Our Staff / Ashley Wallis

Ashley Wallis (2)

Ashley Wallis

Associate Director

Having spent over a decade working for environmental non-profits, Ashley has designed and led citizen science programs, advocated for the protection and restoration of the Great Lakes, and campaigned to end plastic pollution and protect the world’s oceans.

 

As a former Great Lakes surfer, she would often lament the plastic trash she had to share the surf with. Inspired by what can be accomplished by engaged individuals and the power of environmental advocacy, Ashley was instrumental in the creation of Environmental Defence’s campaign to end plastic pollution. She now provides strategic leadership to the plastics, toxics and freshwater campaigns.

Read Ashley's Posts

Jun 01, 2026

No Jets at Toronto Island Airport: We can’t risk more traffic and gridlock

The federal government is considering expanding the Toronto Island Airport to accommodate commercial jets. This…

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Jun 01, 2026

No Jets at Toronto Island Airport: Air, Noise, and Water Pollution Are at Risk

The federal government is considering a massive Toronto Island Airport expansion that could quadruple passenger…

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Jun 27, 2025

Slow and Steady, Lake Erie may be Bouncing Back

Statement by Ashley Wallis, Associate Director, on the NOAA’s 2025 Lake Erie HAB (Harmful Algal…

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Apr 22, 2025

Joint Statement: Freshwater In Canada Is Not For Sale

Federal parties and candidates must respond to Trump’s threats to freshwater health and abundance in…

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Sep 27, 2024

People Power Secures a Win for Lake Scugog

In a “good news” turn of events, Scugog’s town council voted against a development project…

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Aug 20, 2024

Environmental Defence to Celebrate 8th Annual “We are Lake Erie” Day on August 27th

For immediate release: August 20, 2024 Toronto | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the…

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Jul 02, 2024

Forecast for Lake Erie: Another Year, Another Toxic Algal Bloom

Statement by Ashley Wallis, Associate Director, on the NOAA’s “moderate to larger-than-moderate” Lake Erie HAB…

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May 27, 2024

Statement from Ashley Wallis, Associate Director at Environmental Defence: Ontario’s Decision to Expand Where Empties Can Be Returned Will Improve Recycling and Refill Rates

Province’s next step should be to expand deposit return to include non-alcoholic drink containers. Toronto…

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May 06, 2024

NEW POLL: Ontarians Want Deposit-Return System for Non-alcoholic Drink Containers, with Easy and Accessible Return-to-Retail

Ontario’s current recycling system only collects 43 per cent of beverage containers, but a deposit…

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