Barbara Cartwright | Animal Rights and Redefining What a Humane World Looks Like

What does it actually take to change systems, not just conversations?

In this episode of Tune Up Your Warrior, Jenny sits down with Barbara Cartwright, CEO of Humane Canada, to explore the intersection of policy, advocacy, and leadership — and why compassion is far more strategic than we give it credit for.

Barbara has played a key role in shaping some of Canada’s most significant animal protection reforms, including:

The ban on whale and dolphin captivityStrengthening penalties for animal crueltyAdvancing legal protections for service animalsSupporting the National Centre for the Prosecution of Animal Cruelty

But this conversation goes beyond legislation.

Together, they unpack:

The link between violence against animals and violence against peopleWhy policy change requires patience, relationships, and persistenceThe challenge of advocating in systems that often dismiss compassion as “emotional”How deeply rooted societal issues — including bias, discrimination, and power — show up in how we treat animals

Barbara also shares insights from her work with the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada and the lasting influence of Dr. Jane Goodall’s philosophy — particularly the idea that hope is not passive, but something we actively build together.

This episode reframes advocacy as disciplined, strategic, and deeply human work.

If you’ve ever wondered how real change happens — or felt overwhelmed by the complexity of it — this conversation will ground you in both truth and possibility.