Statement from Inclusion Canada on the Passing of Lorraine Silliphant

September 12, 2025 

Toronto, ON - It is with deep sadness that Inclusion Canada mourns the passing of Lorraine Silliphant, a lifelong advocate, mentor, and trailblazer in the inclusion movement. Lorraine dedicated her life to advancing the full inclusion and human rights of people with intellectual disabilities and their families in New Brunswick and across Canada. 

Lorraine has had a tremendous influence on our movement at every level, with her lifelong dedication to Inclusion Canada, Inclusion NB, and Inclusion Fredericton as both a volunteer and staff. She was a founder of the inclusion movement in New Brunswick and has been a distinguished advisor on the Inclusion Canada Board for decades. 

Lorraine’s contributions were profound and enduring. As a parent leader, she worked with other families as a guiding force to demand that school districts accept responsibility for educating children who had long been excluded. She advocated strongly for Bill 85, legislation which meant children would be educated in their neighbourhood schools and classrooms with their peers without disabilities. She was instrumental in the closure of the government-run W.F. Roberts Hospital School and Centracare, helping shift the focus from segregated institutionalization to community living. Her recent work in Fredericton included collaborating with community leaders to improve housing strategies and foster truly inclusive communities.

After the birth of her son Ralph, she began her career working for the New Brunswick Association for Community Living (NBACL) initially as the Southern NB Advocate before becoming the Executive Director. During her 20 years of leadership with NBACL (now Inclusion New Brunswick)—including 11 years as Executive Director—Lorraine helped transform inclusive education and housing in the province while supporting national efforts to end segregation and close institutions across Canada. She went on to serve on the Board and Executive Committee of Inclusion Canada, Inclusion Fredericton, and Inclusion Canada’s research institute. 

Lorraine’s remarkable work was recognized with some of Canada’s highest honours, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the 125th Anniversary of Confederation of Canada Medal, the New Brunswick Pioneer of Human Rights Award, the Dr. David Jory Award for Inclusive Education, and IRIS’s Outstanding Service Award. She was an honourary Life Member of both Inclusion NB and Inclusion Canada and remained a guiding force in our movement throughout her life.  

Beyond her achievements, Lorraine was a gentle and patient teacher. She mentored generations of advocates and leaders, always leading with wisdom, kindness, and an unwavering belief in the dignity and potential of every person. Her impact will be felt for generations, and her spirit lives on in the thousands of lives she has touched. 

Even after her retirement, Lorraine’s commitment remained unwavering. Her mentorship, guidance, and leadership continued to inspire and shape advocates and leaders in the inclusion movement right up until her passing. Her legacy lives on in the countless individuals she mentored and in the movement she helped build. 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to her beloved family, her husband, Dave, daughters Carol and Dianne, son Ralph, and grandchildren Erin, Laura, Maggie, Leah, and Connor.  

 "Lorraine’s leadership, vision, and courage shaped the inclusion movement in New Brunswick and across Canada. She was a founder, a builder, and a teacher whose impact will be felt for generations. We are deeply grateful for her contributions, and we will honour her legacy by carrying forward the work she began." 

Moira Wilson, President of Inclusion Canada 

"Lorraine was a life-changing mentor and teacher to me and to so many others in our community. My heart is truly aching from this profound personal loss.  Her strong determination to create a fully inclusive society where everyone belongs was transformative. Above all, she showed us how to lead with compassion and conviction. We will miss her beyond words, but we will continue to advance her vision of a Canada where everyone belongs and with no one excluded.  I will miss you deeply.  Rest in Power, Lorraine." 

Krista Carr, CEO of Inclusion Canada