The sudden loss of a dear friend and inspiring leader in sustainability and climate action Matty C has left the community speechless. Matthew was a true empathic leader who was always energetic, playful, dynamic and passionate. He inspired and engaged with so many on climate action and was also a friend striking many engaging conversations.

From our first discussion around sustainability when we met in 2015, you were a catalyst in embarking me throughout the years on many sustainability projects with you. From Montreal's largest public consultation on climate action, to the creation of the Coalition Climat Montréal , to your ongoing support of MtlGreen, climate marching together and to the sustainable repurposing of your Latruie Island, our friendship has definitely solidified over numerous home potlucks, beer sippings, conference discussions and even canoeing on the St-Laurent's river to your island!

You left us abruptly and unexpectedly at such a young age, full of life.

We will never let go of the energy and the fight on Climate Action you led for us as we will carry your spirit forward and honor your efforts for our lifetime.

I will miss you my dear friend as you sail away 💔🍃

How lucky I was when I started my role with Climate Reality Project Canada to not only have the opportunity to meet the founder of the program I managed, but to have have him be the wonderful mentor figure Matthew was. As someone just starting out in her role, Matthew offered me so much guidance, support, energy, and inspiration. One of the first things he told me was that my job was to make friends, as it was the foundation of strong community building for organizing success. If the measure of success was amassing strong relationships, it was evident that Matthew had gone above and beyond. Consistently as I made or followed up with connections in the network, people asked about Matthew, or recalled fond memories with him. Many people have already noted how much of a presence he had - but it's true. His energy was remarkable. His contagious smile and joy was even palpable through Zoom calls (which is saying a lot!). I feel so lucky to have had the chance to get to know and work with Matthew over the last two years, and will take his lessons with me for rest of my life. 

During many of our check-in meetings, he would often speak of, or even feature his family with adoration. I send my deepest condolences to his loved ones during this impossible time. 

I have been shaken by the news of Matthew's passing. He was the picture of vitality and a source of inspiration. I reached out to him in the early days of a project at McGill University on reducing climate impacts. He immediately rallied behind the project and got others on board through his charasmatic organizing. Later he brought me into an effort he coordinated to influence environmental policies at the Montreal City Council. I watched in awe as he as he lined up speakers and walked to halls of City Hall with great assurance.  He touched so many lives and had so much still to give. My deep condolences.

Ricahrd Janda, Faculty of Law, McGill University

My deepest condolences to his parents and close family and friends. Toutes mes condoléances les plus sincères à Véro, Adeline et Flora et à toute la famille proche et les amis. Il n y pas de mots pour décrire ma tristesse. Words cannot express my sadness. 

I met Matthew at the Climate Reality Training in Denver in 2017. He was very excited to meet leaders from Calgary and stayed in close touch. After putting me in touch with other leaders in Calgary we discussed creating Climate Hubs in Alberta and across the prairies. Soon after that he offered me a job with Climate Reality Project Canada and we worked together until I left for India in 2021. It was a pleasure to have conversations and learn from him. We practiced speaking Arabic and French. He was always full of ideas on how to tackle city councillors, leaders and politicians. He made life super exciting and knew which battles were worth fighting. He was a real inspiration to me. I’m so grateful to have met him and to have shared a small part of his amazing life. He lives on in our hearts. Rest in peace Matthew. Que ton âme repose en paix. Allah yarhamek sadiqi.