Dear EMA Members,
“The EMA of BC’s aim is to encourage education, share lessons learned, and create a forum for environmental management issues.” This has been our mandate for almost 2 decades. During these unprecedented times, like many organizations, the EMA of BC has had to adapt and make difficult decisions and unexpected changes.
The Board of Directors had a phone meeting last week and have decided to postpone the April YVR Tour, the May Speaker Session, and the EMA Awards Gala, which was scheduled for June. Given the global health situation, the logistics and sentiment of our events are a bit lost at this time, but we are hoping for brighter days ahead and many more speaker sessions, tours, socials, and awards galas in the future.
Having to postpone these events for health and safety reasons, we are cognizant of the fact that providing value to you, our members, remains a major priority. We are working on innovative ideas that will continue to provide value to you. In the spirit of sharing from social distances, we are open to ideas and new ways that will allow us to give you the content and collaboration you are looking for. If you have any ideas or questions, they are always welcome! To share your thoughts, please contact a Board member directly or EMA’s Executive Director.
We have contingency plans in place and will provide updates to our membership as necessary while adapting to the advice of our health departments. The current priority is, of course, protecting the health of all and reducing the burden on our health care system.
Lastly, many professional disciplines, such as dentists and veterinarians, are being asked by their governing bodies to donate available personal protective equipment (PPE) for use by healthcare workers. Though this isn’t a requirement for environmental scientists, we are encouraging those with resources to donate supplies, such as eye protection, gloves, alcohol wipes, hand sanitizer, and masks. This may be done through SafeCareBC. More information is also on CBC News. Alternatively, if you prefer to send it directly to a Vancouver hospital via someone you know personally, Bryan Shaw, EMA’s President will deliver the supplies directly to VGH. Please forward packages:
Attention: Dr. Bryan Shaw
CARO Analytical Services
4011 Viking Way #110
Richmond, BC V6V 2K9.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support of the EMA of BC during these unique times.
In good health,
Pamela O, PhD
Executive Director
EMA of BC