Question Period Card – Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Issue

The Canada Water Agency and the Freshwater Action Plan

Update

May 14, 2026

Synopsis

Established as a standalone entity in October 2024, the Canada Water Agency works in collaboration with partners and stakeholders to keep fresh water in Canada safe, clean, and secure. The Freshwater Action Plan (FWAP) is a signature federal program and a major funding initiative, primarily led by the Agency, which manages, restores and protects fresh water in Canada.

Recommended response

• Fresh water is an irreplaceable natural resource that is fundamental to our economy, human health and well-being, and the environment. It sustains life.
• The Canada Water Agency, formally launched in October 2024, is bringing all levels of government, Indigenous partners and key sectors together to ensure Canada’s major freshwater ecosystems are safe, clean and well-managed – today and for the future.
• To support the Agency’s mandate, the Government of Canada, is investing $650 million in the Freshwater Action Plan, a signature federal program to manage, protect and restore major freshwater ecosystems across the country, from the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River to Lake Winnipeg and the Fraser River.

Background

Canada Water Agency

• The Canada Water Agency was created as a stand-alone Agency in October 2024. The Agency is
  headquartered in Winnipeg with regional offices across the country.
• The Agency delivers its mandate through five interconnected workstreams:
  • Service to Canadians focuses on restoring and protecting Canada’s transboundary freshwater ecosystems.
  • Policy Leadership is used to analyze freshwater issues and create forward-looking policies that strengthen water security and resilience.
  • Cross-Country Collaboration brings together federal partners, Indigenous peoples, provinces and territories, and stakeholders to address freshwater challenges and opportunities through joint efforts.
  • Water Literacy improves Canadians’ awareness of the value of fresh water through reporting and increased accessibility of federal water information.
  • Foundational Data and Science underpins all workstreams. Freshwater science will inform decision-making and lead to the development of a National Freshwater Data Strategy.
• The Agency works closely with other federal departments and agencies because a whole-ofgovernment approach is required to address freshwater challenges and harness opportunities.
• On World Water Day 2026, the Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature announced the launch of efforts to develop Canada’s first National Water Security Strategy. The Agency will lead Strategy development, seeking to collaborate with those who share responsibility for water management and stewardship across the country

Freshwater Action Plan (FWAP)

• The FWAP funds actions that protect and restore transboundary and nationally significantfreshwater ecosystems through Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives (FEIs) in the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, St. Lawrence River, Fraser River, Wolastoq/Saint John River, Mackenzie River, and Lake Simcoe. The FEIs cover approximately 40% of Canada's surface area where 90% of Canada's population lives.
• Complementary to the FWAP, the EcoAction funding initiative focuses on freshwater sustainability and innovation across Canada, by funding community-led actions, clean technology, and innovation.
• Open calls for applications are launched annually for funding through EcoAction and Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives. Funding supports partner led actions to restore and protect water quality and ecosystem health.
• Engagement with Indigenous peoples, provinces, territories, and stakeholders is a critical component of implementing the strengthened Freshwater Action Plan.

 

Approved by President: Mark Fisher, Canada Water Agency (343-573-1686)
Director General of Freshwater Policy and Engagement: Gemma Boag (613-552-0806)