Celebrating twelve years of commitment: Thank you, Pierre Léonard

Pierre Léonard has stepped down from the Humanity & Inclusion (HI) Canada Board after twelve years of service. Pierre’s leadership and passion have helped shape the HI Canada we know today. His contributions have made a lasting impact on our organization and the people we work alongside around the world. 

Two cousins with a common vision for inclusion 

Pierre first became involved with HI Canada at the invitation of his closest friend and cousin, Luc Forget, who also served on the organization’s Board of Directors for many years. Born just a few months apart, the two cousins grew up side by side. As a teenager, Pierre became aware of the additional challenges Luc faced: while his disability could sometimes limit certain activities, it also propelled him into areas where his creativity could truly flourish. Both pursued studies in the arts: Luc went on to become an artist and expert in inclusive design, while Pierre built a career as a graphic designer and branding specialist. At every stage of their journeys, Pierre’s admiration for all that Luc accomplished continued to grow. 

When Pierre joined HI Canada’s Board of Directors, he saw it as an opportunity to support Luc in a cause that was deeply important to him, helping people with disabilities around the world overcome exclusion and achieve greater inclusion.  From branding and entrepreneurship to his ability to mobilize influential networks and move important initiatives forward, Pierre quickly got to work to support the organization.  

Shaping the Future of HI Canada 

First as a Board member and later as Chair, Pierre worked methodically to advance several key initiatives. In 2017, he led the refresh of Humanity & Inclusion’s brand platform and oversaw the transformation of its logo. In 2019, alongside the Board Chair and the Chief Executive Officer of the HI Federation, he helped develop an ambitious strategic plan to support HI Canada’s growth. During the pandemic, Pierre undertook a review of the Board’s composition to recruit experts in areas critical to the organization’s development, encouraging them to contribute their knowledge on a volunteer basis and strengthen the permanent team’s capacity. 

By the time Luc, whose health had begun to decline, stepped away from HI Canada’s governance, Pierre was leading a deeply committed Board and a Canadian organization well positioned for the future. Luc, who passed away far too soon in 2025, expressed confidence that the organization was moving in the right direction. 

In 2024, Pierre informed the Governance Committee of the HI Canada Board of Directors that he would not be renewing his term as Chair. He passed the torch to the new Chair in June 2025 and remained on the Board for a one-year transition period.  

When I think of HI...

At HI Canada’s most recent Annual General Meeting, as he stepped down from the Board in June 2026, Pierre took a moment to reflect on his years with the organization and share a few words about his experience:  

" When I think of HI, I think of the thousands of people with disabilities and the most vulnerable people around the world, victims of armed conflicts or natural disasters... I think of a remarkable organization that I love and believe in. 

...We must persevere by fostering harmony and cohesion within our group, while also being ambitious and determined. That is how we will grow and thrive, both as an organization and as individuals. 

I grew a lot during my 12 years on the Board. I have come to better understand the world we live in. I have met and worked with inspiring people, outstanding professionals, and friends for life. 

Thank you for all of that." 

Thank you, Pierre 

Pierre embodied HI’s values and mission with conviction, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the people we support and a constant desire to advance our organization. HI Canada extends its deepest gratitude for his inspiring leadership, treasured friendship, and exceptional dedication over the years.