WC132 SeptOct 2023 - Magazine - Page 28
LEGAL
Interaction with SaskWater
The Saskatchewan Water Corporation, which operates as
SaskWater, is a distinct entity from the WSA but similarly plays
an integral role in managing water resources in Saskatchewan.
SaskWater is responsible for constructing, acquiring, managing,
and operating facilities for the supply, treatment, or collection of
water in Saskatchewan.6 The WSA, as the regulator for Saskatchewan, determines the legal standards with which SaskWater must
Incorporating Indigenous knowledge
The WSA recognizes that respecting Indigenous rights and
engaging Indigenous communities in water governance is essential, setting an important example for other parts of Canada. By
recognizing and incorporating Indigenous knowledge and collaboration, provinces and territories can enhance their understanding
of water-related issues, foster meaningful partnerships, and develop
more culturally sensitive water security regulations.
Saskatchewan has made a commitment to always consult First Nations
and Métis communities when treaty
or Aboriginal rights may be adversely
E昀昀ective water management necessitates collaboration
impacted. Explicitly, water in Saskatchewan must be managed in a way that is
and engagement with diverse stakeholders at every stage
consistent with existing Aboriginal and
treaty rights as affirmed under Section
of policy development.
35 of the Constitution Act (1982).9
With the introduction of the WSA,
the Government of Saskatchewan
announced the First Nations and Métis
comply in supplying facilities. While distinct, these entities work Consultation Policy Framework to guide consultations where
collaboratively in monitoring water quality, allocating supply,
adverse impacts on traditional Aboriginal rights and uses of water
and more.
may trigger the legal duty to consult.10
Adaptive management strategies Water security challenges are ever-changing, requiring adaptive management strategies in accorInsights
dance with stakeholder perspectives. Saskatchewan’s water security
Holistic water management One of the primary lessons other
legislation highlights the importance of flexibility and adaptability
provinces and territories can learn from Saskatchewan is the
in addressing evolving conditions. This is evident in the broad powvalue of a holistic approach to water management. The State of
ers afforded to the WSA. Canada can learn from Saskatchewan’s
the Watershed Reporting Framework provides a comprehensive
proactive approach to regularly review and update their regulations,
scheme for addressing water-related issues. The framework uses
incorporating new scientific knowledge, emerging challenges, and
a standardized set of indicators combined with a rating system
changing environmental and socio-economic factors.
to assess the state of Saskatchewan’s watersheds.7 By considering factors such as water allocation, licencing, monitoring, and
Transferrable knowledge
protection within an integrated framework, other regions can
Saskatchewan’s Water Security Agency has led commendable
develop more effective water management strategies.
Emphasizing stakeholder engagement Effective water management
efforts in managing and protecting water resources. By adopting a
necessitates collaboration and engagement with diverse stakeholistic approach, emphasizing stakeholder engagement, incorporating Indigenous knowledge, and embracing adaptive manageholders at every stage of policy development. Saskatchewan
recognizes the importance of involving Indigenous communities, ment strategies, provinces can enhance their own water security
measures. This consolidated model is adaptable to meet the unique
municipalities, industry representatives, and the public in decision-making processes. The opportunities for engagement and
needs of each province and territory. Therefore, even in regions
feedback solicitation include, amongst other initiatives, plenaries, where the consolidation of regulations may pose more challenges
one-on-one meetings, and written submissions to the WSA.8 The due to private ownership over water infrastructure or otherwise,
WSA is also active with the public through targeted presentaSaskatchewan’s approach can still be implemented. Despite these
tions, field tours, and trade shows.
challenges, consolidation of regulation remains worth pursuing.
Ongoing engagement with stakeholders is ensured through
Learning from Saskatchewan’s experiences, provinces and territories can work towards sustainable and resilient water managespecified engagement processes developed by the WSA. By
ment systems that ensure the availability of clean and abundant
fostering inclusive participation and considering various perspectives, provinces and territories can develop water security
water resources for generations to come.
regulations that truly reflect the needs and concerns of those
For resources visit watercanada.net/so23resources
impacted.
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WATER C AN ADA • SEP TEMBER/OCTOBER 2023
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
