By Terry Duguid, parliamentary secretary to the Prime Minister and special advisor for water

There are few things more important to life than clean water. With 20 percent of the world’s freshwater and more inland water than any other country, Canada’s freshwater is both a tremendous responsibility and essential resource.

Unfortunately, many lakes and rivers across the country have been under strain for some time. Impacts from agricultural, industrial and urban activities have degraded the health of aquatic ecosystems. Invasive species and a changing climate aggravate an already challenging situation.

Freshwater management in Canada is complex. Over 20 federal departments and agencies have freshwater activities. Additionally, fresh water is a shared responsibility between federal, provincial, territorial and Indigenous governments. Challenges vary by region and addressing them can involve multiple jurisdictions.

With a clear need for a coordinated approach to freshwater management, the Government of Canada is creating the Canada Water Agency. The vision for the new federal agency—to be headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba—is to ensure freshwater resources are kept safe, clean, and well-managed for today and for future generations.

The Agency’s success depends on collaboration with key partners and stakeholders to identify shared priorities and find effective ways to work together. The leadership of Indigenous Peoples is particularly essential to the implementation of federal initiatives to protect fresh water.

Momentum toward a renewed freshwater future is underway. Budget 2023 allocated $650 million over 10 years to the Freshwater Action Plan to protect and restore freshwater bodies across the country – from the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes to Lake Winnipeg, to the Mackenzie River. Implementing the Freshwater Action Plan is a priority for the new agency.

The security of our future depends on effective freshwater management. The important work conducted by the Canada Water Agency will ensure that Canada is equipped to address freshwater challenges and opportunities for years to come.