Since arriving in B.C. over 40 years ago, Frances Belzberg has championed numerous causes, from health care and medical research to education and nurturing the next generation of Canadian leaders. After her husband of 68 years, Samuel Belzberg, OC, OBC died in 2018, Frances continued their family’s lifelong legacy of community leadership here in B.C. Now in her mid-90s, Frances’ commitment remains unwavering.
In 1976, Frances co-founded the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF), with the mission to advance research, promote awareness, and support the well-being of those affected by the disease. In his testimony, Dr. Anthony Lang, OC, chair for Parkinson’s research at the University of Toronto explains that “[the] establishment of the DMRF essentially revolutionized the field” and that “Frances has been an active driver and supporter of the work of the foundation.” Forty-five years later, Frances is still actively involved in the foundation.
In the early 1990s, Frances was instrumental in the establishment of the Think Aids Society to advance research and funding, and raise awareness for HIV/AIDS. According to Dr. Julio Montaner’s, OC, OBC, , “without the dedication of community leaders like Frances Belzberg, the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS would not have become Canada’s largest HIV/AIDS research organization and a world leader in the fight against HIV.” In 1995, Frances was awarded the Order of Canada in recognition of her numerous achievements.
In 2003, the Government of Canada partnered with the Belzberg Family to create Action Canada, a joint initiative to inspire and support young Canadians and future public policy influencers.
As a champion of education, Frances and the Belzberg family have made transformational impacts to UBC and SFU. In 2016, Frances and Samuel Belzberg were honoured by SFU with the President’s Distinguished Community Leadership Award “for their many years of philanthropy and commitment to education, leadership and equality,” as described by Professor Andrew Petter, CM, OBC, QC, President Emeritus.
