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Evidence Advocates

Evidence for Democracy’s Evidence Advocates celebrates individuals who demonstrate dedication to promoting evidence-informed decision-making in their communities and beyond. Whether they’re advocating for science, debunking misinformation, or engaging in meaningful dialogue about pressing issues, we want to shine a spotlight on their outstanding efforts.

Katrina Connors

Evidence Advocate, August 2024

Meet previous Evidence Advocates

John P. Smol was nominated for his record as an internationally acclaimed scientist, who has repeatedly made important contributions to identifying changes in the world’s environment due to human and natural stressors, as well as his dedication to widely communicating scientific results to politicians, policymakers, and the public-at-large.

John’s research record, coupled with his drive and communication skills, have played key roles in establishing evidence-based policy.

Ryan Murphy was nominated for his creative advocacy efforts to bring clean air to New Brunswick. He regularly uses emerging knowledge and evidence around aerosol science, DIY air cleaners, CO2 monitors, and respiratory protection to make his own classrooms safer for students, and has collaborated with organizations such as the New Brunswick Teachers’ Association to bring clean air to more schools in New Brunswick.

Karine Coen-Sanchez was nominated for breaking down barriers for the next generation of Black and racialized students. She has worked tirelessly with university administrations in Ontario to highlight key issues related to systematic racism in academia.

Gideon Mordecai has worked closely with communities to amplify their voices in public policy, and actively engaged with policy-makers to advocate for an overhaul of federal fishery science advice processes.

Judith Leblanc was nominated for her bravery in advocating for important issues at the DFO. She helped to develop Scientific Integrity policies, and improve working conditions for scientists.

Evidence for Democracy is thrilled to present the Evidence Advocate winner for August 2024 — Katrina Connors!

Katrina was nominated for her leadership in the Pacific Salmon Foundation’s Salmon Watersheds Program and the development of an innovative, open-access data visualization tool for Pacific salmon in BC. Her remarkable ability to mobilize and engage the salmon community and her dedication to supporting Evidence-Informed Decision-Making are truly inspiring.

About Katrina Connors:

Dr. Katrina Connors is the Senior Director of Salmon Programs at the Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF), a charitable non-governmental organization dedicated to the conservation of wild Pacific salmon in British Columbia and the Yukon.

Katrina has worked on salmon science and conservation issues for the past 20 years having held positions at a variety of academic, public, and private organizations. She has been with the PSF since 2008 serving as the founding Director of the Salmon Watersheds Program, a conservation science program working at the nexus of the Pacific salmon science, policy, and management.

Katrina‘s work focuses on bringing creative, science-based solutions to salmon conservation and management issues including leading the development of the first-ever online data visualization tool for Pacific salmon called the Pacific Salmon Explorer (salmonexplorer.ca) and PSF’s inaugural report on the State of Canadian Pacific Salmon (stateofsalmon.ca). Her efforts focus on democratizing data to help inform and support evidence-based decision making. By making information broadly accessible and providing independent, third-party assessments of salmon and their habitats, Katrina has helped to increase transparency on decisions and empower local communities and Indigenous decision-makers in asserting their inherent rights to the management and stewardship of local salmon populations.

Katrina currently serves as a Canadian Commissioner to the Pacific Salmon Commission, a position that allows her to advocate for change at a broader scale and ensure that the protection of salmon biodiversity is central to international decision-making.

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