Section 4: Background

The discussion paper proposed 10 objectives for the federal government. We heard strong support for all 10.
In order from most to least supported the 10 objectives are:

• Federal policies to promote effective management and protection of freshwater resources and ecosystems in Canada for 21st century challenges and beyond – including adapting to climate change.
• Data and information are available to support informed decision-making at all levels.
• Canadians are actively engaged in managing and protecting fresh water.
• Indigenous peoples play an increased role in management of Canada’s fresh water.
• Canada has and applies cutting edge science to tackle the freshwater challenges of the next century, including climate change.
• Canada is a leader in sustainable agricultural water management.
• Collaborative arrangements are in place and support effective management of domestic and Canada-U.S. transboundary fresh waters.
• Canada is a global leader in freshwater technology, innovation, and infrastructure.
• Canada has a state-of-the-art prediction system for floods and droughts that informs climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
• Canada’s economic sectors have the fresh water they need to grow sustainably, and the tools they need to improve freshwater management and use.

Access to freshwater data – Canadians stressed that access to high quality data and information is crucial to informing effective freshwater decision-making at all levels, and that enhancing the sharing of freshwater data and information is one of the biggest opportunities for a CWA.

Engaging Canadians – We heard loud and clear that Canadians value fresh water and want to be actively engaged in its management and protection. We were provided with many examples of how Canadians are already engaged. We heard that it is important for the CWA to build on and support further engagement of Canadians.

The participation of so many Canadians in the engagement process and the large amount of input and advice provided is highly valued and all will be considered as we continue the CWA creation process.

4.0 Background

The Prime Minister tasked the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Minister of Natural Resources and the Special Representative for the Prairies with creating a Canada Water Agency (CWA) to “work together with the provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, local authorities, scientists and others to find the best ways to keep our water safe, clean and well-managed”.

The Prime Minister also tasked the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to “develop further protections and take active steps to clean up the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake Simcoe and other large lakes”.

These two tasks are being addressed in an integrated manner. A discussion paper, “Towards the Creation of a Canada Water Agency”, published by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) on December 17, 2020, identified a series of freshwater management issues and opportunities.

The public comment period continued until March 1, 2021.

Feedback was received through ECCC’s National Freshwater Policy Forum, six Regional Freshwater Forums, an online survey hosted on ECCC’s PlaceSpeak website, and through direct correspondence with ECCC.

This “What We Heard” report synthesizes key messages received through this process.

PlaceSpeak Survey

An online survey, hosted on ECCC’s PlaceSpeak site, asked Canadians 31 open-ended questions and drew 306 participants from all regions of Canada — individuals, non-government organizations, industry and government representatives, academia, and Indigenous peoples.

National Freshwater Policy Forum

A virtual National Freshwater Policy Forum was held January 27-28, 2021 with eight panels, each focused on a different freshwater issue identified in the discussion paper. More than 30 panelists, representing diverse areas of expertise, knowledge, geographic interests and perspectives, provided insights on the issues and opportunities for a CWA. Approximately 900 Canadians attended nationwide.

Regional Freshwater Forums

As well, in February 2021, six virtual Regional Freshwater Forums engaged over 1,400 participants in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies, British Columbia and Canada’s North, offering opportunities to hear from experts on regional freshwater challenges, and for Canadians to take part in break-out group discussions.

Direct Correspondence

Some Canadians submitted feedback by direct correspondence with ECCC. In addition to 19 individuals, four submissions were received from Indigenous communities and organizations and 92 submissions were received from stakeholder organizations across Canada, representing industrial sectors and associations, corporations, academia, non-government organizations, and local governments. More than 40% of submissions were from industry, including agriculture, mining, petroleum, energy, utility, forestry, and manufacturing sectors. Roughly one third of submissions were from national organizations.

