WC131 JulyAugust 2023 - Magazine - Page 24
WATER CANADA SUMMIT SPECIAL
WATER CONNECTS!
A look back on the 14th annual
Water Canada Summit
BY JEN SMITH
HIS YEAR’S Water Canada Summit, held in partnership with the
Canadian Water and Wastewater
Association’s (CWWA) Window on
Ottawa event, unfolded over a day
and a half of captivating sessions, spirited
discussions, and celebrations, elevating the
discourse on water management in Canada to a new level.
Featuring keynote addresses by the
Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of
Indigenous Services and FedNor, and the
Honourable Terry Duguid, parliamentary
secretary for the Minister of Environment
and Climate Change, the Summit offered
a platform for engaging debates, technical
breakouts, and in-depth panels on the
latest topics in the Canadian water sector.
The ministers’ insightful speeches galvanized delegates, emphasizing the critical
role of sustainable water management
in public health, climate resilience, and
economic development.
The event kicked off with an intimate
reception at Ottawa’s newly renovated
River House, setting the tone for the rest
of the Summit. Along with the stunning
views and tasty treats, guests also heard
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from Ottawa’s deputy mayor, Shawn Renard and visited the Ottawa Riverkeepers’
new site (which may also have involved
viewing of tiny turtle eggs!)
The Summit culminated in grand
fashion with the Water Canada Awards
gala, where the exceptional contributions
of individuals and organizations who have
raised the bar in water management and
stewardship was celebrated and recognized.
The Water Canada Summit underscores
the significance of cross-sector collaboration for addressing water-related challenges, and the theme of Water Connects was
apropos as not only did Water Canada
partner with CWWA, they also provided
opportunity for water sector professionals
to make lasting and meaningful connections to help push the agenda of managing Canada’s water resources forward.
This year’s Water Canada Summit successfully fostered a much-needed dialogue
around water stewardship in Canada,
celebrating both the achievements and
the potential, laying a solid foundation
for the future of water management in the
country.
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