Louise Bergeron graduated from Concordia University in 1989, with a degree in Communications Studies.  In 2003 Louise commenced her involvement as an arthritis advocate and became a board member of AWISH Arthritis Montreal West Island Self Help. In 2005 she became a member of the Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance, and was elected President of this organization. Since 2006 she has also been a member of the Consumer Advisory Council of the Canadian Arthritis Network. This is a federally funded arthritis research network which has advanced knowledge about arthritis through collaborative research. She also was a member of the Steering Committee of the Alliance of the Canadian Arthritis Program and was invited to sit on the Episodic Disabilities Network’s Advisory Board.  As a Community Reviewer with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research she is involved in the peer review grant process which awards Canadian Researchers health research grants.  She was also the Consumer Representative on the Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Research Alliance and was invited to work with the Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Expert Working Group who were consulted by the Public Health Agency for their new and revised publication “Arthritis in Canada” which is being released in July 2010.

Louise presently lives in Ile Perrot, Quebec with her husband and two children.  Her personal experience with her own disability, and those of her immediate family members has prompted her interest and involvement disability issues. She believes that her intimate experience of living with arthritis every day has given her valuable knowledge that can be shared with policy makers, caregivers, government representatives and employers.  Her involvement in advocacy stems from her belief that only ongoing education and accountability will improve outcomes for the lives of people with diverse disabilities. She believes the combined voices and vision of all Canadians who live with disabilities will change the future.

Louise will spend her first few weeks becoming familiar with IL Canada and our national network.  We look forward to supporting Louise as she settles into her new role and ask that you join us in welcoming her.