Meet the panel – Environment Funders Canada

Meet the many expert and engaging panelists who will be participating in our 2017 conference.

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MONDAY, JUNE 5

Welcome Reception, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Speakers will include Wolastoq Grand Chief Ron Tremblay and David Coon. Entertainment by Frantically Atlantic.

David Coon is Leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick on September 22, 2014 to represent the people of Fredericton South, becoming the first elected Green MLA in New Brunswick history, and the third Green parliamentarian elected in Canada. After earning a science degree at McGill University in 1978, Mr. Coon began a 32 year career as an environmental educator, organizer and advocate – much of it at the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, where he served as Policy Director for many years, completing his tenure as Executive Director in 2012. During that time he initiated the Conservation Council’s Forest Conservation Program, Climate Change and Energy Program, Freshwater Protection Program, and the Children’s Outdoor Education Program, which attracted support from national, regional and U.S.-based Foundations. Mr. Coon has been a determined advocate for community-based ecological resource management and land use.

Ron Tremblay is his birth name but his traditional name is “spasaqsit possesom” – morningstar burning. He is a citizen of Wolastoq Nation. Being the youngest of 10 children, Ron grew-up surrounded by the Wolastoqey language spoken fluently. Ron credits his mother and grandparents for his genuine love of the language and he also acknowledges that they provided him the true teachings of life. After moving to Fredericton in 1991 he befriended several Elders from local communities. The Elders guided him deeper into his Wolastoqey traditional ways. After years of involvement in various ceremonies he gained wisdom and knowledge of the “Wolastoqey way of life”. Still today, Ron practises the traditional ways of his people. In November of 2016, Ron was installed as Traditional Wolastoq Grand Chief. The mandate of the Wolastoq Grand Council is to protect and preserve their non-ceded traditional homeland and waterways.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 6

Conference Opening and Welcome, 9 – 9:30 a.m.

Conference Co-chairs, Megan Tate, Winnipeg Foundation, and Burkhard Mausberg, Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation, and other local leaders.

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Forging a Sustainable Future in Uncertain Times, 9:30 – 10 a.m.

Opening Keynote by Bruce Anderson

Bruce Anderson is one of Canada’s most respected public opinion researchers and strategic communications advisors. In 1983, he joined Decima Research, and was appointed President of Decima at the age of 32. Bruce left to become a founding partner of the Earnscliffe Strategy Group and helped lead that highly regarded company for 15 years. In 2008, Mr. Anderson opened his own consulting firm, Anderson Insight. In 2013 he became Chairman of Abacus Data, one of Canada’s fastest growing young research companies. In 2015, he also became Chairman of Summa Communications, one of Ottawa’s most respected and successful public affairs firms. In 2016, he also helped found Spark Advocacy which blends creative and media planning skills to build successful public affairs campaigns. Bruce is one of Canada’s leading commentators and public speakers on public opinion and public affairs, spent 4 years as a member of the CBC’s popular At Issue panel and writes online columns for the Globe and Mail and occasionally for Maclean’s.

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The Mouse and the Elephant: Perspectives on the Canada/U.S. Relationship and Implications for Canadian and Global Environmental Goals, 10 – 10:40 a.m.

Panel discussion moderated by Dave Secord. Panelists include: Bruce Anderson, Erin Flanagan, Aileen Lee, and Anthony Swift

Erin Flanagan is the director of the Pembina Institute’s federal policy program. In this role she manages the Institute’s engagements with the Government of Canada and advocates for policy solutions to reduce the climate impact of Canada’s electricity, transportation and oil and gas sectors. Her analysis has appeared in outlets such as the Globe and Mail, the Financial Post and the New York Times. As a frequent spokesperson for the Institute, she appears regularly on Canadian news and current affairs television programs. Erin holds a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering with a minor in public policy from the University of New Brunswick.

