In 2019, the federal Minister of Environment was directed to “advance the modernization of the Canada Water Act to reflect Canada’s freshwater reality, including climate change and Indigenous rights.”

The Canada Water Agency (CWA) is currently leading a pre-engagement with key partners to understand how they want to engage in this initiative. The Agency is meeting with provincial and territorial governments from across the country. It is also meeting with Indigenous partners, including national Indigenous organizations, Indigenous provincial and territorial organizations, modern treaty and self-governing nations, and an Indigenous Grassroots Water Circle.

The CWA and partners will develop engagement plans for the subsequent engagement phase using information shared during pre-engagement. The CWA hopes to launch the engagement phase, focused on the substance of the Canada Water Act, in early 2025.

For more information, send an email to [email protected].

For more information, send an email to [email protected].