WWF-Canada welcomes new Arctic Program Director

TORONTO – October 15, 2014 – WWF-Canada welcomes Paul Crowley as the new Director of the Canadian Arctic Program. Mr. Crowley is based in Iqaluit, Nunavut, and recently began his tenure with the organization.

Quotes
“I’m very excited to welcome Paul Crowley to WWF-Canada. The Arctic region is rapidly shifting under the effects of climate change, requiring heightened sensitivity to local economic and social development needs. I’m confident that Paul’s vast experience working in the north and personal commitment to environmental issues, and his strong background in social and economic justice, will allow him to make a real impact at a critical time for the Arctic. Everyone at WWF looks forward to working with Paul to help address the challenges facing the Arctic today.”
– David Miller, President and CEO, WWF-Canada

“I’m delighted to join an organization and program with a solid record of working with Aboriginal Peoples in Canada and around the world. I’ve called the Arctic home for many years. This is a region of great opportunity. I look forward to working with communities to find practical and meaningful solutions that work. The Peoples of the Arctic have much to teach the world about sustainability. I am thrilled to play a small part in how that unfolds.”
– Paul Crowley, Director, Arctic Program, WWF-Canada

Background
Mr. Crowley, a long-time resident of Nunavut, has worked on many aspects of sustainable development in the Arctic and internationally for over 20 years. Most recently, he served as Principal Secretary to the Premier of Nunavut, Eva Aariak.

A lawyer, Mr. Crowley has provided counsel through the years on a wide array of Arctic matters, such as climate change, natural resource management, as well as economic and social development. Previously, he closely supported Sheila Watt-Cloutier, a Nobel Peace Prize Nominee, to introduce human rights into UN climate negotiations and give a human face to climate change. As part of this work he conceived and helped create Many Strong Voices – a coalition between Arctic Peoples and Small Island States.

In the north, Mr. Crowley assisted many Inuit organizations, including as Special Counsel to the Qikiqtani Truth Commission, which looked at Inuit-government relations in the Baffin region from 1950 to the 1970s, and as Executive Director of the Nunavut Social Development Council, which is charged with tabling an annual report on the state of Inuit culture and society.

Mr. Crowley’s international efforts have included holding the position of Head of Social Development Programs for the International Development Law Organization in Rome. During his time in Italy, Mr. Crowley spearheaded the Legal Preparedness for Climate Change Initiative as well as overseeing numerous programs covering health, environment, land, as well as human trafficking.

Mr. Crowley has travelled extensively by dog team in the Arctic, including to the North Pole.

About WWF-Canada
WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people and nature thrive. www.wwf.ca

For more information, please contact:
Riannon John
[email protected]
416-347-1894