WC139 NovDec 2024 - Magazine - Page 6
FIRST DROPS
Water related news,
events, and trends
from Canada and
around the world
THE HONOURABLE STEVEN GUILBEAULT, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, officially announced the establishment of the Canada Water Agency as a standalone federal entity
headquartered in Winnipeg, Man. Previously within Environment and Climate Change Canada for an interim period, the
new independent Agency will strengthen freshwater management in Canada by providing leadership and improved coordination and collaboration federally and with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples. As a standalone entity, the Canada
Water Agency will work closely with partners to deliver major
elements of the Freshwater Action Plan, build a strong approach
to freshwater protection, and help address transboundary freshwater challenges and opportunities.
“Canadians value fresh water and understand its importance
for health, prosperity, and cultural practices. Given pollution,
land-use, and other stressors, we must take action now to safeguard fresh water. The creation of the Canada Water Agency is
a key step in strengthening freshwater management, protection,
and stewardship in Canada,” said The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
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WATER C AN ADA • NOV EMBER/ DECEMBER 2024
The Canada Water Agency will administer freshwater funding
programs in eight waterbodies of national significance: the Great
Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, Lake Simcoe, the St.
Lawrence River, the Mackenzie River, the Fraser River, and the
Wolastoq/Saint John River. Over the coming years, the Canada
Water Agency will provide grants and contributions to hundreds
of projects supporting the restoration and protection of fresh
water in Canada funded by the historic $650 million investment
outlined in Budget 2023.
The Agency will be based in Winnipeg, a historical gathering
place for Indigenous peoples and home to Lake Winnipeg—one
of the world’s largest freshwater lakes and a priority Canada
Water Agency waterbody. The Agency will also have five regional
offices across Canada to ensure responsiveness to local freshwater
issues. It is clear that the creation of the Canada Water Agency
as a standalone marks an important step for Canada in protecting and restoring freshwater resources. Through its efforts, the
Agency will help safeguard freshwater for generations of Canadians, which in turn improves upon the environment, economy,
health, and safety of Canada.
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
Getty Images
Canada strengthens protection of freshwater with launch of Canada Water Agency