Aileen Lee is the Chief Program Officer leading the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation’s Environmental Conservation Program. The foundation’s conservation program includes the Andes-Amazon, Marine Conservation and Wild Salmon Ecosystems initiatives, as well an interlinked portfolio of initiatives focused on market-based approaches to conservation (the Conservation and Financial Markets, Forests and Agricultural Markets, and Oceans and Seafood Markets initiatives). Aileen’s previous roles at the foundation include developing and leading the Wild Salmon Ecosystems Initiative and the Conservation and Markets initiatives.

Dave Secord is Principal of Barnacle Strategies, a consultancy based on Salt Spring Island, B.C. that advises funders, ENGOs, Indigenous and research organizations. He has spent about half his career working in academia and half of it in foundations. From 2010-2016 he was VP Strategic Grantmaking at Tides Canada Foundation. From 2007-2010 he oversaw grantmaking in Alaska and B.C, for the Wilburforce Foundation. He has been active in various funder affinity groups focused on conservation and Indigenous philanthropy, including co-founding and chairing the circumpolar Arctic Funders Collaborative and serving on the board of the Canadian Environmental Grantmakers’ Network. In 2014 he spearheaded and chaired the Canadian Science Integrity Project. Before coming to philanthropy, he was a university professor for 12 years.

Anthony Swift directs the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)’s Canada project, where he leads NRDC’s tar sands and boreal forest campaigns. Anthony led NRDC’s campaign against the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline and has supported campaigns against high carbon infrastructure in British Columbia, the Pacific Northwest, the Midwest and the East Coast. He also has played an active role in supporting clean energy policies in Canada and Alberta, as well as US-Canadian efforts to strengthen protections for the Arctic and enhance cooperation on climate. Prior to working at NRDC, Anthony worked as a policy analyst for the Office of the Secretary of Transportation where he worked on alternative fuels, vehicle efficiency standards and the National Environmental Policy Act review process.

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Perspectives from Indigenous Leaders and allies on advancing a Sustainable Future, 11:15 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Discussion moderated by Heather Castleden. Panelists include: Merrell-Ann Phare, Lana Lowe, Miigam’agan, and Patricia Saulis

Dr. Heather Castleden holds a PhD from the University of Alberta. She joined Queen’s University in 2014 and in 2016 she was awarded a five-year Canada Research Chair in Reconciling Relations for Health, Environments, and Communities. As a broadly trained health geographer, Dr. Castleden mainly undertakes community-based participatory research in partnership with Indigenous peoples in Canada on the nexus of culture, place, and power; and health equity through social and environmental justice lenses. Since 2009, she has been the Director of the Health, Environment, and Communities Research Lab (www.heclab.com). She has a significant program of research concerning drinking water, wastewater, watersheds, water management, and water governance in Canada. Dr. Castleden has recently completed a study, funded by the Canadian Water Network, on bringing Indigenous and Western knowledge systems together for water research and management in Canada. She is now leading a five-year $2 million Team Grant, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, that is exploring intersectoral partnerships in renewable energy development with respect to how they are contributing towards reconciliation and healing our relationships with each other and the lands, waters, and air around us.

Lana Lowe is Dene from the Fort Nelson First Nation in northeastern BC. She holds a Master’s degree in Indigenous Governance from the University of Victoria. Lana has worked extensively on Indigenous land and water governance issues on behalf of her community, including inter-governmental and industry relations, community-based research and monitoring and strategic policy and program development. Lana has been Director of the Fort Nelson First Nation Lands Department since 2008.

Miigam’agan is a Mi’kmaw grandmother of the Fish Clan from Esgenoôpetitj Mi’Kmaq community ( Burnt Church Reserve) on the northeast coast of New Brunswick. Her life has been devoted to Wabanaki cultural revival and to promoting an understanding of Indigenous matriculture systems. She has extensive experience native community traditional wellness planning and in behavioral health counseling. Currently, Miigam’agan is Elder-in-Residence at St. Thomas University in Fredericton. In this role, she provides support for First Nation students and offers opportunities for them to learn from Elders who are carriers of traditional knowledge. Miigam’agan sits on the Executive Committee of the Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network at the University of New Brunswick and is a member of the steering committee on Adult Education Initiatives for the Catherine Donnelly Foundation.

