Mark Mattson is the full-time President and Waterkeeper with Lake Ontario Waterkeeper. A criminal lawyer by training, Mattson works tirelessly to champion due process and public access to clean waterways. As a testament to his commitment, Mattson co-founded Lake Ontario Waterkeeper in 2001. As the primary spokesperson for the charity, he gives a voice to the cares and concerns of the millions of people who live in the Lake Ontario watershed.

Mattson is a committed member of the Waterkeeper movement. He serves as a board member representing Canada as well as Secretary to the Waterkeeper Alliance’s board of directors. Mattson is the President of Fraser Riverkeeper (Vancouver, BC) as well as a Director of Moose Riverkeeper (Moosonee, Ontario) and Saskatchewan Riverkeeper (Edmonton, Alberta).

Prior to forming Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, Mark Mattson founded a volunteer-based effort dedicated to identifying and prosecuting environmental offenders (the “Environmental Bureau of Investigation”) and served as a board member of Great Lakes United. He has acted as counsel for environmental and public interest groups at over fifty hearings, including the Walkerton Inquiry, the International Water Tribunal in Amsterdam, and the Ontario Energy Board. Mattson has been investigator and/or co-counsel on nearly every Fisheries Act private prosecution in Canada.

Mark received his Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University, graduated of the University of Windsor School of Law, and is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada.

Mr. Mattson is co-author of The Citizens Guide to Environmental Investigation and Private Prosecution. Mark hosted a weekly radio program (“Living At the Barricades”) from 2007-2010 and is currently adapting the show for the web.

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Krystyn Tully is LOW’s co-founder and Vice President. She oversees Lake Ontario Waterkeeper’s many programs and people who are all working to create a swimmable, drinkable, fishable Lake Ontario.

After graduating with a degree in Radio and Television Arts, Krystyn worked with Mark Mattson as a researcher at the Walkerton Inquiry. She is currently working towards her second degree in Public Administration and Governance.

On behalf of LOW, Krystyn has written many comments on licenses and legislative proposals that have contributed to better decisions and environmental protections. She has appeared before the Federal Standing Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities (TRAN), and the Ontario Goverment Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs. Krystyn has also been a two-time contributer to the Great Lakes Town Hall, an international organization dedicated to identifying and addressing common issues across our shared Great Lakes. For many years, Krystyn Tully was the Lake Ontario Advisor to Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Network Fund, now Freshwater Future.

In addition to the day-to-day management of the LOW organization, Krystyn Tully also takes the lead on several of our key ongoing issues alongside Mark. Krystyn also oversees LOW’s Clean Water Workshop, a volunteer mentoring program offered to 20 law students each year.

Krystyn is the editor of Waterkeeper.ca Weekly and co-host of LOW’s podcast, Living at the Barricades.

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As Office Manager, Miriam works closely with the entire Waterkeeper staff on our day-to-day activities. When you call or visit our office, she will be the first person you meet. Miriam came to Canada as a young girl, forming a lasting bond with the urban natural spaces she grew up in. She completed a Bachelors degree in Environment and Resource Studies at the University of Waterloo in 2008 and a Masters in Environmental Studies at York University in 2011. She is passionate about social and environmental justice, and their intersections. Her research and past work experiences with community organizations in Toronto have revolved around understanding issues of diversity and inclusion in the context of environmental movements. She loves the outdoors, hiking, and the chance to go fishing – especially when it involves a shore lunch!

As Counsel, Joanna works with Mark and Krystyn on many aspects of the organization’s legal work. Her responsibilities range from research and writing to presentations and attending public hearings.

Joanna articled with LOW after receiving a degree in Geography and Environmental Studies from Queen’s University, an LLB from Osgoode Hall, and a Master’s in Environmental Studies from York University. While at Osgoode, she completed an intensive program at Parkdale Community Legal Services in Toronto, volunteered with the Law Union of Ontario, and contributed to the Collaborative Urban Research Laboratory (CURL).

Since 2009, Joanna has served as the supervising lawyer with our Clean Water Workshop, a program dedicated to mentoring law students and providing legal tools to citizens fighting for clean water in their communities.

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As Outreach Coordinator Allie works to inform and educate individuals, groups and organizations about LOW and the work we do. Allie answers any questions you e-mail or call with and she helps to tell the stories of the lake. In addition to this work, Allie is responsible for LOW’s volunteer team, maintaining a relationship with our members and promoting events.

Allie joined LOW in June 2009 after completing her degree in Biology and Environmental Science at Trent University. While at Trent, Allie participated in the university’s Impact Leadership Program where she travelled to Honduras for a building project with the organization Friends of Honduran Children. She also worked for Trent’s marketing and communications office for two years where she assisted with projects including online video content and Trent’s virtual tour.

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