An Interview with Marc-André Fabien, Fasken Partner and President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.
The period leading up to the Olympic Games is particularly exciting for Marc-André Fabien. The Fasken partner and president of the Canadian Paralympic Committee is preparing to accompany Team Canada to Milano Cortina, where years of hard work will culminate in thrilling performances by athletes on the ice rinks and ski trails of northern Italy.
In a recent interview, seasoned litigator Marc-André Fabien spoke passionately about the values that drive his nearly 30-year commitment to the Paralympic Movement and about the crucial role of the organization he chairs in supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes.
What led you to get involved with the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC)?
Politics! In 1997, I volunteered on the fundraising committee of a federal political party whose president was involved in organizing a Paralympic volleyball tournament in Montréal.
He asked me if I could help him raise $10,000 for the tournament, and I was able to raise that amount in 24 hours. I couldn't help but point out to him that it was easier to raise funds for Paralympic athletes than for our party.
As a result of my fundraising efforts, I was invited to attend the tournament. The event brought together nearly one hundred athletes and lasted a week. I had only planned on attending the opening and closing games, but I ended up spending the whole week there. As the event was relatively small, it was easy to connect with the athletes, and I was so impressed with what I saw.
The CPC then asked me to join its Board of Directors, which I accepted in 1998. In addition to helping establish a foundation for the organization, I served as vice-president until 2006 and then as president starting in 2017.
Fasken is a long-standing supporter of the CPC. What makes this partnership meaningful?
Both organizations share common values: a commitment to excellence, the discipline that drives both lawyers and Paralympic athletes to excel, and a deep desire to succeed.
Furthermore, both institutions promote the important message of inclusion and tolerance.
The CPC has experienced significant growth and visibility in recent years. What are you most proud of so far?
Above all, the role of the CPC president is to serve as an ambassador for the Paralympic Movement. When I was elected to this position, the thirty or so sports federations that make up the Committee were looking for someone with visibility and connections in the business community. They wanted someone from outside the sports world who would bring a new perspective.
Thanks to this approach, the Paralympic Movement brand in Canada has never been stronger. When I first became involved with the CPC, some 30 years ago, no one knew about Paralympic sports. Today, Paralympians are recognized as exceptional athletes and enjoy the respect and admiration of all Canadians.
These connections with the business world have also led to a significant increase in donations and sponsorships. We have established a foundation that is achieving remarkable success. Unfortunately, all sports organizations in Canada face significant financial challenges. For the first time, thanks to the foundation's success, we were able to give Paralympic medallists at the Paris Games the same grants as those given to Olympic medallists. We have successfully ended the unacceptable discrimination against Paralympic athletes.
What progress have you noticed in business and society regarding their commitment to including people with disabilities? And what challenges remain?
I see improvements in all areas, even though there is still a lot of work to be done. Until recently, people with disabilities in many countries continued to be marginalized by society.
However, when Paralympic competitions are broadcast, the performances of athletes with disabilities send an extremely powerful message and can even change attitudes toward disability. People who were once outcasts are now national heroes. This shift in society's perception of people with physical disabilities is one of the Paralympic Movement's tangible impacts.
How does the CPC help athletes prepare for the Games?
The CPC's mission is to send teams of athletes to represent Team Canada at the Paralympic Games. This includes things like travel and clothing, transporting sports equipment (including boats and horses), and organizing medical and safety teams. We are also involved in organizing media coverage of the Games, as well as coordinating the attendance of dignitaries or donors at the competitions.
The CPC also has a second objective, which is to promote the Paralympic Movement and, through its athletes, help change attitudes toward people with disabilities in Canada.
Are there any particular athletes, disciplines or stories that you think will resonate with Canadians this year?
All Paralympic athletes have a story to tell. They have endured personal challenges and overcome significant obstacles. Behind the remarkable performances of these athletes are extraordinary human stories.
As with all past Paralympic Games, I hope that those of Milano Cortina will send a message to all Canadians about striving for excellence and pushing boundaries and help change attitudes.
As president of the CPC, I would also like to thank all of our sponsors and donors. Without their support, and that of the federal government, we wouldn't be able to send Team Canada to represent our country at the Paralympic Games.
Finally, I would also like to highlight the outstanding support shown by Fasken's partners, management and members for Paralympic athletes.
Enjoy the Games!