Merrell-Ann Phare is a lawyer, writer and the founding Executive Director of the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER), a national First Nation charitable environmental organization. As Chief Negotiator for the Government of the Northwest Territories, Merrell-Ann led the negotiation of transboundary water agreements in the Mackenzie River Basin and the creation of Thaidene Nene, a national and terrritorial park in the east arm of Great Slave Lake. She is the author of the book ‘Denying the Source: the Crisis of First Nations Water Rights’ and ‘Ethical Water’. She is a member of the Forum for Leadership on Water, Smart Prosperity’s Leadership Council, and is a recipient of Canada’s Clean 50 Award. She is legal counsel and an advisor to a number of First Nation and Metis governments and organisations and regularly speaks on water, governance, and Indigenous rights issues.

Patricia Saulis is Maliseet from the Maliseet Nation at Tobique. She is currently the Executive Director of the Maliseet Nation Conservation Council, which is an organization that works with all 6 of the Maliseet communities to address issues connected to the watershed, aquatic relations and the marine life. Patricia has also served on various Boards and in capacities at the National and Regional level. Her interests are in promoting greater understanding of Indigenous perspectives on the environment, as well as social and cultural life. Patricia has learned from Elders from across the country and has sought to advocate for Indigenous youth to see their participation increased in decision-making processes.

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Lunch and Presentations on Sustainability Initiatives in Atlantic Canada, 12:15 – 1:30 p.m.

Speakers include Simon Mitchell, Katie Schleit, Graeme Stewart-Robertson and Ron Tremblay

Simon J. Mitchell, Senior Specialist, Freshwater leads WWF’s effort on the Wolastoq (St. John River), advocating for a healthy river for humans and nature. Simon joined WWF in 2012 after spending over a decade working in a variety of capacities for community-based watershed groups along the St. John River. He has had a varied career in the forest and now water conservation fields. He’s worked with the grassroots to protect some of the most unique landscapes in the region and pursued opportunities for residents and visitors to learn about and experience our rich living heritage. National and international work has concentrated on certification systems and water policy, ensuring healthy and resilient ecosystems. A forester by training (UNB, 1997) Simon is an Associate with Waterlution and the Canadian Rivers Institute.

Katie Schleit grew up in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and holds a Master of Marine Affairs degree from the University of Washington. She spent two-and-a-half years with the U.S. Peace Corps in a coastal town in the Philippines. She has also worked on international ocean policy with the Pew Charitable Trusts in Washington, DC, advocating to improve fisheries management and combat illegal fishing. At the Ecology Action Centre, Katie is one of two Senior Coordinators on the marine team. She leads on the bluefin tuna, shark and forage fish conservation work and supports the Centre’s national and international fisheries efforts.

Graeme Stewart-Robertson is the Executive Director of ACAP Saint John, one of Atlantic Canada’s most innovative non-profits, seeking to bridge the gap between ecology and social science to create equitable, inclusive environments in Canada’s oldest city. Serving on numerous boards and initiatives across the Maritimes, Graeme brings his unique insight and passion to issues ranging from ecosystem restoration and poverty reduction to transportation planning and climate change adaptation. With over twelve years of experience in designing, implementing and managing community-based environmental projects, he is now recognized as a local authority on New Brunswick watersheds, and has authored published reports on ecological restoration, geography and urban environmental sustainability.

