In Alberta and Ontario, a major review and legislation respectively are fueling calls for sweeping reform of water governance. The final report by the Bearspaw South Feedermain Independent Review Panel and Ontario’s Water and Wastewater Public Corporations Act both call for shifting the governance of water and wastewater services from municipal departments to separate service corporations.

As CEO of Canadian Water Network (CWN), Nicola Crawhall brings a unique perspective to this discussion. Her experience contributing to the Walkerton Inquiry — which examined the tragic deaths of seven people resulting from contaminated drinking water — and helping implement its recommendations has shaped her understanding of what it takes to protect public health and deliver safe, reliable water services.

In Nicola’s view, any governance model must be supported by three essential principles: clear responsibility, meaningful accountability, and robust oversight. Without these safeguards, governance changes risk shifting structures without addressing the underlying conditions necessary for public trust, operational excellence, and safe drinking water.