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Pinoy Abroad

Polio victim becomes first ever Pinoy PWD advocate in Alberta, Canada


A polio victim has become the first ever Filipino advocate for persons with disability (PWD) in the province of Alberta, Canada.

Now an advocate, Antonio “Tony” Flores vows to bring positive changes in the lives of Alberta PWDs.

Tony Flores. Photo from philippinecanadiannews.com
Tony Flores. Photo from philippinecanadiannews.com

“My hope and my vision for Albertans with disabilities are to have the opportunities I had – we have a long road to go.  My hope is that I will lead this journey to bring positive change,” Tony told GMA News Online in an interview through email.

Alberta’s Advocate for Persons with Disabilities Act was passed in the legislature in May 2017 and made into law earlier this year.

A total of $1 million has been invested to establish the “independent disability advocate office.” 

Flores was stricken by polio when he was one year old. It affected his right leg and part of his left leg.

As an advocate, Tony plans of building good relationship with the community in Alberta.

“I think it is important to build relationship with the community. I am planning to do a road trip across the province to learn and understand what Albertans with disability experience every day unique to their communities,” he said. 

Flores migrated to Canada 34 years ago with his parents and siblings.

“I can’t imagine myself living in the Philippines with a disability. Thank goodness to my sister and my brother-in-law who brought us here.”

“I was able to do the things I wanted: education, a career, pursued sports that I enjoyed, gave back to the community and served the community.  I had a sense of meaning, a sense of purpose.”

Flores was able to finish his undergraduate studies in economics and political science at the University of Alberta.

Afterwards, he attended a fitness center on the campus where he ran into two wheelchair athletes who encouraged him to cross-country ski.

“I had joined world cups in para Nordic skiing (Sit skiing category), World Championships in paracanoe (200m single kayak sprint), and Canadian National Championships. I became a national champion in 2008 and 2009.” —LBG, GMA News

 

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