Canada Water Agency: A new focal point for freshwater protection

A new focus on freshwater management

Terry Duguid, MP, is the political champion for the new agency. As the representative for Winnipeg South and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of ECCC, Duguid is well positioned to support the developing organization. A proud environmental leader—and a biologist by training—Duguid has many years of experience in water protection and management.

“I want to recognize all of the advocacy and support from freshwater-related organizations across the country like Ducks who helped push for this independent agency,” says Duguid. “The Government of Canada has committed to advancing the modernization of the Canada Water Act, passed in 1970, to reflect Canada’s freshwater reality, including climate change and Indigenous rights. This is an acknowledgement that climate change will have real impacts on Canada’s freshwater, and that the Indigenous rights framework has evolved, and water plays a key role in Indigenous rights.”

To achieve this, the agency will focus on building relations and trust with Indigenous communities, enhancing a “whole-of-government approach” on freshwater issues, modernizing federal legislation for water protection and management, and notably, building data and science foundations to guide decision-making.

Beyond water rich to water secure

“Canada’s freshwater is under increasing threat as a result of unprecedented and accelerating climate change. Canadians are seeing the effects nationwide,” says Duguid. “At the same time, factors including population growth, industrial development, agricultural intensification, and natural resource extraction are putting additional strain on Canada’s freshwater resources.”

While Canada may be water rich, it is not yet water secure. The threats facing Canada’s freshwater resources are complex and multifaceted—which was reflected in the public engagement process that led up to the creation of the agency. Many participants flagged a need for better co-ordination and governance over freshwater activities.

“We have a responsibility to manage this water wealth, both for today and for generations to come,” notes Duguid. “But freshwater management in Canada is complex. It is a shared responsibility between federal, provincial, territorial and Indigenous governments. Challenges vary by region and addressing them can involve multiple jurisdictions. I think the key role that the Canada Water Agency will play is as a convener or integrator.”

Canada’s freshwater hub

The decision to establish the headquarters in Winnipeg was a strategic one. Winnipeg’s central location in the nation and proximity to Lake Winnipeg—and status as a past and present home for many Indigenous Peoples—makes it an ideal base for addressing freshwater challenges.

“We recognize that Winnipeg is an important hub for sustainable development and water in Canada. There are also significant climate change impacts in the Prairies and a great dependence on water for agriculture, a major industry,” says Duguid.

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has been a significant national partner in enacting Freshwater Action Plan priorities in the Lake Winnipeg and Great Lakes basins. Duguid pointed to the value of DUC’s significant data assets which include the Canadian Wetland Inventory.

“Ducks Unlimited Canada has a rich history of contributing to freshwater conservation efforts, particularly through nature-based solutions such as wetland conservation and restoration. The agency aims to strengthen its partnership with such organizations, utilizing their expertise and data to inform decision-making … Given the effectiveness of wetlands in reducing nutrient loading to surface waters in cold regions, Ducks Unlimited remains an important partner in efforts to protect water quality.”

As the agency begins its work, it holds the promise of securing Canada’s status not just as a water-rich nation but as a water-secure nation too. One that can reduce the hazards met by the streams, rivers, lakes and other waterways on their meandering paths across the landscape and on to the sea.

About the Canada Water Agency

The Canada Water Agency has been created within Environment and Climate Change Canada. It is the federal focal point for fresh water, working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, provinces, territories, and stakeholders to strengthen collaboration on fresh water. The Canada Water Agency is leading the modernization of the Canada Water Act to reflect Canada’s freshwater reality, including climate change and the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

85 Years of Conservation: Unlimited Together 2023

Ducks Unlimited Canada celebrates 85 Years of Conservation: Unlimited Together by recognizing deep collaborations and partnerships with organizations like Environment and Climate Change Canada. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations, Indigenous Peoples and other landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment.