An award winning leader in animal welfare, conservation and education, Barbara’s work has spanned five continents and 20 years. Her extensive experience in developing and facilitating relationships with stakeholders including governments, corporations and NGOs led to innovative programs with Quebec First Nations on companion animal issues, with the Assembly of First Nations building resources for youth on reserves, with the BC government studying grizzly bear rehabilitation, with east coast fishermen protecting endangered right whales and with African communities conserving chimpanzees. Her knowledge of policy and public affairs allowed her to lobby for amendments to federal legislation including updates to the Criminal Code, the Migratory Bird Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. In 2008, working closely with on-line giant eBay, she led a successful effort to end the illegal ivory trade on its site worldwide.

Barbara has presented to the Justice Committee of the House of Commons, the all party International Conservation Caucus, the UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Specifies (CITES) as well as at the IUCN World Congress. Barbara holds a Master’s in Environmental Education and Communication, is a published author, lecturer and received the Governor General’s Gold Medal, as well as the National Environmental Excellence Award. She is the former President and current Committee Chair for the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada and sits on the Advisory Council for the Pan-African Sanctuary Alliance.

Show full bio

Hide full bio