Since moving into Ramers Wood Co-operative in 1984, Allison has been involved in the co-op sector. She volunteered on various committees, and credits constant encouragement from others for her motivation to assume leadership roles. After retiring from a career in teaching, Allison had more time to dedicate to the sector. She served as President of Ramers Wood, and sat as a non-resident board member at another co-op. In 2017, her work was recognized with a Brian Burke Community Builder Award. She served as President of CHF Toronto and was made an Honorary Lifetime Board Member in 2019. She was first elected to the Ontario Council in 2015. She also sits on the Governance Committee of CHF Canada.

With a knack for focusing on the big picture, Allison still believes that working at the grassroots level is important, and visits different co-ops to hear people’s concerns, and to bring many voices and perspectives back to the Board. “I give one hundred percent to whatever I’m doing, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time on the Ontario Council. Everyone treats everyone else with respect. I’m a people person, a strong listener. I genuinely care, and people sense that.”

Her top priorities are ensuring that Canada builds more affordable housing and sustains the existing co-operative housing stock. In particular, she wants to see Canada make more of an effort to provide affordable, sustainable housing for Indigenous people.

Member confidence is important to Allison, and she is committed to ensuring that members feel they have equal representation at the national level

Allison also sits on the executive for the Retired Women Teachers of Ontario and the social committee of the Retired Teachers of Ontario. She enjoys travelling to interesting places, and whether she’s en route, or comfortable at home, you are likely to find her absorbed in a good book.