Meet the members

Benjamin Pollard
He/Him | Newfoundland and Labrador

I am proudly from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. As a student at the University of New Brunswick’s Faculty of Law, my research interests include energy and resource law, Canadian federalism, environmental law, Aboriginal law, Indigenous-non-Indigenous relations, and intergovernmental affairs. I have expertise in the areas of executive and legislative governance, public policy, climate change adaptation, and sustainable communities.

Before joining University of New Brunswick Law, I worked for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as a political staffer, where my work focused primarily on administrative law and public policy at the executive level. I studied Political Science and Geography at Memorial University of Newfoundland, where I was a member of the Adaptive Cities and Engagement (ACE) Space Lab, and worked alongside leading experts on the Circular Economy, urban, and regional planning.

Benoit Ethier
He/Him | Quebec

I am originally from the Montreal region, but I have been living in the city of Quebec for a few years now. I am currently studying law at Laval University and I aim to pursue a Master’s degree in Business Administration before embarking on a career in the legal field. Additionally, I am also a member-deputy of the Association of Student Parliamentarians of Quebec. Through this involvement, I had the opportunity to propose a comprehensive reform of the mining regime as part of a bill presented to the Student Parliament of Quebec. I am also socially engaged as the president of a cooperative providing social housing in Quebec City. I have had the opportunity to work at the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources, where I collaborated on post-exploitation restoration projects. I continue to work for the government of Quebec alongside my studies. In my free time, I am an avid enthusiast of climbing, physical conditioning, and cooking.

Carina Harb
She/Her | Ontario

I am a law student at McGill University and a graduate in Environmental Studies with a minor in Health Sciences from the University of Ottawa. I was born and raised in Ottawa, and I am fluent in French, Arabic, and English. I have always been dedicated to environmental advocacy from a young age and later took a keen interest in climate activism and the relational impact of environment and health. I am very passionate about environmental justice, and my goal is to pursue a career in Environmental Law.

My work with the Review Panel Division at the Impact Assessment Agency (IAA) allowed me to gain valuable knowledge of the IAA Act and the process for nuclear and mining projects across Canada. I was also involved as a policy researcher with the Green Career Centre where we published two reports putting forward recommendations to address gender inequality in the sustainability sector, as well as recommendations for the Sustainable Job Plan from the perspectives of underrepresented Youth.

As an avid outdoors enthusiast, I enjoy running, yoga, and playing frisbee with friends! I had the opportunity to pursue Glaciology research on the Kluane Icefields in Yukon, which was a life-changing opportunity that truly made me realize the importance of our role in protecting vital ecosystems.

Daniel Lee
He/Him | Nova Scotia

I am a 27-year-old clean energy executive from Vancouver, British Columbia, currently residing in Mi'kma'ki (Nova Scotia). My professional background includes progressive leadership experience with a specialization in finance, sustainability, and complex transaction structuring. At Seaspan Corporation, I led the implementation of the company’s fuel transition strategy to net-zero and developed a team from scratch that now leads regular environmental, sustainability, governance (ESG) public reporting.

I was also responsible for structuring green bonds, and under my leadership, Seaspan became a leader in the global shipping industry. I am currently Chief of Staff at EverWind Fuels, a company developing large-scale, billion-dollar green fuels projects in Atlantic Canada. EverWind has received domestic and worldwide recognition as the most advanced project in North America and is executing Nova Scotia’s largest investment in renewables through Mi’kmaq-owned wind farms to power green fuels production, supporting the transition from fossil fuels.

I am passionate about youth and education, volunteering on local non-profit boards, and was recently awarded Atlantic Business Magazine’s 20 under 30. My personal interests include bouldering, podcasts, and publishing financial analysis on Initial Public Offerings. I am a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder.

Janelle Flett
She/Her | Alberta

I am from the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Gwitch’in nation. I grew up surrounded by the oil sands and have always had a strong connection to the land and an instinct to protect it. This led to me completing a bachelor's degree in environmental science. I have worked in the clean energy sector, implementing projects and learning with indigenous clean energy and student energy. I have spoken at national and international levels, spreading indigenous knowledge and addressing environmental issues.

Currently, I work in the industry relations team for my nation to protect the lands and treaty rights of my people.

Kianna Bear-Hetherington
She/Her | New Brunswick

I am a proud Wolastoqey woman from the community of Sitansisk (St. Mary’s First Nation) and serve as the Fisheries Technician for the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick (WNNB). Being proudly of the Wolastoqiyik “people of the beautiful and bountiful river,” I grew up with a special relationship to the land and all living things in it. I attended the University of New Brunswick where I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Natural Resources with a Major in Water Resource Management. In my role with WNNB, I actively contribute to various fisheries files and environmental monitoring initiatives, playing a pivotal role in advancing Wolastoqey-led management practices throughout Atlantic Canada. I am passionate about exploring the ways in which Indigenous and Western knowledge systems can be used for the benefit of all, known as Two-Eyed Seeing.

Kinnan Stevenson
He/Him | Manitoba

Boozhoo, I am an Aniishinaabe from Peguis First Nation located in the Interlake region of Manitoba, approximately 200 kilometres north of Winnipeg. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Manitoba, focusing on Impact Assessments. I combine my scientific knowledge with the traditional knowledge and teachings I have gained growing up in my home community and spending countless hours on the land, observing, listening, and learning about how the natural world interacts with itself, and how my teachings translate to living amongst nature.

I use my two perspectives of Western Science and Traditional knowledge to create an alternate perspective, to assess and evaluate potential effects on the environment, and in turn, impacts on Indigenous People of my community's traditional territory.

Lauren Peng
She/Her | British Columbia

I am a settler of mixed European ancestry, born and raised on the traditional territories of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples, also known as Kitchener, Ontario. Currently, I reside on the traditional territories of the LəkMʷəŋən peoples in Victoria, BC, where I am completing my Master’s in Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria.

I hold a Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management with a concentration in development studies from Carleton University. My career has led me into the federal and provincial public service, consulting, politics, municipal climate action, and international NGOs. My passion for building community, climate justice, and securing a resilient and thriving future for all is the driving force behind my work, research, and advocacy.

Preetinder Dhillon
She/Her | Yukon

I am from Whitehorse, Yukon, situated on the traditional territory of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. As a multi-generation immigrant of Punjabi descent, my family established roots in Yukon in the late 1960s. During my secondary schooling, I also lived on Vancouver Island. At Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, I pursued undergraduate studies in Environmental Studies and Geography. My background includes internships in the private sector and non-profit organizations like the Canadian Parks and Wildlife Society. Additionally, I worked as a research assistant focusing on Climate Change at Yukon University and contributed to the Yukon Youth Climate Change Panel.

My environmental advocacy extends to my work with NatureKids BC, fostering family connections with nature in British Columbia. With aspirations to promote sustainability and develop climate-resilient habitats, I am pursuing a Masters in Planning. Beyond my professional pursuits, I enjoy hiking, paddling, skiing, and exploring the outdoors. I am committed to showcasing nature's beauty and value, drawing inspiration from the understanding that it belongs to current and future generations.

Samia Sami
She/Her | Alberta

I am an electrical engineer who merges sustainable energy expertise with my role in executing power system studies to connect renewable technologies to the grid. I have previously worked at SaskPower, where I designed transmission stations to support the increased use of renewable energy. I serve on the Board of Directors of The Starfish Canada, empowering young environmental leaders. I am also the team lead for Enviro Muslims in Saskatchewan, where I inspire Muslim Canadians to integrate their faith with environmental stewardship. I have researched applications of artificial intelligence to predict the security status of renewable microgrids in remote communities across Canada. I have used a data-driven approach to improve the observability of solar-integrated distribution systems.

