From banning harmful single-use plastics, to protecting vast amounts of Canada’s nature, we have already made historic progress. Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, highlighted another step forward with the Budget 2023 investment to protect Canada’s freshwater supply by establishing a new Canada Water Agency.
Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Canada Water Agency will work with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, local authorities, scientists, and other partners to find the best ways to keep our water safe, clean, and well-managed for everyone. As the Prime Minister announced, one of the first priorities of the Agency will be to begin the work of modernizing the Canada Water Act to reflect the changing reality of fresh water in Canada, including the impacts of climate change and the importance of Indigenous rights. As stewards of these lands and waters for millennia, consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples is critical.
Budget 2023 also renews and expands the Freshwater Action Plan, which will support regionally specific measures to further protect Canada’s freshwater reserves across the country – from Lake Winnipeg, to the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes, to the Mackenzie River. The Plan will continue to improve water quality and respond to the impacts of climate change, including through monitoring, assessment, and restoration work. The Canada Water Agency will lead the delivery of major elements of the Freshwater Action Plan.
Together, we can help ensure Canadians have clean water for generations to come.
“From supplying our drinking water to being the places we love to spend time in nature, Canadians rely on safe, clean fresh water every day. By establishing the Canada Water Agency, we will work together across levels of government and with Indigenous Peoples, while bringing new, good jobs to Winnipeg. Together, we can keep our water clean now and into the future.” – Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“Whether you farm, fish, paddle, swim or just enjoy a tall glass of cold water, Canada’s freshwater resources help define this country. Leadership on this life-giving natural resource requires inclusion and collaboration, regional responsiveness, and actions on climate change impacts. The Government of Canada listened, and our historic investment is a response to the calls for a strengthened Freshwater Action Plan and the creation of the Canada Water Agency. The benefits of protecting and restoring fresh water in Canada will be felt in the health and well-being of millions of Canadians, our ecosystems, and the economy.” – Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change