Unceded Algonquin Territory – Ottawa, ON | February 7, 2023

Nature Canada is pleased to announce Julie Gelfand as the recipient of the Douglas H. Pimlott Award, our highest honour for outstanding work in conservation. Julie is the former federal Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, a renowned sustainability expert in both the private and public sectors, a mentor, and volunteer who has spent decades working for the benefit of nature in Canada.

“On behalf of all of Nature Canada, we’d like to thank Julie from the bottom of our hearts for her continuing inspirational leadership on nature protection and sustainability,” says Emily McMillan, Executive Director of Nature Canada. “Julie is a shining example of what the conservation movement is all about. She’s spent her whole career looking out for nature and we’re proud to honour her today.”

Ms. Gelfand’s career has included a term as the federal Environment Commissioner, a sustainability expert in the mining sector, Board leadership on national and international ENGOs, and even a time as the Executive Director of Nature Canada. She is a past Co-chair and founding member of the “Women for Nature” initiative celebrating and supporting the contributions of women to the conservation movement.

The award will be presented by Emily McMillan this evening at the special reception hosted by Women for Nature’s Honorary Chair, Senator Rosa Galvez to celebrate the 85th anniversary of Nature Canada and women’s achievements for nature.

The Douglas H. Pimlott Award is Nature Canada’s highest honour.  Pimlott was a renowned conservationist, wildlife biologist, ecologist and environmentalist and is fondly regarded as a founder of the modern environmental movement in Canada.  This Award commemorates individuals whose brilliance, dedication and outstanding contributions have been a driving force within the conservation sector.  Past recipients include: Margaret Atwood and Graeme Gibson, Her Honour Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Senator Diane Griffin, Dr. George Archibald, Robert Bateman, Michael Bélanger, Monte Hummel, Anne Murray, Dr. David Schindler, Cliff Wallis, and Bob Peart.

Our thanks to the Royal Bank of Canada, The Cooperators Andrew Smith Insurance, Allegra Printing, The RaeLipskie Partnership, Vey Willets LLP and Desjardins for sponsoring our celebration at the Senate of Canada on February 7^th, 2024.

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For more information contact:

Scott Mullenix
media@naturecanada.ca

Nature Canada is Canada’s voice for nature. For 85 years, Nature Canada has helped protect nearly 144 million acres of parks and wildlife areas in Canada and countless species. Today, Nature Canada represents a network of over 250,000 members and supporters and more than 1,200 nature organizations.

Women for Nature is the collaborative voices of Canadian women with vision – women of influence who chose to demonstrate their passion for nature and pass their values on to others to drive change. Women for Nature is comprised of professional women from across Canada – this unique partnership of motivated and influential women champion Nature Canada’s work to protect and restore nature and inspire future nature leaders.