Beatrice Frank, new(ish) executive director of The Georgia Strait Alliance on the past, present and future of one of the most effective environmental organizations in British Columbia for their 35th anniversary. We talk about fighting threats with awareness – and lawyers – keeping the ocean clean, working with American eco-organizations in the age of Trump and the power of positivity. “We sue the government often… we just want them to be accountable for what they say they will do.”
Made in Canada, eh 🍁
Shownotes:
2:30 Meet Beatrice Frank – the new executive director of the Georgia Strait Alliance.
5:24 On arriving in BC. “Wow. This place with orcas and salmon stewarded by the Coast Salish First Nation is amazing.”
8:48 The GSA turns 35 and the GSA’s journey. “It really has become a powerhouse for the protection of the Salish Sea.” Advocating for southern resident orcas and more. Past and future fights.
10:15 On working with First Nations on stewardship of the land and the water.
12:05 The current major programs… biodiversity, marine planning, education and empowerment.
14:40 Orcas and emotions.
16:36 Legal fights for the Salish Sea – trying to save the orcas and stop Roberts Bank Terminal 2. “We sue the government often… we just want them to be accountable for what they say they will do.”
19:00 Adjusting to the age of Trump. “Our orcas don’t have a passport… we share those species.”
20:12 The importance of American partners in fighting for a thriving Salish Sea.
23:22 “We are rooted in the community… We are the Salish Sea.”
25:52 The biggest challenges in 2025.
27:42 On Clean Marine BC and training boaters on how to use the ocean and deal with whales and the water.
28:45 On the importance of positivity and connecting with nature. “Everything matters. Every single little choice matters.”
33:15 “We Don’t Want Your Pipelines” – written by Bob Bossin, performed by Mark Leiren-Young and Mike McCormick.
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