Barbara Cartwright is the CEO of Humane Canada, leading national efforts to strengthen animal protection, support humane societies and SPCAs, and promote the humane treatment of animals. She brings deep experience in policy, public affairs, and coalition‑building, contributing to federal reforms across the Criminal Code, the Fisheries Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act, and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Her work has helped prohibit whale and dolphin captivity, strengthen animal cruelty and fighting offences, protect police and service animals, and advance federal action to end cosmetic and toxicity testing on animals.

A major focus of Barbara’s leadership is advancing recognition of the Violence Link—the connection between violence against animals and people—and embedding that understanding into Canada’s legal and social safety systems. Through Humane Canada’s Violence Link Coalition and the National Centre for the Prosecution of Animal Cruelty, she supports collaboration among animal welfare organizations, anti‑violence services, prosecutors, law enforcement, and policymakers to improve survivor safety, pet safekeeping, and cross‑sector responses to violence.

Barbara holds a master’s in environmental education and communication and has received the Governor General’s Gold Medal and the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her contributions to public service and animal welfare.