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Conundrum Sessions: Wrestling with Thorny Problems in Advancing Sustainability, 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Moderated by Tim Merry. Panelists include Louise Comeau, Andrea Nemtin, Andrea Moffat, Wanda Brascoupé Peters, Bruce Lawson, Jamie Gamble, Bernard Rudny, Jenn Miller, Meaghan Calcari Campbell, Dr. William Parenteau, Lois Corbett, Sabine Dietz, Saeed Selvam, Dr. Tom Beckley, Karen Shelstad, Paula Noel, Karen Keenleyside, Aileen Lee and Renata Woodward.

Dr. Tom Beckley has been working in the field of natural resource sociology in Canada since 1993. He was the first sociologist hired by the Canadian Forest Service and spent 5 years in Alberta and two in New Brunswick with that organization. His PhD in Sociology and his Masters degree in Rural Sociology are both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA). Research topics include: Social problems and issues in forest dependent communities; Public participation in resource management and policy; Criteria and indicators of sustainable development; Community capacity, sustainability and adaptability; Environmental values and stewardship; and Sociology of energy, energy literacy, and climate change

Wanda Brascoupé Peters is Bear Clan, Haudenosaunee/Anishinabeg kwe and a member of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg. Wanda’s belief and trust in our collective goal for a great society has brought her to philanthropy, first as a community builder and fundraiser then as the Executive Director of The Circle on Philanthropy and Aboriginal Peoples in Canada the last 4+ years. She guided The Circle to increased membership and commitment from Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations. She is most proud of the innovative and bold Philanthropic Community’s Declaration of Action and the groundbreaking Indigenous model of engagement and granting of the Ontario Indigenous Youth Partnership Project (OIYPP). Wanda will transition out of the ED role and will continue to work and support the philanthropic sector in the goals of reconciliation towards the next 150.

Dr. Louise Comeau is the Program Director for Climate Change and Energy Solutions at the Conservation Council of New Brunswick. She also an independent researcher exploring values and attitudes associated with energy preferences and behaviours and community capacity to adapt to climate change. Louise also teaches climate change at the University of New Brunswick. She recently completed her term as Executive Director of Climate Action Network Canada, a national coalition of more than 100 organizations that brings labour, development, faith, and aboriginal groups together with national, provincial and community environmental organizations to advance policies, programs and communications that advance climate protection. Over the course of her career, Louise has also worked provincially in the Ontario and BC climate change secretariats and was instrumental in establishing the Green Municipal Fund.

Lois Corbett recently returned home to New Brunswick after 30 years away to join the Conservation Council of New Brunswick as Executive Director. Lois was a Senior Policy Advisor to three Ministers of the Environment in Ontario beginning in 2003 before establishing her own consulting practice. Prior to that, she was the Executive Director of the Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA) where she helped Toronto City Council adopt its progressive Smog Action Plan, ban the use of cosmetic pesticides, and develop its Climate Change Action plan. At TEA Lois also successfully developed the campaign that saw provincial political parties’ commit to phase-out coal-fired electricity in Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Thomas University in Fredericton, NB.

Sabine Dietz holds a BA in environmental & resource studies from Trent University, and a Master’s in Environmental Studies from U de Moncton, and is currently finishing her PhD in biology at UNB in Saint John. She has worked on biodiversity conservation and education since the mid 1980s and was the Executive Director of Cape Jourimain Nature Centre from 2005-2010. Sabine is currently co-president of Nature NB, and has been with the organization for over 20 years. She is also co-founder of Aster Group, and sits on the Board of Directors of the NB Co-operative Enterprise Council Sabine is a botanist, and loves gardening, backpacking, biking, kajaking and canoeing, and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Karen Keenleyside is Senior Science Advisor with Parks Canada’s Protected Areas Establishment and Conservation Directorate. An ecologist by training, Karen’s work focuses on bridging natural and social-scientific disciplines to identify solutions in Canada and internationally for building constituencies of support for conservation and protected areas into the future. She is currently Vice Chair for People and People of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Commission on Protected Areas and Co-Chair of IUCN’s #NatureForAll Task Force. Over the course of her career, Karen has developed knowledge-based strategic guidance on issues such as environmental management, ecological restoration, climate change, and connecting people with nature.

