8

Cassie Barker

Senior Program Manager, Toxics

Cassie was raised on the shores of the St. Lawrence and spent her childhood exploring Ontario’s woods, beaches and waterways. She holds a B.A in Environment and Development and M.Sc. in Capacity Development and Extension from the University of Guelph. Cassie is passionate about protecting communities, kids and water, and has spent the last two decades working on environmental research, justice and advocacy, with a focus on environmental health.

Read Cassie's Posts

Nov 27, 2024

Reports of Industry Interference in Pesticide Decision Must Be Investigated

Leading environmental groups call for independent review of controversial “neonic” decision Ottawa | Traditional, unceded…

Read More


Nov 20, 2024

Statement from Cassie Barker, Senior Program Manager for Toxics: Curbing Toxic Flame Retardants Is a Win for Safer Products

Canada’s finalized amendments to product safety regulations will reduce or eliminate toxic flame retardants in…

Read More


Nov 14, 2024

New Report Exposes Canadian Retailers Are Still Lagging Behind U.S. Retailers on Chemical Safety

Couche-Tard and Sobeys receive failing grades; Loblaws, Metro, Canadian Tire, and Tim Hortons’ parent company…

Read More


Nov 07, 2024

Breast Cancer and Plastics: A Toxic Pair

This blog is co-authored by Milena Gioia, Popular Education and Advocacy Coordinator at Breast Cancer…

Read More


Oct 15, 2024

New Testing: High Levels of Endocrine Disruptors, Heavy Metals Hiding in Shoe Charms Intended for Crocs and Other Children’s Plastic Products

Federal government urged to immediately regulate toxic chemicals in plastics to better protect children from…

Read More


May 16, 2024

Toxic PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Found in Children’s Gloves

Federal action needed to get PFAS out of children’s clothes and other consumer products  We…

Read More



Jun 20, 2023

Federal Government Signals Its Willingness to Get Serious on Pesticides

ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE, DAVID SUZUKI FOUNDATION, ECOJUSTICE, FRIENDS OF THE EARTH CANADA, PREVENT CANCER NOW Reducing…

Read More


Jun 02, 2023

Statement on New Research That Shows PFAS Companies Suppressed Decades of Toxic Data

Statement from Cassie Barker, Toxics Senior Program Manager, Environmental Defence Toronto | Traditional territories of…

Read More


Jun 01, 2023

Canada Is Finally Strengthening Its Toxics Law: Four Key Updates You Should Know

After years of advocating for stronger toxics laws, we are celebrating the passage of Bill…

Read More