Canada needs a new approach to water management

Pollution Probe report presents a vision for change and strategy to improve water management in Canada and meet the environmental needs of watersheds across the country.

OTTAWA - Pollution Probe released a report titled, "A New Approach to Water Management in Canada" that presents a national vision and a strategy to guide water management.

Pollution Probe's vision calls for a new approach to water management that contains an inclusive watershed-based approach; a stewardship ethic that motivates all Canadians to contribute to the sustainability of their watersheds; a solid knowledge base that informs effective decision making, and the financial investment to ensure it happens.

"Water defines life in Canada," said Rick Findlay, Director of Pollution Probe's Water Programme. "Based on a series of meetings we held across Canada, we heard Canadians speaking out about the need for a new vision and a new approach to water management in Canada. The results are in. We know that there are many challenges. This document outlines how to get the job done."

Specific responsibilities are set out in Pollution Probe's "A New Approach to Water Management in Canada" vision and strategy. A few include: <<

- The federal government should:

- Lead the creation of a Canada Water Council to provide on-going national leadership, coordination and guidance in implementing the New Approach

- Encourage the creation of non-profit, non-governmental Water Trusts in watersheds across Canada with strict fiduciary accountability and a mandate to encourage investment in watershed improvement

- Provincial, territorial and regional governments should:

- Work together more effectively on neighbouring and shared watersheds such as the combined Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence River region

- Ensure watershed management takes place in their respective jurisdictions through enabling legislation and regulations

- Municipalities and individuals should:

- Know our watersheds, demand information and get involved in watershed management, where we live.

- Integrate watershed management with municipal responsibilities including land use planning and development decisions.

- Promote water conservation in the context of local watershed management planning and undertake long-term sustainable management of infrastructure assets. >>

"Watershed solutions need to reflect regional realities. A new level of leadership, coordination and commitment by all levels of government is needed to manage our water resources wisely, for the long haul." said Findlay.

Download a PDF version of the New Approach to Water Management in Canada vision and strategy report:
www.pollutionprobe.org/Publications/Water.htm