Stuart Bruce recalls being shuffled from class to class, and eventually to a different school, during his early years in elementary school.
“I had a couple of years in school where I felt lost. It was a challenge, and I just needed someone to say, ‘It’s OK—it’s not the end of the world,'” he recalls.
In grade 3, a teacher finally recognized what had been holding him back: dyslexia. His parents were informed, and soon after, he began working with a tutor. “And things turned around quite drastically by the time I got into high school,” Stuart says.
That early intervention made all the difference. With the right support, Stuart went on to build a successful career as an entrepreneur in the insurance industry. He is currently the Chairman of the Board and CEO of FIRST Insurance Funding of Canada.
But the more he learned, the more shocked he became to discover that 45 years later, children with dyslexia in Canada are still not consistently identified or given the support they need.
In 2016, he joined forces with Keith Gray, founder of Dyslexia Canada, to advocate for equitable education for every child with dyslexia. Stuart took on the role of Dyslexia Canada’s Chair in 2023. For him, early diagnosis is critical. He explains that when you identify that a child has dyslexia, you begin to understand their challenges and can pull together the right resources to help them. “Parents knowing that it’s OK— for me, that’s a big part of the battle. Just saying it’s going to be OK, it’s just a different way of thinking,” Stuart explains. “Yes, it’s going to be hard—nothing’s easy.”
While dyslexia has presented its share of challenges, Stuart says it has created opportunities.
“I think that’s why I started my own businesses—so I wouldn’t have to prove myself to someone else or do the typical things in large organizations, like writing memos, which I struggle with because of my dyslexia. It’s pushed me to focus on what I’m really good at,” he says.
To listen to Stuart Bruce’s story, tune in to Dyslexia Canada’s Spotlight: Mark it Read series, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you typically access your podcasts.