Mark Mattson: 07-16-2025
I am still buzzing from the amazing visit I made to Vancouver to visit with our Fraser Riverkeeper team. The energy, passion, hard work and focused strategy bodes well for our in British Columbia and beyond.
First, it was great to spend time with Jen Ruddy, our partnership lead, on the flights. We left Kingston, drove to Ottawa, flew to Vancouver and back. Needless to say, we did a lot of work and caught up on everything Fraser Riverkeeper and Swim Drink Fish.
Next, I finally spent some quality time with our new Fraser Riverkeeper, legendary open water swimmer and long-time public servant as MP and MLA: Fin Donnelly. I already knew of his stellar reputation but after the visit, now know he is a national treasure.
Fin and I decided to drive up the Fraser watershed to the Shuswap Lake and visit Swim Drink Fish Board members Kevin Lowe and his wife, North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper President, Karen Percy Lowe. We talked and laughed all the way and discussed details of the new Fraser watershed campaign and his 1400 km swim planned for next summer. We also had a great night on the Shuswap, with many swims and some work with Karen and Kevin.
Mark Mattson, Kevin Lowe, and Fin Donnelly
Back in Vancouver, I visited North Vancouver shoreline with our smart and tireless law student, Henry Challen, who scheduled visits with parks and city staff to tour the waterfront. I was struck by the beauty of the community spaces on the North Shore and our plan to do more water quality sampling at accessible water points.
Finally, skipping over lots of other meetings, I attended and spoke at the Great Salmon Watershed Celebration. Naomi Devine, Justin Smith, and Carol McDonald did an amazing job organizing. Never in my career, other than when at Queen’s Park or Parliament Hill, have I been with so many politicians.
Leaders came out to hear Fin Donnelly talk about his next challenge and work on the Fraser Watershed. It all felt like a watershed family affair and no doubt, the beginning of something very special.
Welcome sign for the First Annual Great Salmon Watershed Celebration
Thank you to everyone we met along the way for the encouraging words, gracious welcome and time you took to host me and our team in beautiful Vancouver. Can hardly wait to get back.