Common Concerns

Canadians nationwide clearly care deeply about protecting freshwater, the resilience of Canada’s freshwater systems, and the sustainable use of freshwater resources. They are also concerned about the increasing threat of floods and drought, the effects on communities, and the need for enhanced forecasting and prediction tools and resilient infrastructure. A great many participants shared with us that water quality is a top priority for them. Although specific water quality issues varied by region, many Canadians want water quality protection to be a priority role for the CWA. Beyond surface water challenges, improved understanding and protection of groundwater is also important, we heard. And, cutting across all issues: Canadians’ concern over the increasing frequency and magnitude of freshwater challenges due to climate change.

Shared Perspectives

Nearly all participants in the public engagement process support the Government of Canada’s effort to work collaboratively to better protect and manage Canada’s freshwater resources. A small number of participants indicated that they did not see value in the creation of a CWA, citing concerns including potential jurisdictional overlap and added regulatory burden.

Despite the diversity of participants, a number of views were shared by a majority of contributors:

Reconciliation – Many Canadians emphasized the importance of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Participants underscored the important role a CWA could play in working with First Nations, Métis and Inuit to include Indigenous science and knowledge in decision-making, involving Indigenous peoples in freshwater governance, and addressing water challenges faced by Indigenous communities in Canada.

Regional considerations – While recognizing the importance of consistent national approaches to freshwater protection and management across Canada, many participants highlighted the role a CWA could play in helping to respond to regional freshwater priorities, including through strong regional science, monitoring and engagement.

Climate Change – Climate change and its impacts on freshwater was identified as a clear priority. Participants across Canada frequently raised concerns over climate impacts on flooding, drought, water supply, water quality, aging water infrastructure, and implications for Canada’s economic sectors. Participants identified potential roles for the CWA in relation to improving forecasting and prediction tools, provision of freshwater monitoring, data and information at appropriate scales, and development of adaptive management approaches and decision support tools.

Watershed governance – Participants nationwide frequently cited the importance of holistic, integrated and place-based approaches to freshwater management, and many proposed that the CWA advance watershed approaches.

We heard strong support for all freshwater objectives presented in the discussion paper, with these identified as the top five priorities:

• Federal policies to promote effective management and protection of freshwater resources and ecosystems in Canada for 21st century challenges and beyond – including adapting to climate change. 
• Data and information are available to support informed decision-making at all levels.
• Canadians are actively engaged in managing and protecting fresh water.
• Indigenous peoples play an increased role in management of Canada’s fresh water.
• Canada has and applies cutting edge science to tackle the freshwater challenges of the next century, including climate change.

Some Canadians suggested additional objectives for federal government consideration including:

• A consistent national approach to freshwater management in Canada, implemented at a watershed or basin scale.
• Strong and consistent policies, regulations and enforcement across Canada to prevent freshwater pollution.
• Access to safe drinking water by all Indigenous communities across Canada
• Improved understanding and sustainable management of Canada’s groundwater resources.
• Protection and restoration of freshwater ecosystems and preservation of their ecological functions and services.
• Ensuring that Canada’s aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity have the fresh water they need to be healthy and resilient to climate change.

Feedback on Discussion Issues

ECCC’s discussion paper presented 10 discussion issues, and opportunities in relation to each. Canadians provided their views on these opportunities and suggested others appropriate to the Government of Canada’s role in managing freshwater.

Freshwater policy, coordination and multi-lateral engagement

Canadians want governments to take a more coordinated and collaborative approach to freshwater management, to break down perceived “silos” and create a more consistent and efficient approaches to freshwater management across Canada.

Context

Responsibility for freshwater management in Canada is shared between the federal, provincial, territorial and Indigenous governments. At the federal level the Federal Water Policy, created in 1987, provides a framework for coordinating federal actions on fresh water. Other federal policies – ranging from energy to agriculture to forestry – also bear on freshwater issues. Consequently, many federal departments have direct or indirect freshwater-relevant responsibilities. Provincial and territorial governments also play major roles in the management of fresh water. A number of existing federal-provincial collaborative agreements on important water bodies including the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, and Lake Winnipeg are in place for the betterment of freshwater management in Canada.

