FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2025
B.C.’s Karl Martinson receives 2025 Animal Health Canada Emerging Leadership Award
Victoria, BC – Animal Health Canada (AHC) is proud to announce Karl Martinson as the recipient of its 2025 Emerging Leadership Award that recognizes his early-career contributions to animal health emergency management.
As a Senior Emergency Planning Analyst within the province of British Columbia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Karl’s significant contributions have come through his leadership during the province’s ongoing response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), a complex, multi-jurisdictional, and zoonotic disease emergency.
“In just three years, Karl has demonstrated exceptional initiative, influence, and integrity in leading the province’s response to complex animal disease threats, most notably Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza,” says Jeremy Oaten, Deputy Director of Emergency Management from B.C.’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food. “His work reflects a deep understanding of the interconnected nature of animal health, public trust, and emergency readiness.”
Karl played a pivotal role in initiating new lines of communication between animal health officials and public health authorities during the zoonotic disease response. In 2025, Karl became the inaugural coordinator of the Avian Influenza Prevention Partnership, a provincial–federal–industry working group on response readiness and prevention. He also leads the development of planning tools to help livestock owners prepare for outbreaks and natural disasters, reflecting a systems-level approach that integrates animal welfare, public trust, and sector resilience.
The 2025 Emerging Leadership Award recognizes professionals in the first 10 years of their careers who demonstrate exceptional leadership in advancing One Health and One Welfare.
Karl Martinson was presented with the 2025 Emerging Leadership Award during an evening ceremony at the 2025 Animal Health Canada Forum, held in Ottawa, Ontario.
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Animal Health Canada is the only national organization that brings together industry, federal, provincial, and territorial partners to provide collaborative guidance on a cohesive, functional, and responsive farmed animal health and welfare system in Canada. For more information, visit https://animalhealthcanada.ca.
For further information:
Tanya Frye
Communications Director
Animal Health Canada
(613) 302-2671
tfrye@animalhealthcanada.ca