The NSUAS Future Leader Scholarship program, established in 2008, provides $1500 in funding to enable recipients to attend the Summit. It is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership skills in the companion animal industry and a specific interest in urban animal strategies.
"As usual, a number of highly qualified individuals were nominated by their peers," said Larry Evans, President of PetLynx Corporation. "And, as usual, the task of choosing the two winners was a challenge. It is inspiring to read about the good work that so many people are doing in various communities across Canada."
The 2009 scholarship winners are.....
Johanne TasseCompanion Animal Adoption Centres of Quebec (caacQ)
Johanne Tasse has worked tirelessly for more than a decade, in an effort to reduce the high numbers of healthy and adoptable companion animals euthanized in Quebec each year and to "push for change as a united voice."
In 2008, Johanne was instrumental in establishing a non-profit society -- Companion Animal Adoption Centres of Quebec (caacQ). Since its inception, Johanne and her peers at caacQ have lobbied all levels of government, presented education programs to the general public, aggressively promoted spay/neuter awareness and launched a campaign to encourage the people of Quebec to consider "The Adoption Option" when acquiring a pet.
When nominating Johanne for this award, Louis McCann, Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), said; "The situation [relating to companion animals] in Quebec is dreadful. Johanne would welcome the opportunity to network [at the NSUAS] as she often feels that she is alone in this battle, with no other leaders in her province."
"I am honoured to receive the scholarship funding," said Johanne. "I am excited to have the opportunity to meet with leaders in the companion animal industry, to learn from their successes and to be able to take this information to Quebec. This opportunity for networking will help me continue to campaign to change attitudes and legislation relating to management and care of companion animals in Quebec. Change is desperately needed here."
Pierre FiliatreaultPierre's Alley Cats Society
He may have recently retired after 31 years of service with the Canadian Navy but Pierre Filiatreault continues a life of service... for the feral cats of Halifax.
A champion of "Trap, Neuter, Release" (TNR) programs for cats, Pierre feeds and monitors a colony of about 50 "fixed" cats in the Halifax dockyards. He is proud to report that not a single kitten has been born there in over three years and that all of the cats are well-fed and healthy.
In addition to looking after "his" cats, Pierre gives lectures on the virtues of TNR, supports other groups with funding whenever possible, and has mentored others in how to start their own TNR programs, including one at HRM Halifax.
On behalf of his registered non-profit organization - Pierre's Alley Cats Society -- he is working closely with the City of Halifax in an effort to secure funding for other TNR programs. Pierre also volunteers on the Board of Directors of his local SPCA as well as the Entrepreneurs With Disabilities Network.
Congratulations Johanne and Pierre!
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