Freshwater prediction to inform climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction

Canadians are worried about the impacts of climate change on freshwater quality, ecosystems, water availability, and drought and flooding, and believe better forecasting and modelling tools are needed to inform decisions on climate adaptation and disaster risk.

Context

Climate change amplifies freshwater management challenges across Canada. Our vast land mass and regional variability rules out a one-size-fits-all approach to adaptation. Decision-makers require reliable models and tools to predict, for example, regional or local scale floods, droughts, soil moisture levels and freshwater (including surface and groundwater) supply and demand.

What We Heard

In addition to improved forecasting, prediction and modelling at a regional and watershed scale (especially in the North), participants highlighted the need for increased monitoring, data and information to support that modelling, including soil moisture and snowpack information.

Participants also recommended developing tools and approaches to communicate modelling results, including products in everyday language, to support decisionmaking by different audiences and for different purposes.

Other suggestions included education and training to improve understanding and capacity to use prediction, forecasting and modelling services and products, and to enhance understanding by local decision-makers and the public of how climate may affect communities in future.

Indigenous peoples and freshwater management

Canadians were very clear that there must be greater and more meaningful involvement of Indigenous peoples in freshwater management. They expressed support for advancing reconciliation through freshwater management and emphasized that addressing freshwater issues affecting Indigenous communities must be a priority.

Context

The Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through a renewed, nation-to-nation, government-to-government and Inuit-Crown relationship based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership as the foundation for transformative change. The Government of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation includes implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as well as other collaborative initiatives and actions. In order to meaningfully engage on important freshwater issues and closely collaborate on the creation of the CWA, the Government of Canada is currently engaging with First Nations, Métis and Inuit through a separate and dedicated process.

The Government of Canada is also committed to ensuring First Nations have access to safe, clean drinking water. Work with First Nations communities to improve water infrastructure on reserves, end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves, and prevent short-term advisories from becoming long term is ongoing and is occurring through a separate process led by Indigenous Services Canada.

What We Heard

Many participants underscored support for advancing reconciliation and the importance of greater, more meaningful and direct engagement with Indigenous peoples including government-to-government, Nation-to-Nation, and Inuit-to-Crown involvement in freshwater management and decision-making.

Participants voiced concerns about water issues faced by Indigenous communities in several regions and called on the Government of Canada to continue to make safe drinking water for Indigenous communities a priority including the facilitation of access to infrastructure, education, resources and support.

Participants underscored the importance of relationships and partnerships with Indigenous peoples; many commented also on the need to better understand Indigenous ways of knowing and to consider Indigenous Knowledge alongside Western science. Some participants suggested adopting the holistic seven generations philosophy and applying it to freshwater management in Canada.

A number of participants pointed to the important role of Indigenous women as water keepers and the important place they should have at freshwater management tables.

Agriculture and fresh water

Canadians told us that climate variability and climate change pose significant water-related challenges in agriculture.

Context

Agricultural producers rely on clean, reliable surface and groundwater for safe and efficient food production. The Government of Canada has a long history of working with the provinces and territories to help agricultural producers and processors continuously improve the sustainability of their operations, including the management of freshwater resources. Significant progress has been achieved through three successive five-year federal-provincial/territorial agricultural policy frameworks. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a $3 billion, five-year (2018-2023) investment supporting collaborative agricultural discovery science and innovation. It focuses on priorities including climate change and soil and freshwater conservation, as well as programs that accelerate the on-farm adoption of resilient freshwater management practices.

What We Heard

Participants noted the need for data on regional water balances and models, monitoring and other tools to understand and predict the impacts of climate change on freshwater resources.

Participants also advocated for regional agricultural and watershed research programs to help improve water use efficiency and to inform sustainable and resilient agricultural practices.

Others noted the importance of data, information that meets agriculture sector needs, and easily understood products. The need for updated soil, groundwater, and wetland mapping was also noted.

