Barbara Cartwright

Chief Executive Officer, Humane Canada

Barbara Cartwright is an award-winning executive leader in animal welfare, conservation, and education with over 25 years of global experience across five continents. As CEO of Humane Canada, she leads the country’s largest animal welfare federation, advancing legislative reform, public policy, and humane treatment of animals.

Barbara has successfully implemented three strategic plans, expanded organizational resources fivefold, and transitioned the organization to a fully remote model. She has led national initiatives including the National Centre for the Prosecution of Animal Cruelty, Canadian Violence Link Coalition, and programs supporting Indigenous communities and gender-based violence survivors with pets.

A skilled policy advocate, Barbara played a pivotal role in securing major reforms to the Criminal Code, Fisheries Act, and Canadian Environmental Protection Act—culminating in national bans on cetacean captivity and cosmetic testing on animals.

Barbara holds a Master’s in Environmental Education and a certificate from Oxford’s Saïd Business School. She sits on multiple boards and is the recipient of several national leadership and innovation awards