Linda Porebski: National Manager, Marine Programs

Surrounded by the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Canada is home to the longest coastline in the world. For 34 years, Linda Porebski has been working hard to protect our oceans and feels incredibly lucky to be involved in keeping them healthy.

In her current role as National Manager, Marine Programs, Linda is in charge of Canada’s disposal at sea program. In this capacity, Linda leads the permit system to control the disposal of non-hazardous substances into the sea and, in turn, helps ensure the protection of Canada’s marine environment.

In her day-to-day tasks, Linda works across many disciplines, considering law, policy and science, with a national and international lens. Linda sees the direct results of her work through the prevention of marine pollution at home and abroad. This stems from a variety of actions, including taking precautionary approaches when appropriate, using life cycle management and establishing new international and domestic controls when required.

Throughout her career with ECCC, Linda has played many roles. For 20 years, she has been representing Canada for the London Protocol and London Convention—two global treaties on the prevention of marine pollution from disposals at sea. Representing Canada, Linda has participated in several treaty amendment negotiations over the years. Recently, Linda was elected as Chair of the Scientific Groups—the technical sub-bodies to the treaties.

When asked what she loves most about her job, Linda explains that it’s the oceans themselves, the great people she works with and her firm belief in ECCC’s mandate to protect and conserve the environment. “The mandate is compelling and constant and I truly believe in the work we do,” says Linda.

To learn more about Linda’s work, see Disposal at sea – Canada.ca.

Here are a few random facts about Linda:

• What was your first job? I worked in a fast food restaurant.
• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? Thanks to my job, I’ve seen a lot of places with oceans and I’ll never tire of them. A nice warm ocean right about now would be pretty great.
• What is your favourite game or sport to watch and play? I have started polo. So fun!
• Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car? Definitely the horse!
• If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Spaghetti….or a steak.
• What are your hobbies? I bungee jumped once, now I just try to get my dahlias planted before June. I often start renovation projects. I might go back to theatre one day.
• What is your favourite flavour of ice cream? Cherries jubilee in a sugar cone.
• What's your favourite zoo animal? Hefalumps because woozles are too scary.
• Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Post pandemic!