Mr. Speaker, Canada has lost a pioneer in global water management.
William Cosgrove was a visionary who recognized long ago the crucial importance of water, not only for developing countries struggling with water scarcity for drinking and sanitation but also for a world increasingly in the grips of climate change.
Bill's passion for water, the environment and humanitarian development guided a 50-year career that included 17 years at the World Bank. He also served as chair of the international steering committee of the dialogue on water and climate and member of the task force on water millennium development goals, and he directed the third UN world water report.
However, Bill's attention was not limited to global water issues. Over 55 years ago, and well ahead of his time, he advocated for creating a catchment basin for excess rainwater in the city of Dollard-des-Ormeaux. Today, William Cosgrove Centennial Park serves a vital practical purpose while offering local citizens a peaceful and refreshing oasis on a hot summer's day.
To Bill's wife, Frances, and children, Anne-Marie, Carolee, Christopher-John, Sean, Ginny and Catherine, we offer our deepest condolences.