Every summer, Canada Summer Jobs positions bring fresh energy, new perspectives, and invaluable support to Georgia Strait Alliance’s work protecting the Salish Sea.
This year, our summer team helped connect with communities, support conservation campaigns, strengthen Clean Marine BC, and inspire people to take action for the coast. But the experience wasn’t one-sided. Along the way, they also gained new skills, discovered what working in environmental conservation looks like, and found hope in the communities working to protect these waters.
Here are their reflections, in their own words (lightly edited for length and clarity).
Jade Baird
Community Organizing Assistant (Vancouver-Quadra)
This summer, I had the opportunity to work as Georgia Strait Alliance’s Community Organizing Assistant—an experience that brought together my passion for the Salish Sea with my interest in environmental conservation. Having grown up on these waters and spent several years working as an environmental educator, it felt incredibly meaningful to contribute to protecting a place that’s been such an important part of my life.
Throughout the summer, I supported community outreach by tabling events, speaking with the public about local environmental issues, and helping create educational materials, including a new biodiversity pamphlet for outreach events. One of the most rewarding parts of the role was contributing to campaigns protecting Southern Resident killer whales, a species that has been a focus of my graduate studies. It was empowering to help respond to environmental issues in real time and support meaningful advocacy.
Beyond developing skills in communications, outreach, graphic design, project planning, and relationship building, this experience gave me valuable insight into how an environmental non-profit operates. Just as importantly, I saw firsthand how Georgia Strait Alliance grounds its work in environmental justice and collaboration. I’m grateful for everything I learned and excited to carry these experiences forward in my future career.
Hazel de Haas
Clean Marine BC Assistant (Victoria)
This summer, I had the privilege of working as the Victoria-based Clean Marine BC Assistant with Georgia Strait Alliance. It was an exciting opportunity to expand my experience in environmental conservation while learning what it’s like to work in a marine-focused non-profit.
Much of my summer was spent connecting with recreational boaters, marina staff, and communities throughout Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands. I represented both Clean Marine BC and Georgia Strait Alliance at outreach events, visited marinas to share clean boating resources, distributed Clean Boater Kits, and spoke with people about protecting the Salish Sea, endangered Southern Resident killer whales, and environmentally responsible boating practices.
One of the biggest takeaways from the summer was seeing how many people genuinely want to make a positive difference—they simply need access to the right information and resources. Building relationships with communities, marinas, and partner organizations showed me how important education and collaboration are in creating lasting environmental change.
Working alongside such a knowledgeable and welcoming team also gave me a new perspective on what a career in marine conservation can look like. I leave the summer feeling inspired, hopeful, and grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to work that helps protect the Salish Sea.
Liz Lane
Clean Marine BC Assistant (Saanich–Gulf Islands)
This summer, I had the opportunity to work as the Clean Marine BC Assistant for the Saanich–Gulf Islands region with Georgia Strait Alliance. It was an incredible experience that combined my love for the ocean with meaningful, hands-on conservation work. From visiting marinas and attending community events to exploring parts of the Southern Gulf Islands I had never been to before, every day gave me a chance to connect with people who care deeply about the Salish Sea.
Working alongside the Clean Marine BC team, I helped share clean boating resources, connect with recreational boaters, and support outreach across the region. One of the most rewarding parts of the summer was discovering that many people genuinely want to protect the ocean—they often just need access to the right information and resources. Listening to boaters’ experiences also gave me a better understanding of the challenges they face and reinforced how important education and collaboration are in creating lasting environmental change.
Beyond strengthening my skills in public outreach, event coordination, communications, and relationship building, this experience gave me valuable insight into what a career in marine conservation can look like. I learned how to communicate complex environmental issues in ways that connect with different audiences, while also gaining a deeper appreciation for the many programs and campaigns that Georgia Strait Alliance leads.
Most of all, this summer reminded me why I chose this path. Since I was young, I’ve wanted to build a career where I could help others while protecting the ocean. Working alongside such a supportive and passionate team made me feel like I was contributing to something much bigger than myself, and I’m grateful for the mentorship, experiences, and inspiration I’ll carry with me into the future.