Originally published in the Hill Times, Sept. 3rd 2025.
Canada completed its 45 federal election with existential concerns. In the face of severe external pressure from our country’s closest ally, national pride has coalesced, and, predictably, an overwhelming majority of Canadians oppose the idea of becoming part of the United States.
This groundswell of pride must also be a time for reaffirming our collective values and shoring up democracy in a global political environment where it is in recession. But how can this be achieved?
From the bottom up, from the polity to Parliament, our national values and sovereignty may be strengthened through our fresh water, which is shared within Canada and binationally with the U.S. Our nation’s freshwater wealth is attractive south of the border, yet it need not be a point of contention. Instead, we can look to our binational history and exemplary stability as future guidance.
The International Joint Commission, established by the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909, is one of ten major treaties and agreements between Canada and the U.S. on freshwater. Our agreements regarding this vital heritage are mutually reinforcing, and position water as an object of preventive diplomacy. Freshwater is, therefore, a crucial part of the environmental frontline in safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty, and strengthening democracy.
More than a century of such agreements and co-operation stands in contrast to recent agitation, which threatens this formidable partnership. Though there is present agony, our political leaders must not lose sight of the much longer, sturdier peace enjoyed for such a length of time.
Water-taking is widely unpopular within this country, and Canadians deeply value a healthy environment with clean freshwater. Heeding the voices of Canadians would increase confidence in government, and act as a coalescing force that continues to bring people together.
Canada’s political leaders must double down on the popular sentiment that our freshwater must not be sold or privatized. Each political party should be explicit about never using Canada’s freshwater as a bargaining chip in the coming interactions with the Trump administration. To bargain with our freshwater would be to bargain with our sovereignty.
As we navigate the dynamic complexities of freshwater management within Canada, it is crucial to recognize that access to clean water is a fundamental human right. The United Nations General Assembly explicitly recognized the human right to water and sanitation in 2010, affirming that clean drinking water is essential to the realization of all human rights. This principle should guide our national policies and priorities.
Crucially, Indigenous inherent and treaty rights in relation to freshwater must be honoured by the Government of Canada. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act is the guiding word that must be used to uphold promises to Indigenous Peoples, as well as democratic and moral ideals. It is, indeed, a moral imperative to realize promises long made but not entirely kept.
Canadian politicians have a shared responsibility to protect and manage our freshwater heritage sustainably and democratically. By prioritizing human rights in our water policies, we can ensure that every Canadian has access to clean and safe water. This commitment not only strengthens our national sovereignty but also reinforces our democratic values.
As Canada moves through this period of consequences, we must all remember that safeguarding our freshwater heritage is not only an environmental and geopolitical imperative, but also a moral one, essential for the well-being of current and future generations.
Cameron Fioret is a research fellow in the Ethics and Public Affairs program at Carleton University, and a director of the Canadian non-profit Windsor of Change.
Maude Barlow is an author, water justice activist, co-founder of the Council of Canadians and former senior adviser on water to the UN General Assembly.
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