PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
Toronto, Tuesday January 19, 2021 – The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE), Canada’s leading voice in planetary health, is pleased to announce Anjali Helferty will assume the role of Interim Executive Director & CEO today. This follows Robin Edger’s decision to take a leave of absence from the position as he pursues the nomination of the Ontario Liberal Party in Don Valley West.
Anjali started her engagement in climate activism as the first Council chair of the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition (CYCC) while working as the National Coordinator for the Sustainable Campuses Project at the Sierra Youth Coalition (SYC). Following her time at SYC, she worked at the US-based Energy Action Coalition (now Power Shift Network) as Managing Director and Acting Director. She subsequently worked as the Interim Director for the Southern Energy Network, a youth climate organization working in the Southeast United States. Anjali completed a Master’s in Organizational Change Management in 2013 and a PhD in Adult Education and Community Development in 2020 focused on settler climate activists and solidarity with Indigenous peoples.
Quotes:
“I came to CAPE to work at the powerful intersection of health and the environment. CAPE is uniquely positioned to change the narrative around climate change and toxics by connecting with issues that impact people in Canada every day. I am thrilled to step into this role at a moment where strong voices advocating for a healthy recovery from COVID-19 are so critical,” says Interim Executive Director & CEO, Anjali Helferty.
“Climate change, toxic pollution, and harmful chemicals are all impacting public health in our country. We have also seen the devastating effects of an increase in extreme weather events, including floods and wildfires. Anjali has expertise in the intersection of environmental health and human health and has been an advocate for environmental stewardship and climate action for over a decade. We look forward to her taking on this new leadership role,” says CAPE Board President, Dr. Joe Vipond.
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For media requests, contact Anjali Helferty, anjali@cape.ca