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Kathryn Gretsinger, Journalist/Adjunct Professor, University of British Columbia Graduate School of Journalism

"Gillian Maxwell is a community builder. She makes it her business to challenge others to discuss, think about and take action on issues that are often ignored. She does so with a determined mind and an open heart. She is unafraid of controversy; she welcomes disagreement and she believes in dialogue to create understanding. Our community is stronger because of people like Gillian - constantly out there working for change."

Kasia Malinowska-Sempruch, Global Drug Policy Program - Open Society Foundations

"We live in times in which it is so easy to be preoccupied and distracted by our hectic schedules. Gillian, however, has a rare ability to be present. She is right there with you at any given moment, and in her presence you feel supported, accepted and cared for. This magnificent quality is accompanied by her discerning judgement and expertise in seeking creative solutions."

Philippe Lucas, Former City Councillor of Victoria, Researcher, Proprietor - Compassionate Consulting

"I've known and worked with Gillian Maxwell for a number of years, and she's a social justice champion and progressive change-maker. With a grace and intellect, she challenges policies that lead to unnecessary suffering, finding and promoting solutions for the betterment of her community and society as a whole."

Anne Chalmers, Vice President, Risk and Security Teck Resources & Chair, Product Stewardship Committee

"Gillian Maxwell is a beautiful and caring woman of principle, a dedicated advocate, volunteer and friend."

Kim Balfour, Balfour Consulting Group Inc

"It's hard to explain but it has to do with your assumption of intelligence on the part of the audience and the way you make connections between seemingly different areas of thought or inquiry. Like drawing on Goethe and Gandhi to make a point about supervised injection sites.

My sense is that you help people see what is new about a familiar situation, and what is familiar about new or different situations in part by making connections that startle people out of their particular little mindsets. Like talking about social services, passive resistance and, say, quantum physics in the same sentence. In the end, it makes for a richer understanding of the situation and more creative, enduring solutions."