We’re thrilled to have three Canada Summer Jobs hires join GSA for eight weeks this summer! Having this additional capacity means that we can be present in more communities to listen, learn, and amplify the concerns and solutions that emerge from within the diverse communities connected to the Salish Sea.
Jade Baird will be working with our Campaigns Manager and other campaign and program staff to create new engagement material to reflect both our new campaigns and new strategic focuses, as well as helping with key campaigns. Hazel and Liz, our Clean Marine BC assistants, will be out in the community this summer visiting marinas and boating facilities to connect with boaters and share resources that support green boating practices, such as our Clean Boater Kits. They’ll be spending time throughout Victoria, Saanich, and the Gulf Islands attending community events and at the docks.
Hazel de Haas
Hazel completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology (Honours) at the University of Victoria. Her passion for the ocean led her to work abroad in New Zealand for two years as a research assistant and marine science educator at Auckland University’s Leigh Marine Laboratory. When she’s not working, you’ll find her snorkeling, SCUBA diving, exploring tidepools, photographing nudibranchs, drawing, or hiking. Her interest in marine conservation translates into her work with the GSA, as she cares deeply about the state of our ocean and what we can do to protect it. Hazel grew up in North Vancouver, the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples and currently resides in Victoria, the territories of the Songhees, Xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt) Nation, and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples.
Elizabeth Lane
Elizabeth graduated from the University of Victoria, studying coastal geography and is passionate about protecting coastal ecosystems and supporting conservation through education, communication, and community engagement. Elizabeth brings experience working with volunteer organizations coordinating shoreline cleanups, education programs, and community outreach initiatives. She brings a strong creative and communications skillset that she is eager to use to engage the public with their local environment and conservation. Elizabeth grew up on the unceded traditional territories of the Katzie, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, and Tsawwassen First Nations, where she developed a love for the outdoors and exploring local beaches. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys creative hobbies, travelling, and connecting with nature as much as possible.
Jade Baird
Jade graduated from the University of Victoria after studying Creative Writing and Environmental Studies, then moved to Vancouver to pursue a Master’s in Arts in Geography at Simon Fraser University, with a focus on how environmental assessments are failing the southern resident killer whales. Growing up on the Salish Sea, she’s always had a deep love for the ocean and a passion for protecting the species that call this special part of the Pacific Ocean home. She believes advocacy work and community organizing are powerful and effective ways to protect the environment, which is why she’s thrilled to support the campaigns team at GSA. When she’s not working, you can find her reading, writing fiction, learning about wildlife photography, or spending time at the beach. Jade currently resides on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.
Image: (left to right) Hazel de Haas, Elizabeth Lane, and Jade Baird.