As Chair of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Power and Energy Society (PES) Student Branch Chapter, I have provided an international platform for students to advance their careers in sustainable energy. I have served on the IEEE Human Activities Project Design committee to assist youth with sustainability projects. Recognized for my outstanding contributions, I have been named one of Canada's Top 25 Environmentalists Under 25, Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leaders, and have received the prestigious Global Citizen Youth Award.

Sasha Emery
She/Her | Yukon

I am a young woman who cares deeply about the climate crisis. Originally from Whitehorse, Yukon, I hold an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from the University of Ottawa. Growing up in Canada's North, I noticed firsthand how global warming and the exploitation of natural resources are affecting biodiversity. Today, I am actively involved as a leader for sustainability in my community. I have served on the Prime Minister's Youth Council, the Government of Yukon's Climate Change Youth Council, and the Students on Ice Arctic Policy Cohort. I hope to collaborate with other passionate young people and share a perspective of Canada's North at the national level.

Shukurah Alabi
She/Her | British Columbia

My background is in forestry and wildlife management. I hold a Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM) from the University of British Columbia, Canada, and a Bachelor of Forestry and Wildlife Management (BFWM) from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Growing up, my passion for environmental conservation was inspired by National Geographic Wild documentaries and an awareness of human impacts on nature. From utilizing nature photography as a creative medium to advocate for conservation to traveling across multiple states in Nigeria as a citizen scientist for bird observations, I have displayed a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.

Since arriving in Canada as an international student, I have actively engaged in volunteerism and have contributed to initiatives such as beach clean-ups in Panorama Park, BC, and the Herring restoration project at Fisherman’s Wharf in False Creek, BC. I also worked as a Forest Resource Specialist where I conducted research and analysis on forest management practices and policies and contributed to land reclamation projects.

In 2020, I participated as a delegate in the International Global Network Online Model United Nations and won the award for the best position paper of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Ami Gagné
She/Her | Quebec and Ontario

Ami’s passion for the environment began when she was very young, thanks to her mother, who has been advocating against the production and use of harmful plastics and chemicals. One of her earliest memories is canvassing door-to-door to discuss the benefits of growing dandelions and the effects of pesticides in her neighbourhood.

Ami proudly carries her Japanese, French-Canadian and Indigenous ancestry and centers her work around understanding positionality, power, and privileges. Ami is the Program Director at GreenPAC, Co-Director of Decolonization at Re_Generation, and Chair of the Youth Engagement Committee at Green Communities Canada. Her passion lies in the intersection of reconciliation, youth, politics, and social and environmental justice. She strongly believes that cross-collaboration, non-partisanship, amplifying youth voices, Indigenous leadership and partnerships are the key to advancing Canada’s climate and natural resource agenda.

Empathetic leader, storyteller, and environmentalist - Ami devotes her time to becoming a good ancestor.

Benjamin Pollard
He/Him | Newfoundland and Labrador

Benjamin is proudly from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Currently enrolled at the University of New Brunswick’s Faculty of Law, Benjamin’s research interests include energy and resource law, environmental law, Indigenous law, property rights and climate policy, and public law, including constitutional and administrative law. Benjamin has expertise in the areas of executive and legislative governance, climate change adaptation, public policy, and sustainable communities.

Prior to enrolling in UNB’s Faculty of Law, Benjamin worked for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as a political staffer, where his work focused primarily on administrative law and public policy, as well as working with the Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology. Benjamin studied Political Science and Geography at Memorial University of Newfoundland where he was a member of the Adaptive Cities and Engagement (ACE) Space Lab, and worked alongside leading experts on the Circular Economy, and on urban and regional planning.

