Jim Wolfgang

Country: Canada
Age: 75
Occupation: Retired Union Representative
Type of MS: Primary progressive
Year of diagnosis: 1976




I was 34 years old when I had my first attack of MS in 1966. Ten long, frustrating years later, as my symptoms became more apparent, my doctor sent me to a neurologist. There was no MRI, so after many unsuccessful tests, a CT scan, a lumbar puncture and finally a milogram*, my neurologist concluded I had MS.

My position as a representative for a large electrical union was my life. It was as challenging as it was rewarding. I traveled continuously and extensively across Canada and the USA. It brought me into contact with many different groups of people and, as a result, I had a wide circle of friends. Every working day was exciting.

In 1985, the continuing deterioration of my condition forced me to give up my employment and begin a new path on a disability pension. Deep down in my heart I was devastated; however I decided to continue to do as much as possible with my time, notwithstanding my new limitations.

Though MS prohibits me from full-time employment, I continue to sit as a panel member in labour relations mediation, conciliation and arbitration hearings for the Federal and Provincial Governments on a part-time basis. I am a relief Jurisdictional Umpire for the British Columbia (BC) Construction Industry and hold jurisdictional hearings.

For nine years I was an Adjudicator for the Employment Standards Tribunal of British Columbia on a contract basis. I was appointed a member of the initial Board of Directors for NAV CANADA, the private company that took over the air navigation system in Canada from the Federal Government. I have also served on the Nanaimo Regional Hospital Advisory Board. Currently I am a member of my local church’s Parish Council.

Three years after the shock of early retirement, and due to changes to the 1967 Income Tax Act, Revenue Canada** decided I did not qualify for tax exempt status for a disability. They claimed I had earlier 'recovered' from MS and then became affected later, so did not meet their standard for tax exemption. Revenue Canada sought to recover some CAN$70,000 from me in taxes and penalties. I eventually won my case after a costly five-year legal battle.

The following year, Canada Pension Plan attempted to claim back all of the disability benefit I had been receiving for the past nine years, claiming I did not meet their standard for 'total and permanent disability'. This took another six years of appeals and hearings until I won my case before a Pension Appeal Board. In Canada it is nearly impossible to recover your legal costs against the government, so victory came at a huge financial cost and, needless to say, great emotional and physical stress. All of this took its toll on my health and robbed me of twelve years of quality of life.

I became involved with the MS Society of Canada as a volunteer fundraiser in 1983 and went on the BC Division Board in 1986. During my twenty five years of affiliation with the MS Society, I have had the opportunity to be active in many areas and positions in almost all fields of the Society, including Ombudsman and Acting Executive Director. I was elected Division President in 1991 and, during my term, MS Canada hosted the MSIF (still named IFMSS at that point) conference in Vancouver. I remained on the Division Board until 2004. I joined the National MS Board in 1990 and I also sit on board of the Central Island Chapter of MS Canada, BC Division.

I attended my first MSIF conference in 1992. I joined the Persons with Multiple Sclerosis International Committee (PwMSIC) in 2001 and have remained active ever since.

The MS Society of Canada has been an outspoken representative for people with MS and has substantially raised public awareness of the disease in Canada. I have seen many positive changes in the way governments at every level in Canada have responded to people with MS; however, we still have a long way to go. Issues that still have to be addressed include housing, accessibility and age appropriateness, also transportation, access to medical treatments and the issues of tax and tax benefits.

As I look upon my life I believe it is the Grace of God that has given me the strength and courage to continue in all my endeavors.

We all look forward to the day when no new people are diagnosed with MS.

* A milogram or myelogram uses a special dye and X-rays to make pictures of the bones and the fluid-filled space between the bones in the spine. The dye allows the spinal nerve roots and spinal cord to be seen more clearly.

** Now known as Canada Revenue Agency, Canada’s federal agency responsible for income tax and trade regulations.