Lembi Buchanan is a mental health advocate helping ensure that persons with serious psychiatric disorders are not discriminated against by provincial and federal government programs and policies. She began her “Fighting for Fairness” campaign in March 2001 and spearheaded the lobbying efforts of a coalition of health charities to reform the federal Disability Tax Credit (DTC). Subsequently, she was appointed to the Technical Advisory Committee on Tax Treatment for Persons with Disabilities which led to a major overhaul of the eligibility criteria for the DTC, especially for persons with mental impairments.  In July 2005, Lembi launched a “Best Practices” campaign www.whychoicematters.com to advocate for open and timely access to all psychiatric drugs approved by Health Canada. Lembi also charis the BC Coalition for Action on Alcohol Reform. In addition to her volunteer work, Lembi is a communications specialist with a BSc degree from the University of Toronto.

John Day is a graduate of the University of King’s College, Dalhousie Law School and the London School of Economics and Political Science. John was associated with the Toronto law firm of Cassels Brock & Blackwell from 1972 to 1999 and a partner from 1984 to 1999. He has also served as Chancellor of the Anglican Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario, Registrar of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto and former board member of ARCH and the International Commercial Bank of Cathay (Canada). John has also served on the Board of Directors of ARCH Disability Law Centre and assisted Lembi Buchanan on disability and tax issues during her term as a member of the Technical Advisory Committee on Tax Measures for Persons with Disabilities.

Arlene Duncan is the Marketing Manager for Laser Quest and has been with the company since it opened in Toronto in 1994. Previous employment has involved economic research for Dalhousie University, retail sales and advertising but her most important job was raising four children. Nevertheless, Arlene always found time to volunteer her services and has held a variety of positions including President of the Junior Service League in Ottawa; Chair of Causeway, a psychiatric rehabilitation facility in Ottawa; Chair of Humewood House, a facility for young women needing assistance in Toronto; and most recently Chair of the Board of Eglinton St. George's United Church. Arlene has a BA from McGill University in Economics.

Michael McCamus has shown leadership in nonprofit organizations and committees related to mental health issues, serving as Executive Director and also on Boards of Directors, including roles as chair and vice-chair. His volunteer work has been acknowledged by several awards, including Volunteer of the Year Award from the City of Toronto in 2002. Michael was Co-chair of the successful Bloor Viaduct suicide prevention barrier campaign, making deputations before numerous city committees, personally meeting with 44 City Councillors and Mayor Mel Lastman, to secure $5.6-million funding for the award-winning “Luminous Veil” anti-suicide barrier which was completed in November 2003. He was also a key player in the success of the Coalition to Reform the Disability Tax Credit, offering his expertise in strategic planning and support during its start-up phase. Michael is an Honours graduate from University of Toronto with a BA in Political Science.

Preetha Stephen is a student at Ryerson University studying Food and Nutrition, a Bachelor of Applied Science program within its Community Services Faculty. She is also active with RyeACCESS, a student volunteer group for persons with disabilities as well as other organizations. Preetha has worked on a part-time basis with the Schizophrenia Society of Canada and as a Wellness Group Co-facilitator with the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario. She is the recipient of the 2007 Flag of Hope Award for raising awareness and reducing stigma around schizophrenia. In 2006, her essay,"A Battle Well Fought: Mental Illness Stigma and the Workplace" won the Scotiabank essay contest.

Marilyn Barton is Manager, Administration, for Khan Resources Inc., a mining company with a major uranium property in Mongolia. With considerable knowledge of the mining industry, Marilyn was instrumental in setting up the Toronto office in 2006. She is a committed professional who has always going the extra mile for her employer, and we welcome her experience and dedication to our board. Marilyn has a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree from Ryerson University in Toronto and is a Certified Administrative Professional. 

Mary-Lou is retired, following a career as an elementary school teacher that has spanned over 35 years.  In addition to her work with the Nickel-a-Drink Research Foundation, she volunteers with the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario as a facilitator on the Early Years of Recovery Group and as a member of the Chapter Leadership Team.