Theresa McClenaghan was appointed as Executive Director of the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) in November 2007.
She holds an LL.B. (1984) and a B.Sc. (Geol.) (2020) from Western University and an LL.M. in constitutional law from Osgoode Law School at York (1999). Theresa also earned a diploma in Environmental Health Science from McMaster University (1999). Theresa was delighted to accept an Honourary Doctorate of Laws from Lincoln Alexander School of Law at Toronto Metropolitan University at the spring convocation in 2025.
She was called to the Bars of Manitoba and Ontario. Focusing on environmental health and environmental safety, particularly in the areas of energy and water, Theresa has practised public interest environmental law for over 35 years both in private practice and then at CELA. In 2006-7, Theresa was senior water policy advisor to the Ontario Minister of the Environment where she was responsible for overseeing the passage of the Clean Water Act, and implementation of the remaining Walkerton Inquiry recommendations. She has represented clients at the Supreme Court of Canada, Federal Court of Appeal and Trial Division and provincial courts and Courts of Appeal on a range of matters including pesticide by-laws, the Oncomouse patent, environmental assessment and constitutional matters.