For immediate release
LONDON, ON – On World Water Day, March 22, 2022, Huron University College achieved the designation of “Blue Community,” committing to protect water as a human right and public good. Huron joins 85 other Blue Communities worldwide – including the city of London, Ontario, and Brescia College, both of which became Blue Communities in March 2021.
The Blue Communities Project was created by the Council of Canadians and the Canadian Union of Public Employees in 2009. It encourages municipalities, universities, faith congregations, and Indigenous communities to support the idea of water as a shared resource for all, by passing resolutions that:
- Recognize water and sanitation as human rights;
- Ban or phase out the sale of bottled water; and
- Support publicly financed, owned, and operated water and wastewater services.
“Phasing out bottled water is a game changer. By becoming a Blue Community, we’re ensuring students have access to drinking water while minimizing the environmental impact. Everyone deserves the right to drinking water,” said Cogie Cogan, Huron University College Students’ Council Sustainability Commissioner. “Huron College’s support of this initiative shows the university’s leadership is looking towards the future to help people and the planet.”
“We are delighted to be recognized as a Blue Community. When it comes to environmental sustainability, we all have a role to play. By making these important institutional changes with regards to how we use water, we will be reducing our impact on the environment while educating our community in the process,” said Dr. Barry Craig, Huron University College President.
“Our goal at Huron is to create leaders with heart – students who go on to make a difference in their communities in ways that are beneficial to society. This new designation serves this goal, while also highlighting our commitment to working with our students on initiatives that raise awareness on important issues,” he added.
“Every new Blue Community helps reinforce the human right to water and protect it from privatization,” added Mark Calzavara, Council of Canadians National Water Campaigner. “With three Blue Communities now, the future of London is looking bright blue!”
– 30 –
