Friday, June 5, 2026

Message from MS Canada

There is one month until the deadline of the Julia Stewart Memorial Short Story Contest. All entry fees will be matched by the sponsor, Cedar Valley Investments, and donated to MS Canada. They sent us this message remembering Julia:

“Julia was a bright light in our work together -- giving herself generously in wisdom, spirit and time. As a beloved friend to many in the MS community, she touched the lives of many with her optimism, passion, and love for life. 

After having been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2004, she became heavily involved with MS Canada mission work. As an active member of the Government Relations team, she was a veteran of Day-on-the-Hill advocacy campaigns and was a part of the successful advocacy work that resulted in the federal government’s decision to extend the Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits.

She was a MS Walk participant for 15+ years and a strong advocate for access to treatment and support for the newly diagnosed.  In 2021, Julia became Vice Chair of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation’s (MSIF), People With and Affected by MS Expert Group. She became a member of MS Canada’s Board of Directors in 2023.”