Dolly Cepeda Montufar
She/Her | Alberta

Dolly Cepeda Montufar was born in Bogotá, Colombia, sought asylum in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, and was raised in Edmonton, Alberta. She studied chemical engineering and geography at the University of Ottawa. Her foray into volunteering began as an Ecology Ottawa volunteer and an Apathy is Boring RISE Ambassador. During her last semester at university, she took a course on natural resources management that ignited her passion for the sector. She was a 2021 Student Energy Leadership Fellow and part of the current Student Energy Early Career Training cohort. She is a member of Climate Justice Edmonton, the City of Edmonton’s Energy Transition and Climate Resilience Committee and sits on the boards of Parity YEG, Youth Action Now, and Fair Vote Canada. For fun, Dolly strives to perfect her chocolate cookie recipe, travel as much as she can, and trust the TikTok algorithm to bring her the best tv show recommendations.

Érika Chaloux-Laroche
She/Her | Quebec

Erika is an 18 year old student, currently in Cégep. She studies social science, with added mathematics. She thoroughly enjoys mathematics and hopes to complete a masters degree in that field, at least, in university, to then start a career in mathematical research. Aside from academics, she enjoys reading, general knowledge and trivia, european new wave music, long distance running and anything to do with space. This year, Erika joined her scholar institution’s green comity, which advocates for environment preservation by creating initiatives that are easy for students to engage in. The comity created a petition for classes to be lifted on a day where there was a protest for climate justice in the nation’s capital. Students were debating with themselves to know if they were going to ditch classes that day or not. Erika and her colleagues convinced the Cégep’s general director that classes should be canceled that day to let students go advocate for what they thought was right by presenting over 600 signatures, which were collected in only three days, from students who said they wanted to protest. The team eventually obtained what they wanted, and classes were indeed canceled for the event. By joining NRCan’s Youth Council, Erika hopes to bring new and young ideas and learn from others that came before herself. She is strong minded and stubborn, which is something she is not afraid to use in order to innovate in our country’s natural resources department.

Justin Langan
He/Him | Manitoba

Justin Langan is a 23-year-old Metis, LGBTQ2+ Youth from the rural town of Swan River. Since the age of fifteen, he has been an advocate and leader for Indigenous young people. He sits on numerous local, provincial, and national committees. Some of his personal achievements include the 2021 Metis Youth Indspire Award, Terry Fox Humanitarian Award, Top 25 Environmentalists under 25, National Champion of Mental Health for Youth, and more. He is going into his third-year majoring in Political Studies, and he will use his knowledge to become a stronger leader within his community. After graduation, he will do the LSAT and go to Law School at McGill or Harvard. He hopes to become a lawyer and a politician that advocates for the rights of Canadians on an international stage. His interests include volunteering on committees and councils, fitness, photography, filmmaking, going out with his friends, and working on philanthropic projects.

Justine Lalande
She/Her | Quebec

Justine is a PhD student and lecturer in communication at the Department of Social and Public Communication at the Université du Québec à Montréal. She holds a Bachelor of Political Science degree from Université Laval, a Specialized Graduate Diploma (DESS) in International Development and Humanitarian Action Management, and a Master of Administrative Science degree.

Her thesis focuses on the energy transition discourses surrounding the social acceptability of mining projects in Quebec. More broadly, her research interests are related to astroturfing, public participation and environmental conflict studies.

Justine received the Jean-Charles-Bonenfant Foundation grant at the National Assembly of Quebec and recently received a doctoral research grant from the Fonds de recherche du Quebec.

Kelvin Magun
He/Him | Yukon

Dent`ah! Dene k’éh eszį ̄́’ Ihts`I Zele. Sezī̄́’ Kelvin Magun gū̄́ye. I am from the Kaska Nation that spans in the Yukon Territory, British Columbia, and Northwest Territories. I am from the Tsi`yone dene and had a very traditional upbringing. I was raised to always have respect for everyone and everything as all life is sacred, in my traditional language this principle is called “Dene ā́’ nehzen.” I grew up in Watson Lake, YT; went to university in Kelowna, BC; and currently reside in Whitehorse, YT.

