Guy Felicella

Keynote Speaker | Vancouver, British Columbia

Harm Reduction Advocate
Advisor and Addiction Educator

Guy Felicella Expertise Health & Wellness, Burnout Prevention, Work Life Balance, Mental Health, Personal Growth, Resilience & Adversity, PTSD & Trauma, Resilience & Change and Addictions & Substance Abuse.

Guy Felicella

About Guy Felicella

Guy Felicella is a harm reduction advocate and addiction educator who has spent 3 decades in the grips of addiction and surviving many life-threatening infections. Guy Felicella spends his time educating youth and consulting with political leaders and policymakers on the importance of alcohol and drug prevention. Guy Felicella is currently employed by Vancouver Coastal Health and BC Centre on Substance Use and delivers inspirational talks on overcoming homelessness, addiction, and the effects of trauma and mental health challenges. Through personal stories, Guy Felicella champions resilience, advocates for changing biases toward those marginalized by addiction, and emphasizes the transformative power of human connection.

Guy Felicella Videos

GUY FELICELLA - HARM REDUCTION & RECOVERY ADVOCATE

I Died Six Times … Let’s End the Stigma of Harm Reduction | Guy Fe

Courage to Come Back 2021: Guy Felicella: Addiction Recipient

Is Safe Supply a Viable Option to the Overdose Crisis? | Guy Felicella

Guy Felicella | Nirmal Raniga | Journey of Healing

Guy Felicella Interviews & Podcasts

Guy Felicella: from Homeless Heroin Addict Living on the Streets of V

GUY FELICELLA BIOGRAPHY

Guy Felicella grew up in a middle class home in Richmond but fell into addiction at a young age. Guy spent 30 years in the repeated cycle of gangs, addiction, treatment and jail. Guy Felicella spent nearly 20 years residing in the two block radius in the Downtown Eastside and using many resources, including harm reduction, to keep himself alive. Guy Felicella spent three decades living in the grips of addiction and homelessness, surviving multiple life-threatening infections, several public health crises and six overdoses. Today, Guy Felicella has escaped the grips of the turmoil that kept him suffering and resides with his wife and three young children with over a decade of sobriety under his belt.

Guy Felicella is passionate about advocating for the vulnerable people who still suffer from addiction and educating communities on harm reduction to eliminate the stigma that exists around it. Currently, Guy Felicella works for Vancouver Coastal Health and the BC Centre on Substance Use. Guy Felicella spent nearly his entire life suffering in addiction and now he is using his experience to change the hearts and minds of people to the idea that recovery is harm reduction and harm reduction is recovery.

Gone are the days when it’s either harm reduction or recovery; it’s both! Guy Felicella has been featured in the media including, but not limited to, The Today Show on NBC, CTV Vancouver and two TEDx Talks.

Currently, Guy Felicella works for Vancouver Coastal Health and BC Centre on Substance Use and collaborates with many organizations globally. Guy Felicella shares his profound journey of overcoming homelessness, addiction, and the far-reaching impacts of unresolved trauma, anxiety, depression, and living with undiagnosed ADHD. Guy Felicella focuses on the perseverance and actionable solutions required to face and overcome challenges with safe spaces to share, grow and take action become the change we want for ourselves and in our world. Guy highlights the unexpected gifts and freedoms that emerge from embracing learning differences, showcasing how these obstacles can become steppingstones to happiness and success. Audiences gain insights into shifting personal biases and altering perceptions towards those stigmatized either through addiction, failure, or judgements faced by their peers for seeking support. In his daily work and speaking engagements he powerfully illustrates how human connections can pivot the course of a life to create transformative experiences for themselves and their peers.

His inspirational talks extend beyond harm reduction, delving into themes of leadership, change, authenticity, overcoming challenges, resilience, mindset, overcoming adversity, beating all odds, courage, hope, support systems and determination. He also delivers presentations on mental health, safe spaces, addiction, substance abuse, homelessness and preventative health services, while also addressing the profound impacts of unresolved trauma, anxiety, depression, and undiagnosed ADHD. Guy is on a mission to use his story to help others face any challenge or opportunity with grace and to make an impact in everything they do.