Bruce Lawson is the President of The Counselling Foundation of Canada. Bruce was part of the team that created of the Philanthropic Community’s Declaration of Action, which was presented on stage at the closing event of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. In addition to his professional life, Bruce is an active volunteer. He is the immediate past Chair of the Board of Directors of Philanthropic Foundations Canada; an Advisory Council member of Carleton University’s Indigenous Public Policy & Administration program, and a past Chair of the Board of Casey House Hospice & Casey House Foundation.

Tim Merry has been supporting diverse stakeholders to come together to launch, sustain and grow innovative initiatives for over 16 years. He has extensive experience, ranging from major international businesses and government agencies to local communities and regional collaboratives. Tim designs, delivers and trains tailor-made processes where stakeholder voice is key to creating the systems, structures and services that meet the needs of all involved. He is a popular public speaker, panelist and commentator, and writes a regular column in the local paper. Tim is one of the co-founders of the Art of Hosting, has been a supporter and board member of the Berkana Institute and is a co-founder of the Hub South Shore.

Jenn Miller was named Director of Social Investment for the Atkinson Foundation in the summer of 2015. Jenn comes to Atkinson from the City of Toronto where she was a manager with the Social Development, Finance and Administration division, responsible for the investment of close to $20 million annually in community-based initiatives. Over two decades, she has worked for the Ontario Trillium Foundation and as a consultant providing program development, facilitation and strategic planning support to a wide range of nonprofit clients.

Andrea Nemtin is a creative, committed and passionate leader in strategic philanthropy, social finance and social innovation. She is the CEO and founding president of Inspirit Foundation, where she has launched a series of critically needed programs to address inclusion in Canada. These programs included the foundation’s first roadmap towards a 100% impact investing portfolio. Andrea was one of the founders of the Philanthropic Communities Declaration of Action on Reconciliation, and is an adult ally of the 4Rs Youth Movement. Prior to Inspirit, Andrea was President and CEO at PTV Productions, creating socially impactful, award winning broadcast and interactive media.

Paula Noel is the Program Director for New Brunswick with the Nature Conservancy of Canada. With a background in Biology (UNB 1995) and Geography (McGill 2006) Paula has always had an interest in the interaction between people and the natural environment. She has worked in nature education, land conservation and collaborative partnerships on advancing solutions for complex environmental issues. Paula is active on several boards including the New Brunswick Wildlife Council, Nature NB and the Canadian Council on Invasive Species.

Bernard Rudny is a strategic communications consultant who works with non-profits and foundations. Prior to launching his practice, he was the director of communications at the Pembina Institute and spent several years conducting elections research and campaigns. He has also been involved in open data and open government initiatives since 2010, including co-founding Open North.

Renata Woodward moved to Canada from the Czech Republic and has lived in British Columbia, Newfoundland and, now, New Brunswick. She has worked as as a pediatric nurse, tourism coordinator, and natural resource manager and in the public, private and non-governmental sectors . As Executive Director of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick, she has found her passion in land conservation, stewardship end community engagement. Renata’s management style is based on inclusiveness, grass root empowerment and partnership building. She has a great passion for environment and outdoor activities.

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Personal Perspective on Advancing a Sustainable Future, 3:30 – 3:45p.m.

Ed Whittingham is the Executive Director of the Pembina Institute, Canada’s leading energy and environment think tank. The Pembina Institute advocates for strong, effective policies to support Canada’s clean energy transition. In 2011, Ed was named to the Clean50 list, which honours 50 outstanding contributors to sustainable development and clean capitalism in Canada. Through his work Ed advises governments, regulators, companies, research networks and civil society on clean energy. Ed holds an International MBA from York University’s Schulich School of Business, where he specialized in corporate sustainability and international business.

