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After a law degree and master’s in environmental law in Lille, France, Marie Lepers headed for Montreal to pursue a master’s in public administration with a focus on organizational development and analysis at the École nationale d’administration publique [University of Public Administration]. Marie enjoyed her two years in Quebec so much that she considered staying.
Encouraged by Montreal’s concern for the environment, she made a spur-of-the-moment decision to apply for an internship at Équiterre. “I didn’t want an internship with a legal focus,” she says. “I wanted to be able to act on public policy and environmental matters.” Why Équiterre? The organization’s involvement in sustainable development.
As an intern on the “Choix de société” (Social Choices) team since early June, Marie has been involved in many aspects of Équiterre’s campaign against tar sands. She’s also behind our new renewable energies project (in French only), “whose goal is to deconstruct the myths and preconceived ideas about these clean energies, which aren’t justified—not any more,” she explains. Marie also manages relations with the Ahuntsic-Cartierville citizens’ committee, which comprises 30 or so members. This independent committee implements measures to raise awareness among voters and collects signatures from citizens who care about the environment so that candidates can see just how important the environment is to the people they represent.
What has Marie learnt at Équiterre? “How to be versatile and respond quickly! I’ve learned a lot about communication, too.” She’s also more familiar with the Quebec way of life and Quebec and Canadian politics.
Since her internship, Marie is more interested in local and organic farming and mindful of where her food comes from. She also bikes to work every morning!
Thank you for your energy and efficiency, Marie! You have been invaluable and undoubtedly helped change the world, one step at a time—and always with a smile!
