Sherri Torjman

Currently a social policy consultant, from 1992 to 2017 Sherri Torjman was Vice-President of the Caledon Institute of Social Policy, one of Canada’s leading social policy think tanks. In this role, she helped to propose and design the Canada Child Benefit and other income security and tax measures. From 2018 to 2022, Sherri served as the Vice-Chair of the Disability Advisory Committee reporting to the Minister of National Revenue. She Co-Chaired the Technical Advisory Committee on Tax Measures for Persons with Disabilities in 2004-05, reporting to the Minister of Finance and Minister of National Revenue.

In 1987, Sherri wrote Welfare in Canada, developing the methodology still used today for calculating social assistance incomes across Canada. Sherri has worked for the House of Commons Committee on the Disabled and written four books on disability policy for the Roeher Institute. She was a founding partner of the Vibrant Communities initiative focused on local solutions to reducing poverty. In recognition of her policy work, Sherri was awarded the 2017 Senate 150 Anniversary Medal, 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2011 Champion of Human Services Award from the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association and 2010 Top 25 Canadians Award from the Canadian Association of Retired Persons.