A lasting impact: Honouring Erika Bruce

The TMU community was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Erika v C. Bruce earlier this year. Her leadership and generosity have made a lasting impact on past, present and future generations of students looking to transform freshwater policy in Canada.

By establishing the Geoffrey F. Bruce Fellowship in Canadian Freshwater Policy in 2017, she honoured her husband’s public service leadership and diplomatic career while addressing a critical gap: Canada’s need for stronger protections for one of its most precious resources.

Dr. Bruce was a compassionate global citizen who recognized that despite Canada’s perceived abundance—holding 20 per cent of the world’s freshwater—the country lacked robust policies. Her advocacy has inspired many young professionals to focus their research and careers on the stewardship of Canada’s water.

The Bruce Fellowships

TMU is at the forefront, ranked among the world's top universities for clean water action. The Bruce Fellowships in Canadian Freshwater Policy serve as a vital catalyst for graduate and postdoctoral researchers, emphasizing the importance of academic research that leads to policy recommendations and action. Chaired by Dr. Carolyn Johns, Professor, Department of Politics and Public Administration, the Bruce Fellowships support the next generation of freshwater leaders, policy researchers and practitioners. 

Since 2017, 18 Bruce Graduate Fellows have received funding support for their Masters and PhD research projects on a wide range of topics related to freshwater policy in Canada. In 2022, the Bruce Postdoctoral Fellowship was established to focus on emerging water policy challenges, and in 2024, Bruce Water Policy Fellow and Executive in Residence Mike Goffin joined TMU to share his 40 years of federal water policy expertise to help mentor the next generation. 

Bruce Fellows are having an impact as water policy leaders and practitioners in positions at the federal, provincial and municipal levels and many organizations working on environment and freshwater policy issues.

Beyond providing significant financial support, it offers:

• Mentorship: Fellows collaborate with agencies like the Canada Water Agency.
• Applied Research: Students translate complex data into evidence-based policy recommendations on issues like Indigenous water rights, transboundary diplomacy, surface and groundwater use, chemical pollutants, road salt, and urban infrastructure.
• Policy seminars and initiatives: including guest speakers and policy submissions.
• Networking: Fellows engage with water policy leaders and transdisciplinary experts.

Dr. Bruce was a passionate donor who personally got to know each of the Bruce Fellows and touched the lives of many students she met over the years. She connected with hundreds of students at TMU and young professionals working on water issues since establishing the Bruce Fellowships. 

“Erika imparted her deep commitment to Canada’s waters and the next generation through her active engagement in all aspects of the Bruce Fellowships,” says Dr. Johns. “She will be dearly missed”. 

Her spirit and legacy live on through the all the lives she touched as reflected in the commemorative tributes shared by Bruce Fellows: 

“Erika had such a profound impact on all of us, and I will always remember her warmth and encouragement. Her ability to inspire future water leaders was truly remarkable. I will cherish the moments I had with her and the lessons she imparted. I am eternally grateful for her support of my career through the fellowship.” – Diana, Bruce Fellow 2023-24

“Erika’s vision played a meaningful role in shaping my journey to Canada and deepening my commitment to water research. Through her support and inspiration, I came to see even more clearly how important water data is for understanding complex challenges and building a more sustainable future.” – Sima, Bruce Postdoctoral Fellow 2023-2025

“She leaves a legacy of brilliance and hope for the future. It is impossible to properly articulate the many ways in which she influenced my life and the lives of others. The kindness, generosity and support she has given to the next generation of water policy leaders in Canada cannot be understated.” – Wyatt, Bruce Fellow 2024-25

“An immeasurable loss to the TMU Community. It’s difficult to characterize how meaningful Erika’s support for my PhD research was. The cascading effects of being a Bruce Fellow continue to positively impact my professional life 8 years later. Freshwater issues crosscut so many notable Canadian public policy issues. As a current federal public servant, I’ve witnessed the importance of having champions of freshwater issues in national foral.” – Madeleine, Bruce Fellow 2018-29