Empowering Change for a More Inclusive Saskatchewan
My name is Brenda Edel, and I believe in the power of community, standing up for what’s right, and the potential each of us has to make a positive difference. As a mother, wife, and long-time resident of rural Saskatchewan, I am deeply committed to supporting our community and bringing attention to the issues that affect us all, particularly those facing challenges in marginalized groups.
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Having been born and raised in Saskatchewan, I feel a strong connection to our province and its people. I am passionate about fairness and equal opportunities for everyone. Through my involvement with Barrier Free Saskatchewan (BFSK), my volunteer efforts, and my ongoing dedication to creating a more inclusive and accessible society, I strive to support equal opportunities for all individuals.
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As an active community member, I contribute wherever I can to advocacy and inclusivity. In my role with BFSK, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside others who share a similar commitment to improving accessibility for everyone. My hope is that through these efforts, we can help create an environment where everyone has the chance to succeed. My dedication to this work is shaped by my own experiences and my belief that true progress in our community happens when we prioritize the well-being and needs of each person.
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As a mother, I am deeply concerned about creating a future where our children inherit a society that is transparent, accountable, and fair. It’s important to me that we work together to foster integrity, progress, and opportunity for everyone in Saskatchewan. Our community faces many challenges, and I am committed to doing my part in contributing to its success and well-being wherever I can.
About Me
I am Brenda Edel, a proud Saskatchewan citizen, born and raised in this beautiful province. My journey as a community organizer and advocate for disability equity and inclusion has been shaped by both my personal experiences and my desire to make a positive difference for others.
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In 1977, a surgery left me partially sighted and registered blind. This life-changing event sparked my deep commitment to advocacy—not only for myself but for others who face similar barriers. Through this journey, I’ve come to understand that the biggest challenge people with disabilities face is not the disability itself, but the unconscious biases and discrimination that persist in society. Many still hold the outdated belief that individuals with disabilities are incapable of making their own decisions. The reality is, as human beings, we will all face disability at some point in our lives—whether through aging, injury, or illness. This makes it even more crucial that we work to educate others, break down these misconceptions, and create a society where everyone can access employment, socialize, and fully participate in community life.
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My passion for fairness and equal opportunities drives me to ensure that all individuals, regardless of background or circumstance, have the chance to succeed. In 2016, I was honored to be asked to become a founding member of Barrier Free Saskatchewan (BFSK), an organization dedicated to advocating for accessible spaces, policies, and services for people with disabilities. As President of BFSK, I work alongside dedicated individuals to ensure that Saskatchewan’s Accessibility Legislation is upheld and continues to support people with disabilities in all aspects of life. This work is deeply important to me, as I believe that true progress in our community happens when we prioritize the well-being and needs of every individual.
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My commitment to advocacy is rooted in the values I grew up with—instilled by my parents, both of whom dedicated their lives to public service. My mother, a psychiatric nurse, and my father, an RCMP officer, worked tirelessly to build strong communities and support the well-being of others. Their example has shaped my belief in the importance of community involvement, social justice, and equality. It is in their honor that I also serve as a Respect Canada Facilitator. This role allows me to promote the values of respect and understanding, contributing to a more compassionate and inclusive society. I took on this role not only to honor my father but also to honor all veterans who have served our country with great sacrifice.
Anne Blakeney and Brenda Edel bumping elbows in the park.
Volunteer Work
Throughout my life, I have committed myself to various volunteer roles that have allowed me to support my community and advocate for meaningful change. As President of Barrier Free Saskatchewan (BFSK), I have led efforts to support individuals with disabilities and ensure they are treated with respect and dignity. One of our significant accomplishments was beginning our lobbying efforts in 2016 for Accessible Saskatchewan Legislation, which, in December of 2023, came to fruition. This achievement marks a major milestone in ensuring accessibility and inclusion for all Saskatchewan residents.
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I am also a founding member of the Saskatchewan New Democrat Disability Advocate Wing, a committee I helped establish to ensure the disability community should have a presence within the political environment.
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Additionally, I serve as a Facilitator with Respect Canada, where I work to build networks of support for Canadian veterans across Saskatchewan. I’ve also been involved in local community activities, including organizing the Canada Day parade in White Swan, Saskatchewan, and serving on the RM of Vanscoy’s Rec Group Executive to engage and support the RM of Vanscoy. These roles have allowed me to be a part of initiatives that bring people together and foster a sense of community. My volunteer work has taught me the importance of listening, understanding different perspectives, and building connections that make our communities stronger.
Peggy Nash, a fellow UNIFOR sister and fellow advocate.
CONTACT
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"Be a reflection of what you'd like to receive. If you want love, give love. If you want truth, be truthful. If you want respect give respect. What you give out will return to you."
-- Kristen Butler