Council of Governors 

Today, Hon. Axworthy puts his long and solid political experience to good use in organizations such as the Canadian Landmine Foundation, where he serves on the Board of Directors, and the World Council for Refugees and Migration, where he acts as President.

An eminent force in national and international politics, the Hon. Axworthy is known in the field of foreign affairs for his outstanding leadership and essential role in promoting peace and security around the world, in particular the Ottawa Treaty, a groundbreaking treaty banning landmines.  

Humanity & Inclusion worked closely with him when the International Campaign to Ban Landmines was launched in 1992, and in the negotiation process that led to the signing of the Mine Ban Treaty, or Ottawa Treaty, 27 years ago.  

As a result of his political legacy, Canada continues to position itself globally as a strong advocate for the protection of civilians in armed conflict, whether through the Convention on Cluster Munitions (Oslo Convention) or the Political Declaration on Enhancing the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA).

Her gold medals in the Paralympic Games, Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games, the various awards and accolades she has received, and her appointment as Team Canada’s Chef de Mission for the Rio Paralympic Games are all markers of her success.

Her many achievements and her personal journey have also made her an in-demand public speaker, recognized across Canada. A tireless advocate for the contributions people with disabilities have made to our society, she plays a definitive role in building a more inclusive society. Her example inspires people to overcome their obstacles and achieve their full potential.

Through her experiences, Senator Petitclerc has also learned a lot about the characteristics of various communities, as well as how decisions are made at the national level. As someone who has functional limitations herself, she has a good understanding of the needs of various minority communities and would like to ensure their voices are heard.

The Senator is a Companion of the Order of Canada and a Knight of the Order of Quebec. She has also received four honourary doctorates, was inducted into the Canadian Paralympic Hall of Fame and received the Northern Star Award (formerly the Lou Marsh trophy). In addition, Senator Petitclerc sits on various committees and boards of directors, where she provides her dynamic and unique perspective.

Senator Petitclerc was appointed to the Senate of Canada in the spring of 2016. Her main topics of interest are the rights of persons with disabilities as well as the mental and physical health of all Canadians.

Dominique has created several major public works, including at the Maison symphonique de Montréal, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the CBC head office in Toronto.

In 2014, the Quebec government awarded her the state's highest distinction, the Prix Borduas. In 2019, the Canadian Cultural Centre in Paris presented a major exhibition that toured to the Centre de création contemporaine Olivier Debré in Tours in 2020 and the Château de Chambord in 2021. She receives the Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts of Canada in 2023.

She lives and works in Montreal.

Janet is often invited to speak about political and social trends. She is a regular commentator on the CBC Calgary News at Six, Alberta Primetime, and the West of Centre podcast.

She continues to be active in the academic community and has recently delivered guest lectures at the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, and Concordia University in Montreal. Janet recently contributed chapters to “Orange Chinook: Politics in the New Alberta” (University of Calgary Press, January 2019) and “Anger and Angst: Jason Kenney’s Legacy and Alberta’s Right” (Black Rose Books, April 2023).

Committed to the defense of human rights, he has published several books and articles on transitional justice, Holocaust denial, hate propaganda and genocide. Martin combines academic and associative responsibilities, notably chairing the board of the Raoul Dandurand Chair, and co-founding the Energy Sector Management Chair at HEC Montréal. He has also chaired the boards of Écotech and the Lojiq Foundation, and served on the boards of Avocats sans frontières and Forces Avenir. With his negotiating experience and strong communication skills, he has been with L'effet A participants since the very beginning.

Michelle’s interest in the disabilities sector stems from advocating for her son who has a disability.  As such, since 2011 she has served on the Renfrew Educational Services board and chairs their gala committee, which oversees the annual capital campaign gala.  The gala raises more than $500,000 on average annually, however, the gala raised $1.3 million in 2023 alone.  Michelle, along with her husband, was recently involved in a joint fundraiser with Renfrew and the Macquarie Group, which resulted in over $3.1 million raised to benefit Renfrew Educational Services in their capital campaign to build a new school.

Additionally, she was one of the founder partners in Calgary’s Creative Kids Museum.  She joined the Telus Spark board in 2005, after the Telus World of Science and the Creative Kids Museum became one society. She helped to obtain $3 million in City of Calgary funding for the Creative Kids Museum and her participation in the negotiations with the Calgary Science Centre Society were instrumental in securing the facility that is now home to the Museum.  Michelle sat on the External Relations committee and served on the board there for 9 years.  Mrs. McKenna has also served on various school boards where she was vice chair and chaired the nomination and governance, marketing, and fund development committees.  

Michelle holds a bachelor of Business Administration degree, with Distinction, from St. Francis Xavier University.  She has many years of management and marketing experience with public and private companies, such as Trizec Hahn and Canadian Airlines, as well as experience running her own interior design and event planning company and overseeing many fundraising dinners and galas. Michelle is married to Toby McKenna, and has three boys, James, Connor and Noah, and enjoys travel, the outdoors and time with family.