Our Presenter: Éric Hébert-Daly, National Executive Director, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.

The Presentation:

Public conservation in Canada takes a long time from start to finish. And while the processes move along slowly, development and encroachment happen quickly and often outpace our ability to plan. Southern Canada, in particular in our own region, has significant additional pressures, but they all have one thing in common: poor or non-existent planning. Where are the connections between protected areas for wildlife? Where are the buffer zones needed to ensure healthy ecosystems? We are no where near our international commitments to conservation – both in quality and in quantity. How do we get there from here?
Biography:

Éric has been CPAWS’ National Executive Director since April 2009. He was previously Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer for one of Canada’s major political parties. Éric is fluently bilingual, a graduate of Concordia University’s School of Community and Public Affairs, and a Certified Lay Worship Leader for the United Church. He has worked with municipal, regional and national groups across Canada and has focussed his attention on social justice, ecological and human rights issues throughout his career. Éric is an avid cyclist and hiker and has travelled extensively throughout Canada, with a particular interest in remote and northern regions from Labrador to Inuvik. He enjoys canoeing, cross-country skiing and camping, as well as his home life shared with his partner on the north edge of Gatineau Park near Ottawa.