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Michelle Woodhouse

Program Manager, Water

Michelle’s passion for the natural world and to become a water protector was sparked from a young age by the worldviews and values that were passed down to her through her Métis heritage. During university, Michelle pursued a BA in Environmental Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Toronto and went on to obtain her MASc in Environmental Applied Science and Management at Ryerson. Over the course of her Master’s, she worked on water governance and policy issues affecting the Great Lakes and Ontario. She has worked as a researcher and analyst for organizations such as the Great Lakes Policy Research Network, the International Joint Commission, and the Canadian Environmental Law Association before coming to Environmental Defence. Michelle sees water as a living relation and is passionate about water justice and climate justice. She is excited to be working at Environmental Defence to advocate for water protections.

Read Michelle's Posts

Dec 01, 2023

Statement on Michigan Public Service Commission’s Decision to Approve Dangerous Line 5 Tunnel Project

Statement from Michelle Woodhouse, Water Program Manager, Environmental Defence Toronto | Traditional territories of the…

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Nov 24, 2023

Canada’s Use of 1977 Pipeline Treaty to Block Recent U.S. Line 5 Shutdown Order Is Violating Indigenous Rights

Earlier this summer, we celebrated the news that a U.S. judge in Wisconsin had ordered…

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Oct 19, 2023

Environmental and Human Rights Groups Challenging Canada’s Use of 1977 Pipeline Treaty to Block Recent U.S. Line 5 Shutdown Order

Legal brief highlights the devastating impacts a foreseeable spill would have on the Great Lakes…

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Aug 16, 2023

Celebrating the 7th Annual #WeAreLakeErie Day: Let’s Show Our Government How Much We Love This Global Treasure!

Lake Erie is a global treasure. The lake is home to thousands of species, complex…

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Jul 29, 2023

The Recurring Plague of Lake Erie’s Persistent Harmful Algae Blooms

Lake Erie is experiencing annual toxic algae blooms that are primarily caused by nutrient pollution…

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Jun 29, 2023

Statement on NOAA’s 2023 Harmful Algae Bloom Forecast

Statement from Michelle Woodhouse, Water Program Manager, Environmental Defence NOAA forecasts small algae bloom for…

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May 15, 2023

Indigenous Leaders, Environmental Groups, and Concerned Citizens Call on Canada to Shut Down Enbridge’s Line 5 Pipeline

ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE, WOMEN’S EARTH AND CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK Indigenous Leaders, Environmental Groups, and Concerned Citizens…

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May 10, 2023

Lake Superior Under Threat as Spring Flooding Compromises Integrity of Line 5 Pipeline

Bad River Band’s filing for Emergency Closure necessary to protect the Great Lakes from imminent…

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