Rosa Galvez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rosa Galvez
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| Senator for Bedford, Quebec | |
| Assumed office December 6, 2016 |
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| Nominated by | Justin Trudeau |
| Appointed by | David Johnston |
| Preceded by | Céline Hervieux-Payette |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 21, 1961 Peru |
| Political party | Independent Senators Group |
| Alma mater | McGill University |
| Profession | Environmental engineer Professor |
| Website | https://rosagalvez.ca/en/about/senator-rosa-galvez/ |
The Honourable Rosa Galvez was born on June 21, 1961, in Peru. She is a Canadian Senator who represents Québec (specifically the area of Bedford). Senator Galvez is an expert in how pollution affects our environment and our health. She became a Senator on December 6, 2016.
Before becoming a Senator, Rosa Galvez was a professor at Laval University. She even led the university's Department of Civil Engineering and Water Engineering. There, she created an environmental research lab. She became known as “La Dame du Lac” (The Lady of the Lake) for her work helping to clean up Lac Saint-Augustin.
Her important research on the Lac-Mégantic rail disaster of 2013 is recognized around the world. This disaster caused a lot of pollution in the air, water, and soil. Senator Galvez is also a member of important engineering groups like the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec. She is also a Fellow of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering and Engineers Canada.
As the leader of Canada's Senate Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee, Senator Galvez shows how scientific facts can help make good laws. She has also suggested a new law, Bill S-243, called the Climate-Aligned Finance Act. This bill aims to start conversations about how money and banks can help fight climate change.
Senator Galvez is also the President of the ParlAmericas Parliamentary Network on Climate Change and Sustainability (PNCCS). She has attended major international meetings about climate change, known as COP25, COP26, and COP27.
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Early Life and Interests
Rosa Galvez was born in Peru. She is the oldest daughter of Elias Rogelio Galvez Rodriguez, who was a mathematician and professor. Her mother, Juana Rosa Tantalean Angeles, was an accountant and teacher.
When she was ten years old, Rosa became very interested in science. She chose to do a school project about pollution in Mexico City. Her curiosity led her to contact her town's local government. She wanted to learn how they managed waste. This early interest shaped her future career.
Education and Learning
Rosa Galvez studied Civil Engineering at the National University of Engineering in Lima, Peru. She earned her first degree in 1985. After moving to Canada in 1986, she continued her studies at McGill University.
She earned her Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Environmental Engineering Technology in 1989. Then, in 1994, she completed her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering.
Professional Journey
Rosa Galvez briefly worked for the Ministry of Housing in Lima, Peru. She also received training at Sedapal, a water and sewage service company. There, she became interested in cleaning up polluted areas. She worked with a center for sanitary engineering before moving to Canada in March 1986.
From 1986 to 1994, while studying at McGill, she worked as a research assistant. Later, she became a Research Associate at the Geotechnical Research Centre.
In 1994, Galvez joined the Department of Civil and Water Engineering at Laval University. She led this department from 2010 to 2016. During her time at Laval, she created an environmental research laboratory. She also helped raise a lot of money for research at the university.
On December 6, 2016, Rosa Galvez was chosen to be a Senator. This happened because Justin Trudeau, who was the Prime Minister of Canada, suggested her. As the head of the Senate Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee, she has shown how engineers' scientific information can help create better laws. She also served on the Senate Standing Committee on National Finance.
Senator Galvez is the President of the ParlAmericas Parliamentary Network on Climate Change and Sustainability (PNCCS). She has been an official participant at important climate conferences. These include COP25 in Madrid, Spain, COP26, and COP27. At COP26, she signed a call to encourage everyone to take part in climate action. At COP27, she also spoke as a panelist at the GLOBE COP27 Legislators Summit.
Research and Policy Work
Senator Galvez's academic research has focused on understanding and solving pollution problems. She specializes in cleaning up water and soil, and managing hazardous waste. She also studies wastewater, municipal solid waste, and how humans impact the environment. She has given advice to many groups, from local communities to international organizations.
One of her big contributions was advising the Commission for Environmental Cooperation. This group works on agreements between Canada and the United States, and Quebec and Vermont. Their goal is to protect important water bodies like the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. She also worked to protect Lake Champlain. Because of her work on cleaning up Lac Saint-Augustin, Société Radio-Canada called her “La Dame du Lac.”
Senator Galvez has studied the 2013 Lac-Mégantic rail disaster. In this event, millions of liters of oil spilled, polluting the air, water, and soil. Her research on how to clean up after this disaster and how cities can prepare for oil emergencies has been recognized worldwide.
She has also done studies for the Government of the Northwest Territories about mining and land use. She has discussed the overall effects of the Site C Dam. This is a hydroelectric project in British Columbia.
As a Senator, she has led the creation of important reports. These reports discuss how Canadian finance can support climate goals (2023). They also cover recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and how Canada's building codes can adapt to climate change (2019).
Senator Galvez supported the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act. This important law was passed in June 2021. She has also proposed Bill S-243, the Climate-Aligned Finance Act. This bill aims to encourage discussions about how the financial sector can help fund the move to a low-carbon economy. The bill points out the risks if Canada's financial sector waits too long to address climate change. It also suggests eight ways financial institutions can help.
Awards and Recognition
Rosa Galvez has received many awards for her important work:
- 2023: Honorary Fellow, Canadian Academy of Engineering
- 2023: Top 25 Women of Influence, Women of Influence+
- 2022: Regional Policy Award, Ecological Society of America (ESA)
- 2021: Clean50 Award for the Public Sector
- 2021: Elected Chair, Parliamentary Network on Climate Change (PNCCS), ParlAmericas
- 2019: Fellow, Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE)
- 2018: Meritorious Service Award for Professional Service, Engineers Canada
- Member, Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec
- Member, Consejo Científico Tecnológico Internacional (CCTI) del Encuentro Científico Internacional
- Member, Engineers Without Borders
