Keynote Speakers

Mother and son, Allison and Will Brewer of New Brunswick – two dynamic individuals who truly exemplify this year’s “Web of Life – in our hands” theme, will be our featured speakers at the 2008 ACM. 

For over 25 years Allison Brewer has worked tirelessly for the rights of all people, particularly advocating for people with disabilities, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gendered communities, and strongly defending a woman’s right to reproductive choice. She has been a passionate fighter for social change through her work in journalism, community development, union involvement, and membership in the New Democratic Party.  

The mother of three children, Allison attributes much of her success and resilience in overcoming struggles to the support she has received from the Unitarian community.  

“It is very hard to do this kind of work if you don’t have the support of a broad community. Unitarian fellowship is a ‘calm in the storm’ that brings me energy to get through the rough patches and bring about positive change” says Allison.  

Allison is a dedicated social activist.  As Egale Canada’s delegate to the Women’s Conference in Beijing, she was detained by Chinese officials.  Allison was President of the New Brunswick Coalition on Human Rights Reform and was the founder and former manager of the Fredericton Morgentaler Clinic.  Moving to Canada’s newest territory, Allison became the communications advisor for the health and social services department in Nunavut, later becoming the senior advisor on women’s issues.  In 2004, Allison was awarded the Governor General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case, and after moving back to Fredericton, became leader of the NB New Democratic party from 2005 until November 2006. 

Allison will be joined at the 2008 ACM by her son Will Brewer.  Seeing the world in a positive light is one of Will’s many talents.  Born with down’s syndrome, Will works tirelessly to overcome adversity and make a difference in his community by fighting for social justice - particularly the inclusion of people with disabilities. In 2007, Will was the recipient of the NB Association for Community Living ‘Champions of Inclusion’ Award.  

Join us at the 2008 ACM as Allison and Will inspire us with their life experiences and share their approaches to overcoming challenges! 

Allison can be contacted at allisonb@nb.sympatico.ca.