The ECL is located at 303 Wallace Building and is a hub for students, researchers, and project staff working on issues that have substantial implications for environmental justice and health. Our work, in recent years, has largely focused on food security/sovereignty and energy justice issues and involves extensive collaboration with Indigenous and rural communities and other stakeholders (NGOs, activists, government, industry etc.). We blend academic research, with education, outreach, and activism to tackle a diversity of issues with the aim of achieving desirable and meaningful change.  

If the ECL had a formal mission statement, it would likely highlight the importance of active collaboration with communities and other stakeholders – especially Indigenous, refugee, and rural communities – in achieving environmental and social justice.  

Regardless of the focus, the work and research within the ECL emphasizes the importance of effective outreach, meaningful relationships, and addressing real and relevant concerns of community partners. To that end, we are always interested in partnering with like-minded folks and organizations, and in working with highly motivated graduate and undergraduate students. 

Please feel free to contact us, if you are interested in working with us.  

More information on our projects can be found on the website under “Our Research”.

Dr. Stéphane (Steph) McLachlan 

Professor 

Dr. McLachlan is a full professor and coordinator of the Environmental Conservation Lab at the University of Manitoba. He joined the Department of Environment and Geography in 2003, and has been working at the University of Manitoba since 1999. Before that he completed a PhD at York University and did a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Northern British Columbia. 

Dr. McLachlan’s overall goal as an academic is to engage in research that at once makes contributions to the academic literature and benefits the livelihoods and environments of Indigenous and rural communities and other stakeholders; to be an engaging, progressive, and responsible teacher; and to be of meaningful service to the university and society as a whole. 

Currently his research interests include: risk and adaptation, alternative food systems, food justice, environmental justice, environmental health, energy justice, participatory video, participatory research, conservation and restoration, and traditional knowledge. 

Academic Background 

PDF, University of Victoria / UNBC (1998) – Environmental wellbeing 
PhD, York University (1997) – Biology (restoration ecology) 
MSc, University of Guelph (1993) – Agriculture (agroecology, crop-weed competition) 
B.Sc.,(hon) McMaster University (1990) – Biology (wildlife, environmental newspaper) 

Contact: steph.mclachlan@umanitoba.ca