Mallard, Gwen

MALLARD, Gwen, environmental activist (b 1917, Fernie; d 13 Nov 1999, ESooke). In 1968, while living in COQUITLAM, she was one of the founders (along with her husband Derrick) of the VANCOUVER-based SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION (SPEC), Canada's first citizens' environmental advocacy group. Often called the "mother of Canadian environmentalism," she led campaigns against strip MINING in the ELK R valley, oil tanker traffic along the coast, the use of herbicides by BC HYDRO and other dangers to the environment. In 1972 she and her husband moved to VANCOUVER ISLAND, where she operated a well-known vegetarian restaurant, at the same time continuing her work as an environmental activist. In 1993 she received an Environmental Lifetime Achievement Award from the federal government. Derrick Mallard died 1 June 2001. See also ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT.