The ALS Society of Canada is honoured to welcome five new members to its Board of Directors. Their professional accomplishments, combined with a personal understanding of the impact of ALS from the perspective of a neurologist, caregiver, or people living with the disease, provide a vital perspective to the organization. With experience in medicine, research, public health, business, and finance, they are united by a shared commitment to improving lives and helping shape a world free of ALS.
Peter Brenders
Peter is the Founder and Managing Director of TO4 Group Inc., where he supports life sciences companies in commercializing innovations in Canada. With over 30 years of leadership experience across government, for-profit, and non-profit sectors, his past roles include President and CEO of BIOTECanada, General Manager of Sanofi Genzyme, Founder and CEO of Inagene Diagnostics, CEO of the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation, and most recently, General Manager of BeiGene Canada. Peter has launched more than 20 products throughout his career and driven growth across various therapeutic areas. He advocates for improving healthcare access and aligning stakeholders to create patient-centred solutions. Peter holds an MBA from McMaster University, an honours BSc from Western University, and has completed executive education at Stanford University, Harvard University, McGill University, and Queen’s University. He is also a Canadian Healthcare Marketing Hall of Fame inductee.
“Having seen the devastating effects of ALS in my own family, I felt compelled to support the ALS community however I could,” says Peter. “I’m hopeful that my experience in Canada’s life sciences sector can contribute to advancing research, advocacy, and access to care, all in pursuit of better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.”
Jennifer French
Jennifer is a passionate and empathetic leader with three decades of experience spanning multiple industries and geographies. She is currently the Senior Director of Business Credit Cards at RBC, leading major transformational initiatives. Her career has also included leadership roles at AMEX and Accenture, with global experience shaping her diverse problem-solving approach.
Jennifer’s connection to ALS is deeply personal, as her brother was diagnosed with the disease in 2024. She brings her professional expertise and relentless optimism to the Board, driven by a commitment to support people living with ALS and their families and advancing research for treatments and one day a cure.
“Watching my brother lose the ability to do the things he loves, like competing in Ironman events or camping with his family, has been heartbreaking,” says Jennifer. “I’m driven by that experience to help ensure people living with ALS can maintain their independence and continue finding joy. With relentless optimism, I’ll work to support families and push for the funding needed to end this disease.”
Harry Joosten
Harry retired in 2016 after 40 years with Libro Credit Union, finishing his career as Governance Coach and Corporate Secretary. He now operates a part-time consulting practice under the Governance Vitality banner and considers himself an Independent Community Service Professional.
A graduate of Western University, Harry earned additional designations including FCUIC, ACUIC, and ICD.D, and completed executive programs at Queen’s University and the Rotman School of Business. Over the past 45 years, he has served on numerous boards and committees for credit unions, co-operatives, and community organizations, including St. John Ambulance, MS Canada, ReForest London, and Rotary.
In January 2025, Harry was diagnosed with ALS. Despite his onset of symptoms, he continues to serve the community through the Rotary Club of London, Agape Foundation, and Thames Valley Science and Technology Fair.
“With my recent ALS diagnosis and the onset of symptoms, I’ve had to step away from several community service roles. But I’ve always been committed to contributing where I can,” says Harry. “When I saw the Board position posting, I saw a unique opportunity to keep moving forward, sharing my experience of living with ALS while also bringing my background in governance and organizational effectiveness to support the work of ALS Canada and the community.”
Jason Ritchie
Jason is an executive communications professional in Mississauga with more than two decades of experience in public sector marketing and communications. Since 2021, his work with Peel Public Health has focused on messaging to residents in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other health matters aligned with the Region’s vision. He has supported executive leadership through reports and presentations to the Regional Council, and before that, spent nearly 20 years in the aviation industry, developing communications strategies and public opinion research to support corporate goals and stakeholder engagement. Jason is a graduate of Humber Polytechnic’s Broadcast Journalism program.
“When I was diagnosed with ALS in the summer of 2024, my neurologist pointed me to ALS Canada as the best source of trustworthy information, and he was right,” says Jason. “The learning and support I’ve received have been invaluable. I joined the 2024 Revolution Ride and saw firsthand the impact of this organization. Now, I want to give back. By combining my lived experience with my background in communications, I hope to help others better understand the resources available and feel less alone in this journey.”
Dr. Christen Shoesmith
Dr. Shoesmith is an Associate Professor of Neurology at Western University in the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences. She is a fellowship-trained neuromuscular neurologist with a clinical focus on ALS. Dr. Shoesmith is the medical director of the Motor Neuron Diseases Clinic at London Health Sciences Centre, serving as the principal investigator (PI) for all ALS clinical trials at her centre, including Phase 1 through Phase 3 trials. She is the Past-Chair of the Canadian ALS Research Network (CALS) and has served on its executive for the past four years. Dr. Shoesmith is also the lead author of the Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for the Management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, published in 2020. She has worked alongside ALS Canada and the ALS community to advocate for the Ontario government to support the Ontario Provincial ALS Program, including meeting with policymakers and the ALS Canada Queen’s Park Day of Action.
“As an expert in ALS clinical care, I’m eager to learn from others on how I can make a more significant impact for people living with ALS,” says Dr. Shoesmith. “I want to improve my advocacy for patients, better communicate their needs in policy decisions, and elevate Canadian ALS research on the global stage. Working with a committed team at ALS Canada, I hope to improve my ability to communicate, advocate, and promote ALS research and patient care.”
ALS Canada’s Board of Directors is grounded in the realities of living with ALS and informed by the disease’s complexities. United by a shared commitment to improving the lives of people affected by ALS, the Board provides leadership rooted in collaboration, support, advocacy, and strategic investment in research.
To learn more about our Board of Directors, including full biographies of our newest members, here.
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