2021 TWS Elections: Canadian Section candidates

The ballot for The Wildlife Society’s 2021 elections includes candidates for the position of Canadian Section representative. See previous article on candidates for TWS vice president.

Additional nominees may be submitted by any voting member in good standing, if supported in writing by 5% of the voting membership. The deadline for additional nominations is May 16.

Electronic ballots will be sent June 1 to all members with an email address. Members without an email address will receive a paper ballot in the mail. Voting will close June 30. Mailed paper ballots must be postmarked on or before June 30. Newly elected council members are scheduled to be installed at the virtual 28th Annual Conference, Nov.1-5.

The candidates’ statements expressing their vision for The Wildlife Society and their interest in running for this council position are below.

Nominees for Canadian Section Representative

William (Bill) Dowie  

Aldo Leopold was introduced to me in my landscape ecology course at University of Manitoba.  Interestingly, this one experience in the classroom led me further down a path of environmental ethics and pragmatic sustainability.  As a landscape design-build consultant, I am backyard centric and would definitely bring an urban habitat perspective.  With city populations ever increasing, it is an important trend to have CSTWS set itself up as a sustainability leader in the urban-wildlife interface.  Certainly, the CSTWS mission that strives “…to inspire, empower, and enable…” is a statement that reflects my values as a leader in business, university, and non-profits.

I am privileged to be mentored by a couple of TWS Fellows, as well as some senior professors and government officials through my university and professional careers.  Their leadership creates a lasting impression on the way I approach volunteer work:  understanding opportunities for improvement and always thinking strategically.  Further, I have learned a lot during my tenure with TWS: as a guest lecturer, a retreat volunteer, and graduate student representative with the Manitoba Chapter Executive.

Being progressive, collaborative, and respectful (a few of CSTWS’s Values), has been invaluable for my professional development.  A proud Manitoban and Canadian, I understand the duty that I must embrace to ensure respectful partnerships occur between TWS (all levels), industry, government, and Indigenous communities.  I look forward to helping CSTWS to continue with its tradition as a leader among TWS sections and unite its core values with TWS International.

See complete biographical sketch here.

Evelyn (Evie) Merrill

First, I give kudos to the Canadian Section Board of Directors for an efficient job in establishing their Incorporation, TWS Affiliation, and Charitable Status, and facilitating Canadian Chapters’ options for TWS Affiliation in the last few years. We still have our work cut out to establish a well-integrated Canadian TWS where Section and Chapters have a framework to support each other.  Second, with our house in order, we need to continue to strengthen Canadian perspectives in TWS. Not only do we have distinct ecosystems, but our cultural and political systems afford unique challenges and solutions. Since coming to Canada 21 years ago, I remain in awe of the vast but fragile Canadian wildlife resources, the cultural diversity, and the impassioned and close-knit wildlife professionals who work to conserve them. Canada’s long wildlife legacy and our experience can benefit our neighbors, but the importance of TWS Affiliation in backing our efforts is not to be underestimated. Third, as our world continues to globalize, conserving the earth’s biota will depend on making wildlife relevant and foraging international collaborations.  Strong international teamwork within TWS is key in meeting the future challenges. TWS has been a part of my life for the past 40 years; I have seen the opportunities The Society has offered to young and seasoned professionals alike. It is growing in terms of diversity and inclusion. I hope to help promote the synergism that Canadians bring to tackling past and emerging professional and wildlife issues head-on.

See complete biographical sketch here.