Ranked second in the world in the women's under-52-kilogram category, Gagné will look to improve on her fifth place at Rio 2016.

She will fly her country's flag on Tuesday (August 24) at the Opening Ceremony and is to be supported in her duties by training partner Laurie Wiltshire.

"It's been my dream to compete in the Paralympics ever since I was a 10-year-old child and to be given the honour of flagbearer is beyond anything I could have imagined," said Gagné, the 35-year-old.

"For me it represents unity within diversity, it represents strength and resilience, and it represents a hope for something greater than what we have. 

"I really hope that for kids living with disabilities, this inspires them to never stop dreaming, to never listen to somebody who tells them no, and to stand together with people who believe in them."

In 2018, she became the first Canadian woman to make the podium at the Para Judo World Championships, winning the bronze medal.

She is also a two-times Parapan American Games silver medallist from 2015 and 2019.

Tokyo 2020 is set to be Gagné's first competition in nearly two years, with her last being in January and February 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic.

There, she took gold at the Para Judo Pan American Championships and bronze at the German Open.

Late last year, she recovered from hip surgery.

"The biggest congratulations to Priscilla on being named Canada’s flagbearer for the Opening Ceremony," said Stephanie Dixon, Chef de Mission of the Tokyo 2020 Canadian Paralympic Team.

"Priscilla's passion and excellence on and off the mat is immeasurable and this honour is well-deserved. 

"She will be an incredible ambassador for Canada at the Games, and I know our entire team will be proud to have her lead the way at the Opening Ceremony."

Canada has 128 athletes representing the country in 18 sports at the Games.

The Games are scheduled to close on September 5.