Michelle Jadormeo
Freshwater Policy Advocate · Researcher · Public-Service Professional
Water person at heart. Policy advocate by purpose.
INTRODUCTION
Hi, I’m Michelle Jadormeo, a freshwater policy advocate, researcher and public-service professional working at the intersection of water governance, emerging technology, environmental responsibility and community engagement.
As a 2025–26 Geoffrey F. Bruce Fellow in Canadian Freshwater Policy at Toronto Metropolitan University, my research examines how artificial intelligence and data-centre expansion are creating new pressures on freshwater systems. I investigate the policy gaps and regulatory blind spots surrounding these large-scale water users, particularly in Canada, the Great Lakes region and urban communities where water infrastructure is already under increasing strain.
My goal is to help Canada move from reactive water management toward governance that is proactive, evidence-based, equitable and respectful of Indigenous water rights. Through the Bruce Fellowship–Canada Water Agency mentorship program, academic research and public-policy engagement, I am developing practical approaches to some of the most urgent water challenges facing communities today.
My work extends beyond research. I contributed to the national campaign seeking formal recognition of Canada Water Week, helping connect public education, digital outreach, civic participation and the federal parliamentary process. I also serve as a Member at Large with Water Watchers, supporting community-led environmental stewardship and collective action to protect Ontario’s waters and the Great Lakes.
My broader water and climate activities also include Waterlution, reflecting my commitment to water leadership, climate resilience, youth engagement and community-centred action. Waterlution’s work emphasizes capacity-building, mentorship, innovation and inclusive participation in responding to water and climate challenges.
Across research, advocacy, mentorship and service, I am guided by a simple belief: water is more than a resource. It is a relationship, a shared responsibility and a legacy we must protect for future generations.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- 01
Geoffrey F. Bruce Fellow in Canadian Freshwater Policy
Michelle was named a 2025–26 Geoffrey F. Bruce Fellow in Canadian Freshwater Policy. Her fellowship supports research into the freshwater demands of artificial intelligence and data-centre infrastructure and the regulatory challenges these technologies create for Canada. Her research uses comparative policy analysis to examine matters including:
- provincial water-use and permitting systems;
- gaps in data-centre water reporting and oversight;
- pressures on the Great Lakes and urban water infrastructure;
- policies supporting water reuse; and
- policy questions associated with floating or submerged data-centre designs.
- 02
Bill Davis / St. George’s Society Graduate Entrance Award
Michelle is listed as a 2025 recipient of the Bill Davis / St. George’s Society Graduate Entrance Award in Public Policy and Administration. The award recognizes academic excellence among incoming full-time MPPA students.
- 03
Leader of Tomorrow at the 55th St. Gallen Symposium
Michelle is included in the Leaders of Tomorrow community for the 55th St. Gallen Symposium, alongside emerging leaders from universities, governments, businesses and social-impact organizations around the world. Her symposium profile highlights her work in freshwater governance, environmental policy and evidence-based decision-making.
- 04
Honours Bachelor of Arts with Academic Distinction
Michelle completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with Academic Distinction at the University of Toronto. Her academic background included Canadian politics, international relations and public-policy research.
- 05
Canada Water Week national advocacy campaign
As part of the Bruce Fellowship community, Michelle contributed to a national campaign calling on Parliament to recognize the week containing March 22 as Canada Water Week. The campaign involved:
- email and social-media outreach;
- development of a Canada Water Week logo;
- videos, posts and public-education materials;
- outreach to universities, watershed organizations, environmental groups and freshwater advocates;
- engagement with federal representatives and water-policy leaders; and
- participation in an Ottawa visit associated with the campaign.
The official House of Commons record states that petition e-7165 received 863 validated signatures, was presented in Parliament on April 29, 2026, and received a government response on June 12, 2026.
- 06
Published author on freshwater advocacy
Michelle authored the Toronto Metropolitan University article “Bruce Fellows take action to help protect Canada’s freshwater resources.” Published on May 29, 2026, the article documents the Canada Water Week campaign, its public-engagement strategy, its connection to Parliament and the fellows’ meetings with water-policy leaders.
- 07
Member at Large with Water Watchers
Michelle serves as a Member at Large with Water Watchers. Her official organizational biography highlights her work on freshwater governance, AI-driven data centres, public engagement and the pressures facing Ontario’s water systems. Her role supports Water Watchers’ efforts to:
- protect Ontario’s waters;
- strengthen community-led environmental stewardship;
- support collective action for the Great Lakes; and
- promote responsible water decision-making for future generations.
- 08
Undergraduate research presentation
At the University of Toronto, Michelle contributed to research examining how the civil war in Sudan affected small- and medium-sized enterprises, particularly how businesses communicated, adapted and developed resilience during conflict. She presented this work at the inaugural University of Toronto Scarborough Department of Political Science Research Symposium.