Our Mission
The Salal Foundation was established to protect the environment by encouraging best practices in the transport, storage and use of toxic substances. Through our projects we investigate best practices for the use of Canada’s water, land and marine resources and the impact of such use upon economic and social policies. We maximize the effectiveness of our work by supporting organizations and leaders advancing innovative strategic solutions.
We seek to deepen the impact of our philanthropy by:
- Building strong relationships with change makers;
- Advancing the public’s understanding of complex issues, particularly about the extraction, transport, storage and use of toxic substances;
- Addressing root causes;
- Learning and adapting as an organization;
- Working with strategic intent; and
- Leveraging our impact.
Our Approach
- Respect and acknowledge the contributions of others
- Attack root causes, promote social justice
- Support Innovation
- Learn from both success and failure
- Be authentic
Also see our process for additional info.
Our Staff
The Salal Foundation has three part-time staff:
- Will Horter, Executive Director
- Jeannette Gysbers, Administrative Director
- Aiden Abram, Technical Director
Our Board
Peter Lee
Chair
Peter has been a conservation leader in government, academia, private industry, not-for-profit organizations, and as a consultant. His career has focused on improving sustainable land management in Alberta and nationally, throughout Canada, and internationally. Peter has negotiated conservation positions within Alberta, within Canada and internationally. He has experience working with and for First Nations, extensive experience in Alberta’s oil sands and foothills regions and throughout Canada’s boreal forest, and has published numerous ground-breaking reports and science papers. Peter is recognized as a highly effective leader, networker, communicator, and manager.
Damion Briscoe
Secretary-Treasurer
Damion Briscoe studied Engineering Design in Toronto and has more than 25 years of diverse international experience. During his career, he has worked with major multi-national / Fortune 500 corporations managing and implementing multi-million dollar projects globally in a variety of business sectors and industries. After working in Canada, Hong Kong, the United States and Luxembourg over a period of 15 years, Damion moved with his family to the Middle East working with a major regional Investment Bank for 7 years as an Investment Analyst Consultant responsible for providing detailed risk assessments, analysis and recommendations for major capital projects in a variety of industrial sectors. After moving back to Canada in 2016, he worked with a technology startup based in Victoria, BC in a Senior Executive role responsible for the development and implementation of key leading edge virtual reality technology for ride attractions. Damion is a hands-on Executive that understands the value of people and how to build strong collaborative relationships within teams and stakeholders.
Michael Begg
Director
Michael lives in the Commercial Drive neighbourhood of Vancouver, with his wife Jennifer, their children Olivia and Maxwell, and their dog Star, a living muppet.
Born in Lethbridge, Michael grew up (more or less) in Winnipeg and Thunder Bay before moving to Victoria. After obtaining a B.A. in Economics and an LL.B. at UVic, Michael was called to the bar in 1996. As a young lawyer he devoted himself to his love of the arts, working with nonprofit music and theatre organizations in Vancouver. One day a phone call drew him back to Victoria to join the B.C. government's Land Service division. There, he worked on land-use policy and land tenure agreements before becoming the manager of indigenous relations, consulting with first nations and supporting treaty talks.
Another call drew him to join Dogwood Initiative, where he worked as director of operations for several years before returning to Vancouver as a graduate student at UBC Law. Michael then began teaching law in Capilano University's paralegal program, which he continues to do today.
Born in Lethbridge, Michael grew up (more or less) in Winnipeg and Thunder Bay before moving to Victoria. After obtaining a B.A. in Economics and an LL.B. at UVic, Michael was called to the bar in 1996. As a young lawyer he devoted himself to his love of the arts, working with nonprofit music and theatre organizations in Vancouver. One day a phone call drew him back to Victoria to join the B.C. government's Land Service division. There, he worked on land-use policy and land tenure agreements before becoming the manager of indigenous relations, consulting with first nations and supporting treaty talks.
Another call drew him to join Dogwood Initiative, where he worked as director of operations for several years before returning to Vancouver as a graduate student at UBC Law. Michael then began teaching law in Capilano University's paralegal program, which he continues to do today.
Financial Statements
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019
Canada Revenue Agency charities listing for Salal Foundation