Water has shaped the history of the lands we now know as Canada. From the joining of rivers as a gathering place for the First Nations of Canada for thousands of years to transportation highways for goods and travel when settlers arrived, water has always been integral.
This is why it was so fitting: at the junction of the Assiniboine and Red Rivers, where Indigenous communities have gathered for eons, a new journey with water was made, with Winnipeg becoming the host city for the newly announced Canada Water Agency (CWA).
Through its expertise, the CWA will develop a freshwater policy and create a national freshwater data strategy. It will collaborate closely with Environment and Climate Change Canada and other federal departments and agencies to improve and utilize modern science and Indigenous knowledge and expertise to protect lakes and rivers. Additionally, the CWA will manage funding programs for freshwater initiatives in the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, Lake Simcoe, the St. Lawrence River, the Mackenzie River, the Fraser River, and the Wolastoq/Saint John River. CWA will also allocate grants and contributions to hundreds of projects to restore and protect freshwater resources across Canada through a $650 million investment from the federal government.
Back in 2023, the Canada Water Agency was first established as a branch of Environment and Climate Change Canada. In June of this year, Bill C-59, including the Canada Water Agency Act, received Royal Assent, beginning the next steps for a standalone Canada Water Agency. In Budget 2023, the Government of Canada allocated $650 million over ten years for the Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives and $85.1 million over five years for the establishment of the Canada Water Agency. After those five years, there will be an annual commitment of $21 million.
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham says it is a “huge vote of confidence” to have the Canada Water Agency being headquartered in Winnipeg. He says it reflects the city’s expertise, resilience, and leadership in water management. According to Mayor Gillingham, the CWA will play a significant role in fostering sustainable jobs, boosting the local economy, and positioning Winnipeg in national and international conversations on water management.
“The rivers have shaped our history and no doubt they are shaping our future as well. But as we look to the future, Winnipeg’s role as the headquarters of Canada Water, the Canada Water Agency takes this relationship to a whole new level,” says Mayor Gillingham.
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, officially announced the establishment of the standalone Canada Water Agency to be headquartered in Winnipeg, reiterating the importance of protecting Canada’s waterways from pollution, development, and most importantly, the impacts of climate change, which Minister Guilbeault says will be one of the greatest challenges Canadians will face.
“in many parts of the world, if not most, the climate crisis is fundamentally a water crisis. We’re seeing this here in Canada, where, despite being blessed with abundant freshwater resources, some regions are experiencing droughts,” says Minister Guilbeault. “For example, not far from here, Alberta is facing significant water shortages.”
Collaboration will be key in developing policies and ensuring that water is protected for individuals, communities, and the environment.
“Tackling today’s freshwater challenges will require strong collaboration among governments, Indigenous partners, non-government organizations, academia, industry, and others. The Canada Water Agency will provide the leadership to foster the partnerships that we need to protect freshwater,” says Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water.
Working with Indigenous partners is a cornerstone of how the CWA will succeed—utilizing science and traditional knowledge and experience. Minister JoAnne Remillard, Minister of Environment and Climate Change for the Manitoba Métis Federation, Chief Clarence Easter of the Chemawawin Cree Nation, and other elders were in attendance to reflect this partnership.
For the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, it is essential to safeguard interconnected waterways like Lake Winnipeg and Lake of the Woods, which face challenges such as pollution, harmful algae blooms, and climate change.
“Water is not just a resource. It is sacred and also part of our lives. Our communities have long understood that water is vital for our cultural health and our way of life,” says Chief Easter.
Minister Remillard adds to this sentiment, praising the opportunity for Red River Métis knowledge to contribute to sustainable water stewardship and spoke about the Manitoba Métis Federation’s various environmental programs, such as the Red River Métis Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program and the Métis Environmental Leaders of Tomorrow (MELT) initiative. These programs combine traditional knowledge with Western science to educate youth about climate change and conservation.
She called for continued collaboration between the Red River Métis and Canada, ensuring Métis leadership in water-related decision-making.
“The Red River Métis have always been deeply connected to the lands and waters within the national homeland. Working closely with and relying heavily on natural resources for livelihood, sustenance and the ability to practice our traditional Red River culture. The establishment of the Canada Water Agency provides an opportunity to recognize the importance of Red River, meeting knowledge and leadership in the water management in Canada.”
As climate disasters continue to become more and more common with droughts, wildfires, floods, and record storms, the effects of protecting our environment are critical. Having completed its interim period within Environment and Climate Change Canada and establishing its location in Winnipeg and five regional offices across Canada, only time will tell if the Canada Water Agency will be aggressive enough to ensure the health of Canada’s water.
– Ryan Funk, U Multicultural
