National Water Policy
For years, water protection in Canada has suffered from deregulation and budget cuts at both the federal and provincial levels. The Council of Canadians has long advocated for the modernization of federal water policies. A federal agency has the potential to help implement the human right to water and sanitation, centering Indigenous rights and community interests. It could improve standards for regulating dangerous contaminants such as lead in our drinking water. It could protect our lakes and rivers from risky and unnecessary energy megaprojects.
Unfortunately, however, it appears the new Canada Water Agency, which came into effect in 2022 and which the federal Liberals first proposed in 2019, falls short of meeting those goals. As an agency with little regulatory or enforcement powers, it will be all carrot and no stick. Read more.

The Canada Water Agency: All carrot, no stick
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No Water To Waste: Boycott Bottled Water
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National organizations call for an end to thermal coal exports during COP26
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The Big Questions: Water
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Minister Wilkinson must help protect water in the Prairies from coal mining in the Rockies
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Albertans deserve meaningful consultation on coal policy
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International Day of Action of Rivers is March 14
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The federal government’s scheme to promote water P3s in Canada
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