The Canada Water Agency (CWA) officially launched as a new federal entity in October 2024, marking a historic milestone in Canada’s commitment to freshwater stewardship. Headquartered in Winnipeg, with regional offices across Canada, the Agency was created to strengthen national leadership and coordination on freshwater issues. The CWA works closely with provinces, territories, Indigenous partners, and local communities to advance science-based, inclusive, and regionally responsive approaches to water management.

In March 2025, Mark Fisher became the Agency’s first president, bringing extensive experience in freshwater governance and a strong commitment to collaboration, innovation, and reconciliation with Indigenous partners. Under his leadership, the Agency is advancing five strategic goals:

1. Restoring and protecting Canada’s transboundary and nationally significant freshwater ecosystems.
2. Anticipating and proactively responding to Canada’s most pressing freshwater challenges and opportunities.
3. Creating impactful partnerships to responsibly steward and sustainably use Canada’s transboundary freshwater ecosystems.
4. Cultivating water awareness in Canada.
5. Translating freshwater science and data into knowledge to inform decision-making.

Over the past year, the Agency announced several funding initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring Canada’s freshwater ecosystems. These include a $9.3 million investment in Great Lakes restoration projects, $5.5 million to support 65 new projects across Canada under the EcoAction Community Funding Program and the Community Interaction Program, and over $1.2 million to help address harmful algal blooms in Lake of the Woods. Through programs like the Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives and EcoAction, the CWA continues to empower local organizations and communities to lead innovative, on-the-ground solutions for water quality and ecosystem health.

These investments reflect the Agency’s commitment to collaborative, science-driven action to ensure clean, healthy freshwater for generations to come. Additionally, the CWA led several other freshwater initiatives. For example, it advanced the development of a National Freshwater Data Strategy, initiated a review of the Canada Water Act, and established a Federal Freshwater Hub that brings together staff working on water from multiple federal departments.

Learn more about the Canada Water Agency by visiting its website or by following it on X, LinkedIn, and Facebook.