Guy Felicella Topic Presentations

Guy Felicella Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

Removing the Stigma of Harm Reduction and the Discrimination Against Substance Users.

Safer Alternatives

Bridging the Gaps Between Harm Reduction and Recovery.

Reducing Harm in the Community

Narcan Training: Reducing Stigma in the Workplace

Guy Felicella Books & Articles

Guy Felicella Speaking Testimonials

"Guy’s presentation was moving, inspirational and a wonderful example of how strong the human spirit can be to fight your way out of one of life’s darkest places to a healing journey of understanding, self-compassion, recovery, thriving and paying it forward. We were hanging off every single word from the moment he started. One of the most moving life stories I have been so lucky to hear, live and learn from. I know I speak for all of our 50 youth change makers, Guy Felicella left us awe inspired and so very hopeful. Guy’s life story needs to be heard by us all, especially given the urgency of the current fentanyl crisis."

Martha Turner Osborne

Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer
Teachers Life

"I’ve had the opportunity to witness Guy’s lectures on several occasions over the years and it never ceases to amaze me how he touches the audience with the passion he brings to telling his story, keys to being not just a good public speaker, but an excellent one. His ability to frame his story to keep the listener engaged displays professionalism and expertise. Guy Felicella is actively engaged with his audience while displaying a strong stage presence. The knowledge translation that can occur from someone who has lived it cannot be overstated. Guy Felicella is able to do what so little can, tell his story, make the listener feel as though they are there living it with him, and provide..."

Robert L. Tanguay, BSc (Hons), MD, FRCPC, CISAM, CCSAM 

Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Calgary

"We consistently receive enthusiastic and positive feedback from program participants regarding the practice changing impacts of Guy’s presentations. His contributions in the media and at other public events, as well as in briefings at the municipal and provincial level with elected officials and staff have helped to bring a human face to the issue of problematic substance use. Most recently, he closed out the BCCSU’s first annual provincial conference on substance use and addiction with a standing ovation. He simply is an amazing story teller."

Cheyenne Johnson, MPH, RN, CCRP.

Co-Interim Executive Director
British Columbia Centre on Substance Use

"Guy Felicella is an amazing human being with an incredibly inspiring story. He came and spoke to all the students at Parkland Secondary School and made a huge impact on the students and staff. I would highly recommend bringing him in to your school, your office, your organization….. because we can all benefit from becoming more compassionate human beings. Thanks Guy!"

Lizanne Chicanot

Principal
Parkland Secondary School

"Guy is an abundantly inspiring colleague and compelling speaker, who has a gift for drawing upon his personal experiences to educate, motivate, and challenge assumptions about substance use, addiction, recovery and harm reduction. He has the ability to mobilize his audiences to action by weaving his own journey into powerful calls for necessary changes within systems, policies and practice Guy’s wisdom and leadership are an asset to every discussion on harm reduction and substance use, whether he is addressing a room full of law enforcement professionals, healthcare providers, or families impacted by addiction and substance use, or a small, focused meeting with policymakers, regulators,..."

Miranda Compton

Regional Director, Prevention and Addiction Programs
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Guy Felicella known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Guy Felicella is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Guy Felicella speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Guy Felicella delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

How do I know if Guy Felicella is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Guy Felicella is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Guy Felicella from and where do they speak across Canada?

Guy Felicella is from Vancouver, British Columbia and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Guy Felicella available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Guy Felicella is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Guy Felicella deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Guy Felicella may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Guy Felicella to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Guy Felicella is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book Guy Felicella for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Guy Felicella is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Guy Felicella as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Guy Felicella keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Guy Felicella for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Guy Felicella may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Guy Felicella for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Guy Felicella should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Guy Felicella represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Guy Felicella is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More