Biography
Louie Porta is a leading Canadian environmentalist and life-long wilderness explorer. He has served as the President and CEO of the Atlantic Salmon Federation and founding Executive Director of Oceans North. Louie is a high energy, high-impact leader known for his collaborative, partnership based approach, and ability to build bridges across all aspects of society.
Louie has worked as a senior advisor for the Institute for Sustainable Development and has been the longtime senior advisor to the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Canada’s first Indigenous Head of State. He represented Canada at the Commission for Environmental Cooperation for six years, reflecting his commitment to international environmental collaboration.
Louie has been a part of many charitable organizations, but is particularly proud of serving on board of directors of The Rideau Hall Foundation, and his time working with the Young Adult Abuse Prevention Program.
Louie holds a Masters Degree from Dalhousie University and is a proud father of three children.
In September 2025, Louie was recognized for his conservation work in Canada, receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal “for remarkable contributions as a leader and conservationist who has worked to create and sustain civil society organizations that support a healthy ocean in Canada and around the world.” Recipients meet the criterial of having made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.
related links
Arctic Ocean Initiative 
Environmental Conservation
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