Nature Canada

A recap of this year’s Annual General Meeting

Eleanor Fast

Eleanor Fast
Executive Director

What an amazing 75th Anniversary celebration Nature Canada had last week in Sidney, BC! It was a day full of excitement and it was such a privilege to meet so many of Nature Canada’s long time, and new, members and supporters. Thanks to everyone who came!

Stephen Hazel

Photo of Stephen Hazell

Nature Canada has been proud to work with BC Nature on a number of issues through the years, including our current work on pipelines. I’m really grateful to BC Nature President, Kees Visser, for his enthusiasm for a joint event with Nature Canada and for his help in pulling it off!

We were pleased to partner with BC Nature to bring some exciting speakers to the meeting. We began with Chris Tollefson from UVic Environmental Law Centre and a discussion moderated by Stephen Hazell, Nature Canada’s Director of Conservation, on Nature Canada and BC Nature’s partnership as intervenors in the National Energy Board hearings on the Northern Gateway and Transmountain pipelines.

Then Kristine Webber, Executive Director of Naturekids BC presided over an animated discussion about the importance of connecting kids to nature. There were many in the room who have spent a great part of their lives sharing their love for nature with others and it was so interesting to hear about their experiences and benefit from their wisdom.

Robert Bateman & Anne Murray

Photo of Robert Bateman & Anne Murray

Finally, we had an animated discussion on provincial politics featuring Andrew Weaver, Green Party MLA, and Gary Homan, NDP MLA (we had also invited the Liberals , the other party with seats in the legislature but unfortunately they were unable to attend). The discussion was focused on how environmental organizations like Nature Canada and BC Nature can be most effective in influencing decision-makers. We all learned a lot.

We then had our Nature Canada AGM business meeting where the Board of Directors was elected. We were pleased that Susan Eaton was elected to the Board, and sad to see Diane Griffin retire from the Board at the end of her eligibility to serve after three terms on the Board.

The day was capped off wonderfully with a cocktail reception where Robert Bateman, renowned artist and Nature Canada life member, presented Anne Murray with the 2015 Pimlott Award. There were also some other Pimlott Award members present as well.
It was a wonderful day in a beautiful part of Canada. Next year we look forward to holding our annual meeting at the other side of the country, In Halifax, NS. Hope to see you there!

AGM Group Shot

Nature Canada’s Board of Directors, Robert Bateman, and Anne Murray

Below are a few photos taken from the event.
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