Hear from a CPC Board member: Michelle Stilwell 

 
The Canadian Paralympic Committee has opened its call for applications for the 2027 Board of Directors. With five open director positions on the Board, CPC is seeking candidates with diverse backgrounds, skill sets, lived experience, and expertise who are excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact.   

To access the nomination package, please click here. The application deadline is October 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.   

To learn more about what it’s like to be on the CPC Board of Directors, hear from vice-president Michelle Stilwell below: 

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Michelle Stilwell, PLY 

Tenure: Vice-President, 2025-29 // Director 2022-25 

Michelle Stilwell is one of Canada’s most accomplished Paralympians, attaining the rare feat of winning Paralympic gold medals in two different sports – wheelchair basketball and Para athletics. She represented Canada at four Paralympic Games (2000, 2008, 2012, 2016) and the 2015 Parapan American Games, earning multiple medals and inspiring a generation of athletes. 

Beyond sport, Stilwell has dedicated her career to public service and advocacy. From 2012 to 2020, she served as the MLA for Parksville-Qualicum and was appointed Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation (2015–2017), helping to shape policies that improved accessibility and inclusion.  

Q: What drew you to join the CPC’s Board of Directors? 

A: The CPC has been a defining part of my life – not only as an athlete, but as someone who has experienced firsthand the transformative power of sport. Competing for Canada gave me opportunities I never imagined following my spinal cord injury, and I wanted to help ensure future generations of athletes have the same opportunity to dream big and succeed. 

After my athletic career, I was fortunate to build experience in government, executive leadership, and governance. Joining the CPC Board felt like a natural way to give back by bringing those experiences together in service of an organization that has meant so much to me. 

Q: How does working with the CPC align with your values? 

A: At my core, I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. The CPC embodies that belief by creating pathways for athletes with disabilities to excel, lead, and inspire. 

The values that guide the organization – excellence, inclusion, integrity, and courage – are the same values that have shaped my life, both in sport and beyond. Whether in the boardroom or on the track, I believe strong leadership is about creating opportunities for others, making thoughtful decisions, and leaving organizations stronger than you found them. 

Q: What have you taken away from your experience on the Board so far?  

A: One of the greatest takeaways has been seeing the impact that thoughtful governance has on athlete success. While much of a board’s work happens behind the scenes, every strategic decision helps build a stronger system that supports athletes, coaches, and the broader Paralympic Movement. 

I’ve also been inspired by the dedication and expertise of my fellow directors and staff. We come from diverse backgrounds, but we share a common commitment to putting athletes first and continually improving how we serve them. 

Q: What excites you most about the future of CPC? 

A: I’m excited by the momentum we are building – not only in high-performance sport, but in growing awareness, partnerships, and opportunities for Canadians with disabilities to participate in sport at every level. 

As the Paralympic Movement continues to grow, so does our opportunity to influence how Canadians think about inclusion, excellence, and possibility. I believe the CPC is well positioned to lead that future, and I’m proud to be part of a board that is committed to thinking strategically, embracing innovation, and ensuring that future generations of Paralympians have every opportunity to succeed.