“My father has been living with Parkinson’s for many years and I have seen first hand the impact it has on a person, their family and their friends. I am so pleased to work with Parkinson Canada, a national leader in the fight to find a cure and provide the resources for those living with the disease and their families. I am continually inspired by the energy and drive of the Board, the staff, the volunteers and the community of those living with Parkinson’s as they all work together towards this common cause.”

Michael is the President & CEO of the Canadian Finance & Leasing Association (CFLA). With over 200 corporate members from large banks to independent finance companies, CFLA is the advocate and resource for the Canadian asset-based finance and leasing industry – which as of its most recent assessment, had financed assets in Canada valued at over $427 billion.

Prior to joining the CFLA Michael practiced regulatory law for over 15 years, most recently as Director of Legal Services with the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council and for a short period held the position of Acting-Deputy Registrar.

In 2014 Michael was requested by the Ontario College of Trades to conduct an in-depth review of the College’s complaints and enforcement process. The resulting report which encompassed a review of more than a dozen leading regulators provided over 50 practical recommendations and immediately reduced the College’s 14,000 file backlog by over 99%.

Michael is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University and has studied at Heidelberg University, the University of Mannheim, Moscow State University and most recently Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government. Michael received his LL.B. from the University of New Brunswick and his LL.M. along with a post-graduate diploma in Justice System Administration from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. Michael is a frequent speaker at both legal and industry conferences.