Lord, we thank You for the Honourable Michelle Stilwell and her commitment to serve those in our province who have disabilities. We thank You that she has recently taken on the role of Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation. We pray that You will continue to give her the strength, determination and vision in order that she may fulfill her portfolio and roles with excellence. In her new role we also pray that You will help to bring to fruition those initiatives and plans that You have put upon her heart. May You also bless her and her family with unity, peace, health and happiness. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Michelle Stilwell was elected MLA for Parksville-Qualicum in May 2013 and was appointed Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation on February 2, 2015.
Prior to being sworn in as minister, Michelle served as the Government Caucus Chair and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for Seniors. She is also a member of the Cabinet Committee on Secure Tomorrow as well as the Treasury Board.
Prior to being elected to the Legislative Assembly, Michelle was a motivational speaker and community advocate for persons with disabilities and children with special needs. Michelle is also an ambassador for ActNow BC and the Rick Hansen Foundation, and has worked on the B.C. government’s 10 by 10 Challenge to increase employment of persons with disabilities.
In 2012, Michelle was presented with the first key to the City of Parksville and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
She is the only Canadian female athlete to be a Paralympic champion in two separate summer sports (basketball and athletics).
Michelle graduated from the University of Calgary in 1999 with a science degree and moved to Oceanside in 2001. Michelle and her husband Mark have been married for 15 years and together home school their son Kai.