Mining Leader Mark Cutifani Contributes $250,000 to Laurentian University’s Dr. Leo Gerard Chair

(March 9, 2026) – Building the incredible momentum at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention, Laurentian University is pleased to announce a personal gift of $250,000 from distinguished mining executive Mark Cutifani and his family. This generous contribution will support the establishment of the Dr. Leo Gerard Chair in Occupational Safety and Health.

Laurentian University extends its sincere gratitude to The Cutifani Family for this personal donation and to Mark Cutifani for his leadership in championing this campaign. A globally recognized leader in the mining industry, Mr. Cutifani has worked diligently to engage partners, inspire investment, and advance the vision of creating a lasting legacy in honour of Dr. Leo Gerard. His personal commitment reflects a steadfast belief in the importance of protecting workers across the resource sector.

Cutifani’s connection to Sudbury runs deep. During his time leading Inco in Sudbury, he developed a strong appreciation for the community, its people and a long-standing commitment to worker safety. It was in Sudbury that he first came to know Dr. Leo Gerard. 

While they approached issues from different sides of the industry - Leo as a labour leader and Mark in executive leadership - they shared an unwavering commitment to worker safety. Their mutual respect proved that protecting workers transcends roles and perspectives.

Cutifani’s commitment to Sudbury extended beyond industry leadership. He also served on Laurentian University’s Board of Governors and received an honorary degree from the institution. His continued engagement reflects both his affection for Sudbury and his belief in Laurentian’s vital role in advancing research and education in the North.

This announcement comes just one day after the University celebrated a $450,000 pledge from Vale Base Metals and USW 6500. These contributions move Laurentian closer to its goal to create the Chair, ensuring that the people in the mining industry are valued and protected. 

Mark Cutifani joined University leaders at the convention for a formal acknowledgement of the gift, highlighting the importance of industry-wide collaboration in protecting the workforce. 

See here for the full gift announcement. 

Quotes

"Safety is not just a priority; it is a core value that defines the integrity of our industry. Leo spent his career fighting for the well-being of workers, and I am proud that my family and I can contribute to a Chair that honours his legacy." - Mark Cutifani

"To follow the existing investments to the Chair with this personal contribution from Mark Cutifani speaks volumes about the respect the industry has for Dr. Gerard. These gifts ensure that Canada’s Mining University continues to be a key partner to all aspects of the mining industry." - Dr. Lynn Wells, President and Vice-Chancellor, Laurentian University

About the Dr. Leo Gerard Chair

Positioned within the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH), the Chair, which will honour the life work of Leo Gerard, will focus on mobilizing research, training, and innovation to prevent injuries, protect workers and save lives. Dr. Leo Gerard, Companion of the Order of Canada, USW International President Emeritus, Founding Chair of CROSH and Laurentian University Honorary Degree Recipient, whose lifelong advocacy transformed workplace safety standards across North America, has been instrumental in the growth of CROSH and the development of the CROSH Mobile Lab. The Chair is designed to be a catalyst for innovation and education, particularly within high-risk resource-based sectors.