MS Governors 2025-2026

Valerie Hussey

Chair

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.

Robin Anthony

Bio and photo to come

Jennifer Brown

Bio and photo to come

Nicolas Caprio

With over three decades of experience in the pharmacy and healthcare sectors, Nicolas Caprio is a results-driven executive who has consistently delivered operational excellence, strategic transformation, and sustained growth across leading organizations.

Currently serving as the President of Rexall Pharmacy Group Ltd., Nicolas has been at the forefront of driving innovation and enhancing customer experience for one of Canada’s most respected pharmacy chains. In this role, he has overseen strategic initiatives that have strengthened the organization’s market position and operational efficiencies over the past 4+ years.

Before stepping into the presidency at Rexall, Nicolas held pivotal leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer (COO), at Rexall and Senior Vice President (SVP) and Vice President (VP) at Shoppers Drug Mart. In these roles, he led large-scale transformations, optimized national operations, and improved enterprise pharmacy performance.

Nicolas began his career as a pharmacist-owner in downtown Montreal, successfully managing operations and building a thriving practice. This hands-on experience, combined with his entrepreneurial drive, laid the foundation for his leadership roles within the healthcare industry.

Nicolas holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) and a Minor in Chemistry, both earned from the Université de Montréal. His academic foundation in pharmacy and science has been instrumental in shaping his approach to healthcare innovation and patient-focused solutions.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Nicolas is an active contributor to his community through various board and volunteer roles. He has been a dedicated Board Member at DFKC since 2014, a Board Member and former Chairman of the Telus GTA Community Board from 2016 to 2022 and serves as a Board Member and Treasurer for the Retail Council of Canada since 2019. These roles reflect his passion for economic empowerment, health advocacy, and fostering impactful change in both the business and nonprofit sectors.

Throughout his journey, Nicolas has not only focused on professional growth but also prioritized his family, whom he considers the pillars of his success. With unwavering support from his wife, who stood by him during multiple moves between Montreal and Toronto as he led teams at Shoppers Drug Mart, Nicolas has built a life rooted in resilience, gratitude, and love. Recently, he has been blessed with two grandchildren, who bring immense joy and inspiration to his life.

When not driving organizational growth, Nicolas is passionate about fostering talent, mentoring future leaders, and staying ahead of industry trends—all while cherishing the moments that matter most with his family.

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.

Larry Freeman

Lawrence (Larry) Freeman, K.C., is a highly respected Halifax-based lawyer whose career spans over four decades of distinguished service in the legal profession, public service, and community leadership. As a now retired partner at Stewart McKelvey, Atlantic Canada’s largest regional law firm, Freeman has played a pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape of Nova Scotia. His dedication to excellence and integrity has earned him widespread recognition, including an honorary Doctor of Civil Law degree from Saint Mary’s University in May 2025.

Freeman’s influence extends well beyond the courtroom. He was a committed member of the Saint Mary’s University Board of Governors since 2008, serving as Chair from 2019 to 2022. His leadership has provided valuable insight into the university’s strategic direction.

Deeply engaged in community and cultural initiatives, Freeman serves on the leadership team for the Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre and his involvement with organizations such as the Canadian Bar Association, the Community Leadership Advisory Council to the Admiral, and the Heart & Stroke Foundation, reflect his passion for social justice and public well-being. He has also served on Federal Boards and Tribunals

His legacy is one of service, equity, and a profound commitment to the well-being of Nova Scotians. He is married to The Honourable Myra Freeman, former Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. They reside in Halifax and have three children living in the UK, Boston and Toronto.

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.

Nancy L.Y.Love HBA LL.D FRCGS

Nancy is past Chair of the MS Scientific Research Foundation which amalgamated with the MS Society to become MS Canada. As chair she successfully spearheaded the “Acts of Greatness” campaign which raised $80 million for MS research.

Nancy is currently a member of the MS Governors and is their representative on the MS Canada Board of Directors.

Professionally Nancy is President of NLo Strategies Inc which invests in a variety of public and private opportunities. She sits on the board of Jona Capital. She holds an HBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University and was awarded an honourary doctorate in 2022.

Nancy has had an extensive career in the not for profit sector and has served on the boards of The Toronto Foundation, Ronald McDonald House (COCO), The Canadian Stage Company, Canada Blooms and the Garden Club of Toronto. She is a past president of the Junior League of Toronto. Nancy Is the current chair of the Jon & Nancy Love Foundation which supports MS research and education-oriented organizations.

In 2022 Nancy was made a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society.

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.

Ian Troop

I have lived with Primary Progressive MS for ten years. While there has been tremendous progress, much remains to be done. I am excited to get more involved and contribute.

Born and raised in Etobicoke Ontario, I have my Business degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and my ICD.D in Governance from the Rotman School of Business at University of Toronto. 

My career is highlighted by 20 years at Procter & Gamble leading businesses in North America, Mexico and Poland, and 6 years as President of ConAgra Foods’ International Division building a $1.5 billion Global Food business. 

 In 2010 I followed my passion for sport and was CEO of the Toronto 2015 Pan/Para Pan American Games. This organization delivered the largest sports event in Canadian history on schedule and under budget. 

I have served on numerous Business and Not for Profit Boards, including Chairman of the YMCA Oakville, and Capital Campaign Chairman for West Park Healthcare Centre. I currently sit on the Canadian Paralympic Committee Board, Chairing the People & Culture Committee.

At Wilfrid Laurier I was an all-star football player, drafted professionally by the Hamilton Tiger-cats. In 2009 I was named the Wilfrid Laurier University Alumnus of the Year, in 2011 one of Laurier’s top 100 Alumni of the past 100 years. 

In 2012 I was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for “significant community achievements”, and in 2019 awarded the Sovereign’s medal for Volunteers by the Governor General of 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.