Kelvin has 10+ years of working in the mineral resources industry and lands + resources of the Kaska Dene. In 2020, he finished the Bachelor of Science Degree with the University of British Columbia while majoring in biology. From his combined work and educational experience, he is committed to promoting a healthier relationship between Canada and First Nation governments while taking the land into special consideration.

Lauren Peng
She /Her | British Columbia

She /Her | British Columbia

Lauren Peng is a settler with mixed European ancestry hailing from Southern Ontario and is currently a grateful guest on the traditional territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples (Victoria, BC). Lauren’s passions for climate justice and dismantling oppressive systems began at a young age and have driven her to pursue a career in climate policy and governance. Lauren graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management, where her studies focused on sustainable development in the Global South. Since then, Lauren’s career has taken her into federal governance, politics, municipal climate action, international NGOs, and most recently working alongside First Nations in the Yukon to advance community-based climate initiatives. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria. Her research examines energy transitions with a focus on governance, concentrations of power, and the role of Indigenous leadership in renewable energy.

Maggie Chang
She /Her | Ontario

Maggie is a poet, writer, and artist whose environmental journey started in first grade when she learned about deforestation of the Amazon in school. Since then, Maggie has led campus second-hand clothing sales for sustainable fashion, organized a UN Sustainable Development Goal training, and helped establish EcoSchools Canada’s Youth Advisory Council, leading her to be named one of the first WWF Canada Living Planet Leaders and a Top 25 Under 25 Environmentalist in Canada. With a Bachelor of Environmental Studies, Maggie is passionate to be living her values to build an intersectional environmental movement. She is particularly honoured to have had the opportunity to practice international solidarity working with Fairtrade Organic Café Femenino Coffee communities in Peru during the summer of 2019. She also sits on the City of Toronto Climate Advisory group and is very excited to join the Natural Resources Canada Youth Council.

Sasha Emery
She/Her | Yukon

Sasha Emery is a young woman who cares about the climate crisis. Originally from Whitehorse, Yukon, she is currently a third-year Bachelor of Arts student specializing in environmental studies at the University of Ottawa. Growing up in Canada’s North, she noticed how global warming and the exploitation of natural resources are changing biodiversity and is now taking a leadership role for sustainability in her community. She served on the Yukon Youth Panel on Climate Change, the Sustainable Development Goals Advisory Committee and was a member of Students on Ice's Arctic Policy Cohort. Sasha hopes to cooperate with other enthusiastic young people and share a national perspective of Canada’s North.

Shir Gruber
Quebec

Shir Gruber is a candidate for a Bachelor of Science specializing in Water Environments and Ecosystems with a minor in Geographic Information Systems at McGill University. She was president of Dawson College’s environmental club, a TEDx speaker, and the regional co-director of Sustainable Youth Canada (SYC). Now, she fulfills her role at SYC as a national co-director. Through SYC, she hopes to integrate environmental projects into the academic curriculum and to give youth the tools to combat climate justice issues in their community. Shir has conducted research at Dawson College, contributing to changing the school’s policy on waste management. She has worked in Angell Woods, Beaconsfield, Quebec doing participatory action research about soil bioremediation and Climate Justice in green spaces. Furthermore, Shir has worked in the Caribbean on agricultural adaptations to climate change and water conservation.

Siavash Salamatian
He /Him | British Columbia

Siavash Salamatian is a 20-year-old student from North Vancouver, BC. Currently, he is studying political science in the honours program at the University of British Columbia, with a focus on Canadian politics. Siavash has been involved in Canadian politics at the federal level and is heavily invested in Student politics at UBC. He is currently taking courses in environmental politics and is interested in the implications of the Critical Minerals strategy for Canada’s position on the World stage. He would like to use the NRCAN youth council as an opportunity to learn how different orders of government are working together to achieve a green transition in Canada. In his free time, he likes playing hockey, and staying active in his community.