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Advancing a Sustainable Future: The Role for Funders, 3:45 – 5 p.m.

Moderated by Tim Merry. Panelists include: Marcel Lauzière, Jenn Miller, Stephen Huddart, and Andrea Nemtin

Stephen Huddart is President and CEO of The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, a national private foundation based in Montreal, with additional staff in Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa. The Foundation has played a leading role in developing social innovation and impact investing in Canada as a founding partner of Social Innovation Generation (SiG). McConnell’s other initiatives include Innoweave, The McConnell Reconciliation Initiative, Cities for People, RECODE and WellAhead. Stephen’s serves on the Boards of Pearson College UWC, Philanthropic Foundations Canada and Je Fais Montréal, and has a Masters of Management degree from McGill University.

Marcel- Marcel Lauzière has worked in the charitable sector, as well as in government, here in Canada and abroad. He is currently CEO of the Lawson Foundation. He has also served as CEO of Imagine Canada, Deputy Chief Executive of the Ministry of Social Development in the New Zealand Government, President of the Canadian Council on Social Development and Founding Executive Director of the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences. He is an active volunteer and currently sits on the boards of the Public Policy Forum and YMCA Canada. He has received the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contribution to philanthropy and the Governor General’s Cross for Meritorious Service.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7

Public policy, Advocacy and Political Activities: Uncertainties and Possibilities, 9:15 – 10:30 a.m.

Panel discussion moderated by Shari Austin. Panelists include: Hilary Pearson, Tim Gray, and Susan Manwaring

Shari Austin is Principal Consultant in the firm Shari Austin & Company, where she advises clients in the areas of corporate citizenship, philanthropy, social finance and social innovation. Shari retired from RBC in June, 2015 after a 20-year career with the bank, spanning such diverse areas as payments, regulatory compliance, industry affairs, risk management and corporate citizenship. From 2008 to 2015, she was Vice President of Corporate Citizenship at RBC, and Executive Director of the RBC Foundation. In that capacity, she had global responsibility for RBC’s philanthropy (~$65 million per year), employee volunteerism and fundraising, environmental affairs and social finance. She contributed to the establishment and evolution of the RBC Blue Water Project, the RBC Environmental Blueprint, the RBC Emerging Artists Project, the RBC Children’s Mental Health Project, the RBC Kids Pledge, and the RBC Generator (a fund supporting social and environmental entrepreneurs).

Tim Gray is the Executive Director of Environmental Defence. Tim grew up on the shores of Lake Huron and acquired his love of nature there. Tim has led the protection of wild areas and reform of forest and land use practices in Canada for over 25 years. He started his career as the Ontario Coordinator of WWF’s Endangered Spaces Campaign, worked as a regional Executive Director for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), as a project manager for WWF Central America and then as the National Conservation Director of Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. Most recently Tim was the Program Director at the Ivey Foundation. Tim is currently a member of the board of directors of the Cornerstone Standards Council, Evidence for Democracy, Blue Green Canada, Oil Sands Advisory Group (Alberta) and Ontario’s Great Lakes Guardian Council. Tim holds a H.BSc. from Wilfrid Laurier University and a M.Sc. from the University of Toronto.

Susan Manwaring is the national lead of Miller Thomson’s Social Impact Group, providing both general counsel and specialized tax advice to social enterprises, charities and non-profits across Canada and internationally. She advises foundations in the field of mission investing and social finance and counsels charities and non-profit organizations on compliance and taxation matters and relevant provincial tax regulations. Susan was recently appointed as a member of the CRA Consultation Panel on Political Activities of Charities.

