Career
Stilwell was elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia as a British Columbia Liberal candidate for Parksville-Qualicum in the 2013 provincial election. After serving as Caucus Chair and Parliamentary Secretary for Healthy Living and Seniors, Stilwell was sworn in on February 2, 2015 as Minister for Social Development and Social Innovation. by beating Australia in the final 46-27. At the time, she was the only female paraplegic to compete in Basketball at the Paralympic Games.
Four days later, Stilwell captured a silver medal in the 100m.
She currently holds the world record in the 100m at 18.67, the 200m at 33.58, and the 800m at 2:14.79 in the T52 class. Multiple surgeries and complications (Osteomyelitis and acquired Arnold–Chiari malformation) arose from the fall leaving her an incomplete C7 quadriplegic.
She grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba and attended River East Collegiate before her first years at the University of Winnipeg. She moved to Calgary where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Calgary.
Michelle is also an ambassador for ActNow British Columbia and the Rick Hansen Foundation, and has worked on the British Columbia government’s 10 by 10 Challenge to increase employment of persons with disabilities.
In 2004 while coaching basketball she met Peter Lawless, a National Team Athletics coach, who encouraged her to try a different sport. This was followed by 3 gold (with World Championship records) and one Silver at the 2011 World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand.