Board of Directors

Sarah W. Haney, Chair

Sarah co-founded the Canadian Whale Institute in 1997 and is currently Chair of the Board of Directors. Her introduction to the world of whales began with the South Atlantic right whale in Patagonia, Argentina in 1991. Sarah experienced, firsthand, the majesty of these animals and the fragility of their habitat. After serving on the Board of Ocean Alliance, she felt the time was right to turn her attention to the North Atlantic right whale. Upon learning about the threats to these endangered whales, she decided to dedicate her time and resources to the Canadian Whale Institute and its efforts to help right whale population recovery in the North Atlantic.

John Logan, Director

John was born and resides in Saint John NB. He graduated from UNB with degree in Mechanical Engineering before working 33 years in a variety of positions at Irving Oil and is presently semi-retired as a part time member of the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board. In the late 1990’s while managing a fleet of oil tankers John reached out to the New England Aquarium looking for someone to collaborate with on the issue of ship strikes in the Bay of Fundy and began working with Dr. Brown on Right Whale conservation efforts for many years to follow. In additional to marine operations John has extensive experience in engineering, project management, working with government, engaging with stakeholders and various roles in the energy industry.

Timothy R. Frasier, Director

Tim is an Associate Professor at Saint Mary’s University (Halifax, Nova Scotia) in the Department of Biology and the Forensic Science Program. He has been conducting genetic analyses on the North Atlantic right whale since 1999, when he began his graduate work in the laboratory of Dr. Brad White (then at McMaster University, now at Trent University). His Ph.D. focused on combining photo-identification and genetic data to better understand the reproductive biology of right whales. This work has led to several new insights into patterns of reproductive success in this species, as well as to a better understanding of the factors influencing reproductive performance. This work is ongoing, and Tim and Brad are currently working together to continue the genetic analysis of the North Atlantic right whale. In addition to his work on right whales, Tim also conducts genetic analyses of several other whale species (including the St. Lawrence beluga, and eastern North Pacific gray whales), and is involved in several other projects that focus on obtaining better understanding of the reproductive biology of small populations and/or endangered species. Tim also teaches at Saint Mary’s University and is a co-coordinator of the Marine Mammal Summer Camp. More information can be found at his website www.frasierlab.ca.

Sharon A. Bennett, Director

Sharon is a Toronto-based tax lawyer. After practicing law for many years with a large national law firm, she established and is principal of Bennett Tax Law Professional Corporation. Sharon’s law practice focuses on the tax and organizational needs of private companies, individuals, non-profit organizations and charities. Sharon grew up in Lachine, Quebec, obtained her BA (Summa Cum Laude) at Concordia University, pursued graduate studies in political philosophy at Dalhousie University, and attended law school at Osgoode Hall, York University. In addition to urban passions for great food, the ballet and the theatre, Sharon is an avid traveler, sailor, camper, hiker and cyclist, and her enthusiasm for the marine environment was awakened while living on Canada’s east coast.

Sonia Simard, Director

Sonia Simard is a seasoned government relations and public affairs professional with nearly 30 years of experience in the maritime transportation sector. Her background encompasses leadership roles in trade associations, senior advisory positions in government, and operational experience within the private sector. Throughout her work across Canada—she has advocated for the maritime industry in numerous forums and represented its interests before parliamentary committees, supported legislative and policy initiatives, and developed corporate sustainability strategies for federal Crown corporations.

Driven by a passion for making a meaningful difference in the public policy and regulatory landscape, she thrives at the intersection of regulatory policy, environmental stewardship, and economic priorities, always seeking creative solutions that balance diverse interests. Fluent in French and English, Soniaholds a Master of Laws (LL.M.), a Graduate Diploma in International Relations, and a License in civil law.