We are pleased to share that our Board Member, Howard Sapers, has been appointed the new Executive Director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA).
Howard brings decades of public service experience and a strong record of leadership in justice, corrections, and human rights. His work has shaped national policy and contributed to lasting reforms.
A proud moment for CanFASD
At CanFASD, we are proud to have Howard on our Board of Directors. His leadership and commitment to evidence-based policy are invaluable. He continues to support our mission to build capacity across Canada in addressing the complex challenges of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
In light of the CCLA’s announcement, Howard commented:
“As the new Executive Director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, I’m excited to build on my longstanding commitment to justice and human rights. Through my experiences in the Corrections system in Canada and more recently on the Board of Directors of the CanFASD Research Network, I’ve seen how FASD intersects with civil liberties—particularly in areas like criminal justice reform, where individuals with FASD face systemic barriers, discrimination, and a lack of accommodations that exacerbate their vulnerabilities. This linkage strengthens my resolve at CCLA to advocate for inclusive policies that protect marginalized groups, including those affected by FASD, ensuring their rights to fair treatment, healthcare, and dignity are upheld alongside broader democratic freedoms.”
Clearly, Howard brings not only expertise but also a deep commitment to protecting civil liberties. With his leadership, the CCLA is well-positioned to respond to today’s challenges with purpose and integrity.
About Howard Sapers
Howard has had a long and distinguished career. From 2004 to 2016, he served as Correctional Investigator of Canada. In that role, he conducted independent investigations and promoted reforms that prioritized human rights in federal prisons.
Afterward, he led a two-year review of Ontario’s correctional system. This review resulted in three major reports and more than 160 recommendations. These recommendations have influenced provincial corrections policy and practice.
Appointed in 2021 by the federal government, Howard now serves as Chair of the Structured Intervention Units Implementation Advisory Panel. In this role, he helps monitor and guide the shift away from segregation in federal corrections. His consulting work, which focuses on correctional policy and mental health in the justice system, extends both nationally and internationally. In 2023 he joined CanFASD’s Board of Directors, bringing his extensive expertise in correctional policy and practice to the world of FASD.
Join us in celebrating
We congratulate Howard Sapers on this important appointment. His leadership at the CCLA will be essential in navigating today’s evolving civil liberties landscape.
We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Howard through his role on CanFASD’s Board. If you would like to learn more about our Board of Directors – or meet Howard in person – we invite you to attend the Canada FASD Conference this October.