Constance O'Connor
Director, Ontario Northern Boreal Program
Ontario Northern BorealConnie O’Connor is a freshwater ecologist and conservation biologist dedicated to finding conservation solutions for the globally important freshwater ecosystems of Canada’s boreal forests, and the people and the wildlife that rely on them. Connie leads WCS Canada’s research and conservation program in the Ontario Northern Boreal landscape.
Some of her current program highlights include leading a lake sturgeon monitoring program in collaboration with Moose Cree First Nation; identifying priority areas for freshwater fish biodiversity using conservation planning tools; and applying research results to improve planning, management, and policy. Connie is also a member of the Freshwater Fish Specialist Subcommittee of COSEWIC, and an Adjunct Professor at Lakehead University.
Before joining WCS Canada, Connie completed her PhD at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, where she used advanced telemetry and field physiology techniques to study how environmental stressors impact fish. Next Connie completed a postdoctoral fellowship at McMaster University, where she was awarded the prestigious Alice Wilson Medal from the Royal Society of Canada for outstanding academic qualifications in science.
Stories and op-eds
This World Wildlife Day, what are we willing to sacrifice for “progress”?
Constance O'Connor
More than minerals at stake in Ontario’s claim-staking boom
With a click of a mouse, mining interests have laid claim to more than 72,000 square kilometres of land in northern Ontario over the last five years.Constance O'Connor
Unlocking Ontario’s fishy secret
For freshwater fish, northern Ontario is an aquatic haven.Constance O'Connor, Meg Southee
Media coverage
First Nations want province to ban development of 3M hectares in remote northern Ontario
Up the creek without a paddle: protecting Canada's freshwater
Three high-profile development projects that would immediately benefit from Ford’s controversial Bill 5
Press releases
Steps backwards for conservation in Ontario
On World Environment Day, we are disheartened to see Bill 5 pass into law in Ontario.
New proposal from Ontario prioritizing business over biodiversity snuck out before public holiday
Just before the Easter public holiday, the Ontario government introduced new omnibus legislation: the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025.
