Norm McLeod Awards

Doug Edey, 2003 Norm McLeod Leadership Award Winner

Doug Edey is an ambassador for Grande Prairie and beyond

Mayor Wayne Ayling of Grande Prairie has called Doug Edey, winner of the 2003 Norm McLeod Leadership Award, “one of Grande Prairie’s most well-known ambassadors.” Doug won the Norm McLeod Award for his outstanding community involvement and commitment to ensuring that adults with developmental disabilities can work, live, learn, and be active in their community.

An avid public speaker, Doug is a member of Toastmasters International and belongs to an advance public speaking club in Grande Prairie. He uses his public speaking skills to effectively advocate on behalf of people with disabilities. Doug spoke to city council about local transportation challenges and the council responded by making Grande Prairie one of the first Canadian cities to provide free public transportation to people who are receiving AISH supports.

For twelve years, Doug has been employed at the Grande Prairie IGA. In 2001, the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) Northwest Community Board recognized Doug for his work ethic and professionalism with an Employee of the Year Award.

A loyal hockey fan, Doug supports the Grande Prairie Storm Alberta Junior Hockey Team by volunteering to sell programs at all of their home games. He also volunteers for the Grande Prairie Regional College Volleyball team. When he is not supporting the local sport teams, Doug can be found participating in Special Olympic events, including 5-pin bowling, golf, power lifting, and hockey. An accomplished athlete, Doug was presented with the Alberta Special Olympics Athlete of the Year award.

Looking ahead, Doug’s goal is to travel across North America to speak and advocate on behalf of people with developmental disabilities. He believes that he can use his speaking skills to change the lives of others for the better.

A video will be produced in June 2003 documenting Doug’s accomplishments and how his contributions have benefited the community of Grande Prairie and inspired Albertans across the province.

The Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) Provincial Board created the Norm McLeod Leadership Award to celebrate the career and contributions of Norm McLeod. Throughout his 35-year career, Norm has and continues to inspire countless people with his untiring commitment to community inclusion. He had a personal vision of people with developmental disabilities living as full participants in their communities. The Norm McLeod Leadership award is presented annually to an individual with a developmental disability who has inspired others through his or her achievements and demonstrated leadership in their community.

The PDD Provincial Board’s mission is “to create an Alberta where adults with developmental disabilities are included in community life.”

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