New National Coordinator Joins Leading National Disability Rights Organization - CCD

Media Release

For Immediate Release | June 4, 2020

The Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) welcomes a new National Coordinator, Shari Hildred.  “I am sure that everyone joins me in welcoming Ms. Hildred to CCD,” states Jewelles Smith, CCD Chairperson.

Ms. Hildred’s background includes over a decade of senior management experience within the Saskatchewan government’s social services, over a decade of senior executive leadership in the non-profit sector, as well as instructing at the University of Regina.  Shari is a designated Project Management Professional (PMP), studied Cultural Resource Management at the University of Victoria as well as public policy studies at the University of Regina Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy.  Recognitions of Shari’s contributions have been acknowledged through her receipt of the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Excellence Award as well as the City of Regina Municipal Award in the category of education. 

Ms. Hildred brings to CCD a background in organizational leadership, fundraising, financial management, policy development as well as executive leadership in the disability sector through her work with South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre (SSILC).  Shari has a reputation as a strong, trusted community leader with relationship building and partnership development and is known to work with sensitivity in diverse environments.  In speaking on commencement of her National Coordinator role, Shari stated, “It is a true honour to join CCD and contribute to the long and impressive history of the organization in shaping Canada’s disability rights movement; and, to support the continued positive momentum of CCD as we move forward.”

Ms. Hildred’s expansive background and experience will assist her in her new role of leading CCD because independent living centres are where many Canadians with disabilities turn when they are encountering barriers.  “A background in the independent living movement is an excellent training ground for involvement in the national disability rights movement and CCD, states John Rae, CCD 2nd Vice Chair and Chair of the Social Policy Committee.  “I am confident that Ms. Hildred’s awareness of the systemic barriers in Canada’s economic and social policies gained will inform her work at CCD as we work together to frame a progressive social policy agenda,” added Mr. Rae.

CCD is a national human rights organization of people with disabilities working for an inclusive and accessible Canada.

Mission – The Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) is a social justice organization of people with all disabilities that champions the voices of people with disabilities, advocating an inclusive and accessible Canada, where people with disabilities have full realization of their human rights, as described in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Mandate – The Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) unites advocacy organizations of people with disabilities to defend and extend human rights for persons with disabilities through public education, advocacy, intervention in litigation, research, consultation and partnerships.  CCD amplifies the expertise of our partners by acting as a convening body and consensus builder.

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For More Information Contact:

Shari Hildred, National Coordinator, Email: shari@ccdonline.ca