I come from a canoeing family and have paddled as far back as I can remember. Initially canoeing, then whitewater kayaking and sea kayaking, and now mainly canoeing again. My personal paddling interests include historical local canoe routes, portage and campsite maintenance, and our province’s canoe-in old warden’s cabins. I volunteer and act as a guardian for several N.S. Nature Trust properties. I strongly believe that recreational paddlers should have a voice. and have sat on the board of CKNS for years, usually as its Director of Environment. In this position I have promoted the creation of new protected wilderness areas and parks; public access to our rivers, lakes and coastlines; and improved water quality. I am a retired family doctor (in Dartmouth) and live in Halifax.