Hilary Pearson is President of Philanthropic Foundations Canada, a national network of family, independent and corporate grantmakers in Canada, representing many of the largest private charitable foundations in the country. Since 2001, when she was appointed President, she has grown the organization to become a significant voice in Canadian organized philanthropy. She has held positions in central agencies of the Government of Canada from 1981 to 1993, in an executive role at the Royal Bank of Canada from 1993 to 1996 and as a senior consultant at the Montreal strategy consulting firm Secor from 1993 to 2001. Ms. Pearson has a particular interest in nonprofit governance, and has served on several national non-profit boards of directors, including those of Imagine Canada, the Stratford Shakespeare Festival of Canada, CARE Canada and Indspire.

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Frontline Perspectives on Advancing Sustainability, 10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Panel discussion moderated by Lois Corbett. Panelists include: Justina Ray, Josh Laughren, Devon Page, and Catherine Abreu

Catherine Abreu is one of Canada’s foremost sustainable energy campaigners. As the Executive Director of Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat Canada, she advances policies that work to ensure Canada contributes its fair share to preventing the worst impacts of climate change. She is the former Energy Campaign Coordinator of the Ecology Action Centre. Catherine is committed to work that confronts climate change head-on, wielding bold and creative strategies. She is a dedicated collaborator, having founded six community-based coalitions working in climate action and the arts. She thinks a lot about citizenship, community, and beauty, and does her best to incorporate these values into each of her endeavours.

Josh Laughren spent his childhood wading in the creeks and swamps in Northern Ontario, chasing reptiles and all things that creep and crawl. Turning his boyhood passion into a career, Josh’s first job was as an educator at the regional science centre, and he then went on to pursue university studies in biology. All of this instilled in him a lifelong commitment to conservation. Josh has spent 20 years in various leadership positions in conservation, communications and climate change, including as National Marine Conservation Director for WWF-Canada. He has helped establish marine protected areas on all three of Canada’s coasts, secure better protection for north Atlantic right whales, and pass new laws to crack down on illegal oil dumping from ships. As the Executive Director of Oceana Canada, Josh is committed to rebuilding Canada’s fish populations and restoring the health of Canada’s oceans.

Devon Page spent his first seven years at Ecojustice channeling his love of wilderness into protecting Canada’s endangered birds, wildlife and fish. He obtained the first injunction in Canada to stop logging in old-growth forests home to an endangered species — Canada’s near-extinct spotted owl. Devon became Executive Director in 2008. He has since focused on enhancing Ecojustice’s effectiveness by emphasizing litigation around key environmental and legal priorities, expanding Ecojustice’s presence in Canada, adopting a team-based approach and expanding communications, marketing and philanthropy activities.

Dr. Justina Ray has been President and Senior Scientist of Wildlife Conservation Society Canada since its incorporation in 2004. In addition to overseeing the operations of WCS Canada, Justina is involved in research and policy activities associated with land-use planning and large mammal conservation in northern landscapes. She has been appointed to numerous government advisory panels related to policy development for species at risk and land-use planning in Ontario and Canada, and is the co-chair of the Terrestrial Mammal Subcommittee of The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). She has been editor or author of three books and numerous peer-reviewed articles, and is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto (Faculty of Forestry) and Trent University (Biology Department).

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Keynote Speaker for Closing Lunch, 12 – 2:30 p.m.

Sheila Watt-Cloutier is in the business of transforming public opinion into public policy. She speaks with passion and urgency on the issues of today—the environment, the economy, foreign policy, global health, and sustainability—not as separate concerns, but as a deeply interconnected whole. In 2007, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy work in showing the impact of global climate change on human rights—especially in the Arctic, where it is felt more immediately, and more dramatically, than anywhere else in the world. From 1995-2002, Watt-Cloutier was the Canadian President of the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC). She was later elected in 2002 to become the International Chair of the ICC, representing the 155,000 Inuit from Canada, Greenland, Alaska and Russia and held this post until 2006. Watt-Cloutier is the author of the memoir, The Right to Be Cold: One Woman’s Story of Protecting Her Culture, the Arctic and the Whole Planet, which was nominated for the 2016 BC National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction and the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing.

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