Canada Water Agency Launch

Public Policy Chair, Thomas Axworthy, will join Environment Minister, Steven Guilbeault to announce the official launch of the Canada Water Agency. The new standalone, independent agency will work to improve freshwater management across the country and enhance coordination and collaboration between all levels of government.

Also launching the Canada Water Agency with Axworthy and Guilbeault will be:

  • Barbara Nepinak (Elder, Pine Creek Ojibway First Nation)
  • Clarence Easter (Chief, Chemawawin Cree Nation)
  • JoAnne Remillard (Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Manitoba Metis Federation)
  • Dan Vandal (Minister of Northern Affairs, Canada)
  • Terry Duguid (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water)
  • Mike Moyes (NDP MLA for Riel)
  • Scott Gillingham (Mayor of Winnipeg)

The Canada Water Agency will strengthen freshwater management in Canada by providing leadership and improved coordination and collaboration federally and with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples. As a standalone entity, the Agency will work closely with partners to deliver major elements of the Freshwater Action Plan, build a strong approach to freshwater protection, and help address transboundary freshwater challenges and opportunities.

The Agency also will provide freshwater policy expertise and lead the development of a national freshwater data strategy, which will make it easier for Canadians to make informed decisions impacting their environment, economy, health, and safety. It will also work closely with Environment and Climate Change Canada and other federal departments and agencies to support and leverage freshwater science.

The Canada Water Agency will administer freshwater funding programs in eight waterbodies of national significance: the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, Lake Simcoe, the St. Lawrence River, the Mackenzie River, the Fraser River, and the Wolastoq/Saint John River. Over the coming years, the Canada Water Agency will provide grants and contributions to hundreds of projects supporting the restoration and protection of fresh water in Canada funded by the historic $650 million investment outlined in Budget 2023.

The Agency will be based in Winnipeg, a historical gathering place for Indigenous peoples and home to Lake Winnipeg—one of the world's largest freshwater lakes and a priority Canada Water Agency waterbody. The Agency will also have five regional offices across Canada to ensure responsiveness to local freshwater issues. It is clear that the creation of the Canada Water Agency as a standalone marks an important step for Canada in protecting and restoring freshwater resources. Through its efforts, the Agency will help safeguard freshwater for generations of Canadians, which in turn improves upon the environment, economy, health, and safety of Canada.

Resources 

Agenda

***

Registration

FREE

Video Feed

Watch the video stream here

  • DATE
    October 16, 2024
  • START TIME
    9:30am
  • END TIME
    11:30am
  • LOCATION
    The Forks Historic Port, Winnipeg, MB