National Post (National Edition)
How the Canadian Conservation Corps is providing inspiration for a new generation of wildlife stewards
The Canadian Wildlife Federation’s program is laying the groundwork for young people in conservation.
The Canadian Wildlife Federation’s (CWF) Canadian Conservation Corps (CCC) program aims to do far more than inspire young participants to become the next generation of environmental stewards
“We believe that the program builds an appreciation for wildlife and conservation as a value that helps define what it means to be Canadian,” says Rick Bates, chief executive officer of CWF.
That message has resonated with many of the program’s participants, a diverse crosssection of Canadian youth ages 18 to 30, who range from Indigenous people to new Canadians who are passionate about helping to ensure a brighter future for the country’s wildlife.
Funded by the federal government through the Canada Service Corps, the CCC program allows participants to engage in a nine-month program that combines experiences in the wild, education, and public service that forge a lifelong commitment to conservation.
“The participants learn through doing,” says Bates. “In the first phase of the program they don’t just visit the wilderness for an afternoon — they’re out there for weeks and they often return very moved by their experiences.”
The second phase involves volunteer service with a conservation organization. In the third phase, participants develop their own program designed to benefit wildlife and the environment in their home community. The program is available at no cost to participants. The CCC provides wilderness training and internships — along with room, board and living expenses — during the program’s first two stages.
Dominique Mieguim is a permanent resident of Canada who lives in Brampton, Ont. She earned a master’s degree in animal biology in her home country of Cameroon and was looking for an opportunity to learn more about Canadian wildlife conservation and protection.
With CCC, she spent a month paddling the St. Croix River in New Brunswick and worked with Clean Nova Scotia, an organization promoting positive environmental change. For the final program phase, she plans to educate French-speaking elementary students in Ontario on environmental issues.
“I want to pass on to future generations the message that nature and the environment need our attention today and not to put off their actions until tomorrow,” she says. “I want them to know they can make a difference, regardless of their age.”
Jasspreet Sahib of Victoria, B.C., spent two weeks canoeing in Ontario’s Algonquin Park; wrote articles for Whales Online, a magazine on cetacean species located in Quebec; and assembled whale skeletons in
Tadoussac for an educational exhibit. She’s working on several third-phase projects involving marine habitats, and is currently program director with the Strawberry Isle Marine Research Society, a charitable organization promoting the health of marine species in B.C.’s Clayoquot Sound.
“I have a bachelor of science degree in marine biology and journalism studies from Dalhousie University,” says Jasspreet, who came to Canada from India. “I’ve been able to combine these two passions and use them together as a science journalist to help promote environmental awareness. I credit CCC with making this happen.”
Shanshan Tian, a certified Ontario teacher who’s originally from China, is travelling Canada as an environmental program consultant and educator for notfor-profit organizations that may not have the resources to hire fulltime staff. Her new business is a direct result of her experience in CCC.
The program took her from a canoe expedition along the St. Croix River to public service in British Columbia, where she worked with the BC Wildlife Federation’s wetlands education program. She helped to restore wetlands on Salt Spring Island and is currently working with the Ontario Educational Leadership Centre to design a climate change innovation lab aimed at youth.
“None of this would have been possible without the CCC,” says
Tian. “I feel that everything I’m doing that has resulted from my participation in the program is working toward a much bigger project that even I’m not fully aware of yet.”
Bates notes that addressing the challenges facing wildlife across the country requires the energies and attention of Canadian youth.
“Often these issues seem so big and so complex that you wonder what one person can do,” he says. “The Canadian Conservation Corps gives young people from all walks of life some ground to stand on, so that they can learn, see and do, and make a meaningful difference regarding the big issues.”
While COVID19 restrictions have presented challenges, recruiting for CCC is still underway and CWF is encouraging interested participants to register their interest. Program staff will continue to engage with new groups of CCC cohorts, current participants and CCC alumni by offering learning opportunities via webinars and online discussions with CCC partners in conservation. If you’re age 18 to 30 and up for the challenge, get your information in so you can begin your CCC adventure the moment the program is back in action. For more information and to submit your application, visit
I want to pass on to future generations the message that nature and the environment need our attention today and not to put off their actions until tomorrow.