canada.

Cory Turner
President, Spicers Canada

Diagnosed initially with relapsing-remitting MS in 2005, I successfully manage the effects of secondary-progressive MS while balancing my corporate responsibilities for Spicers Canada and a family that resides in Las Vegas, NV. My individual approach to managing MS relies heavily on pursuing personal productivity, optimism, and gratitude on a daily basis. I’m passionate about investing in the development of new therapies for progressive forms of MS – not because of my own course but because of the countless people living with progressive MS whose daily courage and bravery has inspired me.

Originally from Nova Scotia, I was raised in northern Alberta, notably Edmonton and Fort McMurray. I graduated with a BA from the University of Calgary in 1994, and I have spent my entire career with Spicers Canada in operational, sales, management and leadership positions.

Justin Young

Bio and photo to come

John Clifford 
Chair, MS Canada Board of Directors

John is the Chief Client Officer and a senior partner of McMillan LLP (Toronto), where he focuses his practice on M&A transactions. He has extensive experience advising a diverse group of clients on domestic and cross-border acquisitions and divestitures and the legal requirements for establishing new businesses in Canada. John also is a recognized expert on antitrust/competition matters.

John has been a dedicated volunteer of MS Canada since 2002, when he was first elected director of what was then the Ontario and Nunavut Division. While on that Division board (from 2002 – 2014), John held numerous leadership positions including chair, vice-chair and honorary legal counsel. From 2007 to 2011, he also served as a director of MS Canada. During his tenure on the MS Canada and the Ontario and Nunavut Division boards, John was very active on both division and national committees. He chaired both the national and Ontario and Nunavut Division governance committees, was chair of the government relations committee, and was a member of the endMS campaign Ontario cabinet.

John re-joined the board of directors of MS Canada in June 2016.  He has chaired the Governance Committee and the National Government Relations Committee, and since 2021 has been a member of the Executive Committee. 

Pamela Valentine, President and CEO, MS Canada

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.

As the President and CEO of MS Canada, I am honoured and excited to go to work for Canadians impacted by MS. Together with our board and governors, 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.