Sheila Cole
Sheila Cole is well known for her ability to inspire audiences as she educates, demystifying complex environmental subjects while connecting information and concepts to help people understand the interrelationship of all things. Hearing her message gives people insight, hope and strength to make changes in their lives and within their communities that immediately benefit the environment, human health and all living things.
An Award-winning Environmentalist
In 2007 she had the distinction of being the first recipient of an award that was created in her name: the Cole Award for Excellence in Environment and Health.
In 2017 the Nova Scotia Environmental Network recognized her with its most prestigious award, the Eco Hero Award for Lifetime Achievement. This award is in recognition of three decades of work on a broad range of environmental issues and leadership both within the Nova Scotia Environmental Network and the Canadian Environmental Network.
Cole has become an authority on environment and health subjects during a period spanning four decades and is considered a pioneer in the field. In 1991 she was already teaching a course on environment and health at Dalhousie University’s Henson College, long before people understood the connection at all. Even physicians who were struggling with environmental sensitivities came to her course to learn how to take charge of their recovery, when allopathic medicine specialists were not adequately addressing their health concerns. Her influence, skill and strength as an educator is a cornerstone of her work.
Sheila Cole recognized in Nova Scotia Legislature by Ian Rankin- Former Premier and Minister of Environment.
Sheila has played a key role in making her home city of Halifax, Nova Scotia one of the leading jurisdictions in the world in terms of awareness and action on environment and health.
Outside City Hall after meeting with Mayor Mike Savage
Sheila has been very active in environmental protection within the Health, Wilderness, Toxics, Atmosphere and Energy, Environmental Assessment and Mining Caucuses of the Canadian Environmental Network. She was the long-standing Senior Policy Adviser with the Nova Scotia Environmental Network for 20yrs and represented the Network on the Nova Scotia Round Table on Environment and Sustainable Prosperity for 2 terms. In addition, she served prominently on the Board of the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia (EHANS) for 22 years.
Cole is highly experienced in working on policy issues pertaining to health and environment, climate change, wilderness preservation, mining as well as on Canada’s highly respected Chemicals Management Plan. This work involves regular consultation with government, industry, academia and other environmental organizations from across Canada.
A pioneer in the environmental and health field.
Ms. Cole has lectured widely at conferences in Canada and as far afield as the Philippines and Hawaii. Through her work with the Health Caucus of the Canadian Environmental Network she has presented five times at meetings of UN Habitat’s World Urban Forum: in Canada in 2006, China in 2008, Brazil in 2010, Colombia in 2012 and at Habitat lll in Quito, Ecuador in 2016. In this capacity she has developed a wealth of expertise on healthy, equitable, sustainable and resilient cities that are a cornerstone of the New Urban Agenda.
Ms. Cole’s sharp mind and long years of experience and wisdom position her as an engaging speaker on a broad range of environmental issues.
Available for lectures, public speaking and conferences.
Preparing for presentation at UN Habitat’s World Urban Forum, Nanjing , China, 2008