National Conservation Award Recipients Announced

OTTAWA, July 7, 2020- The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is pleased to announce the recipients of the Canadian Conservation Achievement Awards.

“In these challenging times, we are incredibly grateful to all the nominees for inspiring conservation of wildlife and habitat for the use and enjoyment of all,” said Rick Bates, CEO. “Nature is the true recipient thanks to these everyday Canadians who have pitched in to help wildlife from coast to coast.”

This year’s awards celebrate the achievements of a Newfoundland scuba diver dedicated to creating clean harbours, a New Brunswick politician promoting sustainability, a Quebec science educator known as Captain Catalyst, an Ontario teenager planting seeds of hope for pollinators as well a retired park specialist who is now writing books about ecology. There is also a special tribute to a B.C. conservation icon who passed-away in 2019 after 30 years in public service and extensive volunteer leadership.

The recipients are:

• The late Alan Martin of Surrey, B.C., former executive director of fish, wildlife and ecosystems conservation and many other governmental and non-profit leadership roles, is posthumously presented the CWF Roland Michener Conservation Award for Conservation in Action.

• Kevin Van Tighem of Canmore, Alta., former superintendent of Banff National Park, is presented the Robert Bateman Award for Conservation through the Arts for his fiction and non-fiction writing about wildlife and nature.

• Aidan Brushett of Whitby, Ont.is presented the Wade Luzny Youth Conservation Award for encouraging his school and community to become an official bee city with an abundance of native plants for pollinators.

• Steve Rosenstein of Montreal, Que.is presented the Youth Mentor Award for educating children about science for 35 years. Known as Captain Catalyst, he developed the Science Playground for Children and has inspired more than 400,000 youth across the country.

• The Hon. Mike Holland of New Brunswickreceives the Canadian Legislator Award for addressing water quality, sustainable forestry and land use. Elected in November of 2018 and appointed Minister of Energy and Resource Development, he has brought a love of nature to his position.

• Shawn Bath of Twillingate, Nfld. takes home the Stan Hodgkiss Outdoor Person of the Year Award for creating the clean harbours initiative and removing 7,200 kg trash from the ocean including 1,200 tires and 17 abandoned fishing nets.

• The Community Hatchery Programof the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters receives the Doug Clarke Memorial Award for Outstanding Affiliate Project for helping to release eight million fish into public waters and providing technical expertise and funding to community fish culture stations.

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An illustrated feature story about the award winners is now available in the July/August issue of CWF’s Canadian Wildlife magazine.

“Each recipient brings a unique and important focus to conservation and showcases the power of personal and community action,” Bates said. “I encourage everyone to celebrate their achievements by pledging to do more for wildlife.”

For more information visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca/awards.

About the Canadian Wildlife Federation:

The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, carrying out research, developing and delivering education programs, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending changes to policy and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. For more information visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca.

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For more information: media@cwf-fcf.org
David DeRocco, Senior Manager, Marketing and Events, (905)-975-4672
Pamela Logan, Director of Communications, (613) 222-1405