Tony

Tony Flores (he/him) is a disability advocate, para-athlete, and former public servant with a lifelong commitment to equity and inclusion. With 29 years working in the Government of Alberta and a history of representing Canada on the international para-athletic stage, Tony brings both lived and professional experience to his advocacy.

From 2018 to 2021, Tony served as Alberta’s first Advocate for Persons with Disabilities, where he fought to make government systems more accessible, accountable, and responsive to the needs of disabled Albertans. He worked directly with individuals, resolved concerns, and pushed for policy changes that centered lived experience instead of bureaucratic inefficiencies. His time in government made it clear that most social services are designed without consulting the people who actually use them—a problem he continues to challenge.

Before stepping into this high-profile role, Tony spent nearly three decades as a public servant, working frontline with some of Alberta’s most vulnerable communities. His work was guided by the belief that systems should adapt to people, not the other way around.

Outside of advocacy, Tony has built a remarkable career in para-sports. He represented Canada in paracanoe at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships from 2009 to 2011, and has also competed in wheelchair racing and para-Nordic skiing. His contributions to sport extend beyond competition—he has been the director of the Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award for eight Paralympic Games and previously served as a board member of Alberta Sport Connection (2016-2018).

Tony’s journey is documented in the children’s book Tony’s Wheels, which tells his story in a way that inspires young readers to see possibility beyond limitations. His advocacy, both in policy and sport, is driven by a core belief: lived experience must be at the forefront of decision-making.

His message to others: “You are not alone. We can cross the bridge together. No one should have to fight for basic rights on their own.”

Q&A

Can you share a bit about yourself and what inspired you to join the Council?

The Council members are passionate intelligent individuals who have their own unique lived experiences who want to put forth their perspectives to improve mental health systems.

What do you personally bring to the council? (What are the unique perspectives that you bring?)

First, understanding government systems; and second my 29 years as a public servant for the government of Alberta serving the most vulnerable Albertans.

What are your hopes for the future of mental health in our community?

That lived experiences are drivers and the forefront of mental health design.

What message would you like to share with someone who might be struggling with their mental health right now?

That you are not alone and we can cross the bridge along side with you.