Job Title

MS Canada is a national organization inspired by the vision of a world free of multiple sclerosis (MS) and has been a trusted connection for the MS community to valuable resources and programs needed on their unique MS journey for over 75 years. Focusing on support, advocacy and research that will positively impact the lives of people living with and affected by multiple sclerosis, MS Canada advocates for improved policies and systems that will better support Canadians living with multiple sclerosis. MS Canada lives their mission to connect and empower the MS community and creates positive change by investing in life-changing research that will advance treatment and care, enhance well-being, help to understand and halt disease progression, and ultimately prevent MS.MS is Canadas disease. Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world. MS is a neurological disease of the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and optic nerve). Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 49 and women three times more often than men. It is considered an episodic disability, meaning that the severity and duration of episodes of illness and disability can vary, often followed by periods of wellness. It can also be progressive. With over 90,000 Canadians living with MS and with 12 Canadians diagnosed every day on average, there is urgency to the work that MS Canada is leading. Together with their community of people living with MS, families, friends, volunteers, donors, researchers, clinicians, partners and many more, they are funding research, providing support to people to people affected by MS, and advocating for supports and systems that allow people living with MS to live a full and inclusive life.Guided on the journey to end MS through discoveries, innovation and collective action, MS Canadas Strategic Plan, Discover. Innovate. Act., connects the MS community through the common goal of a world free of multiple sclerosis. This strategic framework builds on the momentum of MS Canadas tremendous past efforts and progress. This framework acts as their blueprint for the future and a beacon of hope, forging a clear path towards a world where MS is but a memory. MS Canada has cultivated a network of world-class, internationally recognized MS researchers, and has become a leading contributor to discovery in the field of MS. When it comes to MS - time matters and being able to diagnose and treat MS earlier leads to better outcomes. With the total annual health sector costs for MS estimated at 4.0 billion in direct health costs, productivity loss and other costs in 2024, it is paramount, now more than ever, to continue to invest in research focused on understanding the causes and mechanisms of disease progression in MS.MS Canada is inviting applications from a diverse range of outstanding business, board, philanthropic and community leaders across the country for multiple appointments to MS Canadas Board of Directors and MS Governors in the Fall of 2025 and beyond to help further its mission, vision and values to create positive change that brings us closer to a world free of MS.From coast to coast, MS Canada Board Directors are dynamic, well-networked CEOs, executive and community leaders with substantive board and business experience within a wide range of private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Business and board experience in healthcare, research and education, innovation and technology, life sciences, financial and professional services among other sectors including philanthropy are all assets. Substantive board experience, an understanding of good governance and effective board cultures, as well as Chair, Vice Chair and Committee Chair leadership experience are also highly valuable. Together with the MS Governors who focus on philanthropic opportunities for MS Canada, MS Canada Board Directors are each leaders with the desire and ability to make a significant positive impact on MS by helping MS Canada carry out their mission, driven by their shared commitment to act in the best interests of those living with and affected by MS. As passionate ambassadors for MS Canada, these leaders inspirationally open doors and actively leverage their networks to create substantive tangible philanthropic and partnership opportunities for MS Canada.With an ambitious strategic framework and much more incredible work and opportunities ahead, this is an exciting time for innovative and impact-driven board and community leaders to join MS Canadas Board of Directors and MS Governors. By providing networks, funds, resources and advice, incoming MS Canada Board Directors and MS Governors will help MS Canada transform lives and foster a brighter future for those living with MS and their families and loved ones. MS Canada Board Directors and MS Governors are essential advocates committed to ensuring that MS Canadas vision translates into reality by helping them make incredible advancements towards their impact goals and push boundaries to drive change and ultimately lead us to a world free of MS.How to ApplyIf you are interested in further exploring either these dynamic MS Canada Board of Directors or MS Governors opportunities, please provide a detailed cover letter and resume. Please address your cover letter to Lisa Heidman, LL.B., ICD.D, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Arlington Partners International and the MS Canada Selection Committee and send your confidential materials directly to Lisa Heidman at lisaheidman@arlingtonpartnersinc.com. Your cover letter should highlight your business, board and community background, connecting the dots between your experience and the key competencies outlined in this Board Profile and lets us know why serving MS Canada resonates for you.This Board appointment and succession planning process is also intended to meaningfully engage with a diverse group of outstanding leaders across the country for future MS Canada Board Directors and MS Governors appointments for the years ahead. As such, there may be individuals identified within this process who may or could be considered for future MS Canada Board of Directors, MS Governors or Committee appointment opportunities, and/or other engaging volunteer opportunities with MS Canada, at future dates and times.MS Canadas Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility StatementMS Canada is dedicated to upholding equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in our workplace. We value the contributions that each person brings and are committed to creating an environment from all backgrounds can thrive.We are committed to accommodating applicants needs throughout the recruitment process. Please indicate accommodations as required, if contacted.All positions at MS Canada will require a background check in compliance with our Screening Measures Policy.We would like to acknowledge that the land on which we work and operate spans across the traditional territories of many First Nations, Mtis, and Inuit peoples. We recognize and honor the enduring presence, contributions, and resilience of Indigenous communities throughout Canada's history. We acknowledge our responsibility to understand, respect, and support the diverse indigenous nations and their ongoing relationships with the land.We look forward to exploring your candidacy.