Montreal, October 16, 2025 – The Centre québécois du droit de l’environnement (CQDE) is proud to announce that its executive director, Geneviève Paul, has been named one of Canada’s 2026 Clean50 honourees, which celebrate 50 individuals or small teams who have made outstanding contributions to the clean economy in Canada. She also earned a Clean16 award, taking first place in the “Advocacy” category.
The official recognition reads as follows: Since 2018, Geneviève has guided her small-but-mighty organization to a string of victories that have reshaped Quebec’s environmental landscape. Her team’s research and advocacy helped push Parliament to pass tougher anti-greenwashing rules in 2024 – changes that sent shockwaves through the business community. She also championed two landmark laws in Quebec: one banning oil and gas exploration and financing, another setting the stage for fossil-free building heat by 2040. When companies and governments pushed back, CQDE was there in court, fighting to defend these precedents. Add to that a historic Indigenous rights ruling, working with citizens to increase transparency regarding pollution and water withdrawals in Quebec, and a near tenfold growth in CQDE’s budget since the beginning of her tenure. Geneviève speaks for the environment: Her impact speaks for itself.
“I share this recognition with the entire CQDE team and our many close collaborators. With the strong headwinds those tirelessly working for environmental justice face, this distinction is a precious encouragement to continue our work and will help us amplify our impact,” said Geneviève Paul, Executive Director of the CQDE.
“The 2026 Clean16 are truly the leaders of the leaders in sustainability in Canada. The competition for the top spot this year in every instance left us with a record number of great choices – and to be selected from amongst such a strong group of peers is truly a testament to the contribution Geneviève Paul, LLM has made to helping make Canada more sustainable for all Canadians.”, underlines Gavin Pitchford, CEO, Delta Management Group.
