STANDING-UP and SPEAKING OUT for SOCIAL JUSTICE in CANADA

Join me on July 14th, in Winnipeg, MB. as I stand-up, and speak-up, for social justice in Canada. A colleague of mine has said that social policy is homeless in Canada. And that needs to change! Millions of Canadians are unemployed, homeless, and living in poverty. More than one million Canadians living with disabilities are not in the labour force. Most of these people really do want to work and make a contribution to their communities. Employment is just one of the measurements of "inclusion" in Canadian society. While much has been accomplished over the last four decades, more still needs to be done! On July 14th, advocates will send that message to all 3 levels of government.

Valerie Wolbert - one of the leaders in Manitoba's disability community

Profile: Valerie Wolbert
President: People First of Manitoba

Valerie Wolbert was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and has two foster sisters and one foster brother.  She was raised in the small community of Poplar Point and attended school there. As a person with an intellectual disability, Valerie has become an advocate for herself and many others. She is unstoppable in her commitment to making life better for all people who have been labelled with an intellectual disability.

Valerie began volunteering with her local People First chapter in 2006 and soon was elected as the President. She currently represents Manitoba on the People First of Canada board.

Valerie has accomplished many things in her lifetime. She has fought for and won her legal capacity and the right to make her own decisions and choices, she has travelled to Israel – a lifelong dream, she is married, and she is active and involved in her community.

Valerie is particularly proud of her involvement in the making of the People First of Canada documentary film The Freedom Tour. Valerie gives of her energy, time, and skills to many organizations in the Winnipeg area.

 

    

Along with her People First work, Valerie is an active volunteer with her church, the DisAbled Women’s Network, and the Canadian Human Rights Museum. Valerie is a well-known disability activist in her home town of Winnipeg where she lives with her husband and two cats.