John McCutcheon’s Vision for Safeguarding Canada’s Freshwater
Published
2024-11-14John McCutcheon has been a stalwart supporter of WCS Canada’s freshwater initiatives in far north of Ontario for nearly two decades.
His commitment, both individually and through the John and Pat McCutcheon Charitable Foundation, has been the bedrock of WCS Canada’s research on Lake Sturgeon in collaboration with the Moose Cree First Nation. John has also committed a significant legacy gift to support WCS Canada’s freshwater initiatives in the future.
By leaving a gift in his will, John wants to shine a spotlight on the urgency of conserving our nation’s freshwater ecosystems.
“John McCutcheon's generosity recognizes that Canada can lead in global freshwater conservation. With John's visionary support, WCS Canada will continue to generate key science and take action to protect wetlands and conserve freshwater, including in partnership with Indigenous communities. By conserving freshwater ecosystems and safeguarding wetlands we can ensure that these vital environments continue to support biodiversity, sustain communities, and contribute to global climate resilience.” – Dr Justina Ray, President and Senior Scientist
The health of all living beings, our food systems and our economies depend on an abundance of clean and accessible water. However, the supply of fresh water is finite. With some of the most abundant reservoirs of freshwater in the world, Canadians must protect and care for this limited natural treasure. Our waters face many threats, including climate change causing rising temperatures and disruptions to water cycles, destruction of aquatic habitats, loss of biodiversity, development and contamination, and more.
But with careful conservation and stewardship, there is hope.
“We are reminded of the importance of freshwater, this essential ingredient of life, every time we turn on a tap, pour a glass of water, wash our clothes, pass a sparkling lake or swift running stream. Without freshwater for humanity and our natural world, what do we have? It's up to each of us to appreciate how vulnerable we are by becoming knowledgeable about the freshwater resources on which our communities depend and doing what we can to protect and care for them.” – John McCutcheon
John’s support stands as a beacon of hope for freshwater conservation in Canada, serving as a reminder of the power each of us holds to protect the natural ecosystems that sustain us all.
With John’s visionary contributions, WCS Canada will continue its vital work to protect freshwater ecosystems and wetlands across Canada, ensuring they remain vibrant and resilient for generations to come. Let John’s legacy inspire each of us to make a difference—because our freshwater isn’t just a resource; it’s our responsibility, our future, and our gift to generations yet to come.
