Growing climate leadership at Ontario parks
Courtney Duckett has always had a passion for the environment. She began working for Ontario Parks at 17, which further developed her strong commitment to preserving the natural world. After completing her Bachelor of Environmental Studies at the University of Waterloo, she stepped into a new position as Senior Operations Technician at McRae Point Provincial Park.
Originally, Duckett had planned to return to the University of Waterloo to complete a master’s degree in Climate Change. After starting the program, she realized she wanted more practical, career‑focused climate expertise to support her work with Ontario Parks. She transitioned into the Climate Risk Management Graduate Diploma, which offered the applied learning she was looking for in an online, part‑time format.
Within the program, Duckett enjoyed the emphasis on applied knowledge. She got to see what a potential career in the climate risk field would entail, especially for the final project of GEMCC 644: Climate Resilient Canadians and Health Systems. “I worked with classmates on a climate health topic of our choosing. My group chose long-term care facilities in the Thunder Bay Health District. It allowed us to take what we had learned and apply it to a real-world problem.”
With the completion of the diploma, Duckett continues to provide leadership on the day-to-day operation of McRae Point Provincial Park. The knowledge she gained has deepened her understanding of climate change impacts, informing how she develops projects and communicates with park visitors. The program has also strengthened her communication and project management skills, which she uses to protect Ontario’s natural and cultural resources.
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