As well, given the agriculture sector’s regional nature, suggestions included the creation of repositories of region-specific freshwater data and information, such as best management practices. Other participants noted the value of collecting, managing and sharing data in a consistent manner across Canada to ensure it can be used nationally as needed.

Participants suggested that in addition to government support for natural and physical infrastructure, including irrigation projects, there is a need to develop innovative and transformative agricultural practices that improve water use efficiency in the agricultural sector such as development of systems to better recycle water, develop and employ soil moisture sensors, real-time irrigation optimization tools and various other emerging technologies. Also recommended: education, training and financial support for adaptive management approaches.

Innovative agricultural practices to minimize adverse impacts of agriculture on freshwater were advocated, as was the need to help develop and implement agricultural best management practices.

Economic sectors and fresh water

Canadians foresee numerous freshwater challenges for Canada’s economic sectors, including from the impacts of climate change.

Context

Fresh water is an economic driver in Canada. Sufficient, dependable supplies of clean fresh water are critical to the success of every sector, and industry plays a special role in sustainable water management. There are many examples of actors in each economic sector taking steps to minimize the impacts of their activities on freshwater quality and quantity.

What We Heard

Participants noted that agriculture, energy, tourism, manufacturing, fishing and recreation and other economic sectors that rely on freshwater resources must adopt practices that improve their resiliency to the challenges ahead due to climate change, including innovative technologies and approaches.

Underscored were the importance of short-term forecasting and long-term predictive modelling. Participants also highlighted the need for standardized data collection and a central location for information sharing to ensure access to data and knowledge to support freshwater management decisions.

Many participants highlighted concern over the impacts certain economic sectors have on water quality and freshwater ecosystems and suggested the need for actors in these sectors to adopt cleaner practices.

Participants shared several positive examples of sector-specific strategies, including technologies, innovative approaches and best management practices that contribute to water conservation, improved water use efficiency, water reuse and recycling, among others.

Freshwater Science

Canadians told us that enhancing freshwater science was essential to keeping our water safe, clean and well-managed.

Context

Canada has a wealth of academic, government, non-governmental and community-based water-related scientific expertise. Many federal departments carry out freshwater science, including ECCC, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Health Canada, and the National Research Council (NRC). Water research funding under the granting councils and Research Chair and Excellence programs has developed a significant network of water experts in academia. Canada employs this expertise to tackle challenges such as growing water demand and competition, drinking water contaminants, excess nutrients and pollutants, invasive species, and the protection of critical ecosystem services and aquatic biodiversity.

What We Heard

Many participants told us that freshwater policy and management must be based on sound science and Indigenous Knowledge, and that freshwater science is essential to informing decision-making at all government levels, by the private sector, other stakeholders and the public. The significant freshwater science capacity within Canada is recognized, but many believe more coordination is needed among researchers working in federal departments and agencies, for provinces and territories, and in academic institutions.

Some noted that greater coordination would enhance collaborative and cross-disciplinary science and focus Canada’s science capacity on national and regional freshwater science priorities.

Participants highlighted the need for more baseline data at a watershed scale to support assessments of new development proposals. They told us more research, monitoring and modelling is needed to anticipate and track climate change and other threats to freshwater quality, quantity and the health and functioning of freshwater ecosystems, including flood and drought prediction. Also cited was a need for science to help develop climate adaptation and resilience strategies and approaches.

Other priorities for freshwater science included increased understanding of the cumulative impacts of contaminants and other stressors on freshwater quality and ecosystems.

We heard that greater monitoring of freshwater quality and quantity is needed in all parts of the country, including the North. Participants suggested the need to monitor more substances in freshwater and expanding freshwater monitoring of surface water, groundwater, snow melt, soil moisture, and water use. It was suggested that more community-based programs would offer a costeffective way to expand monitoring in remote areas or areas where monitoring is currently limited.

Participants also told us that more attention is needed to communicate and transfer knowledge to users.

Freshwater Data

Canadians stressed that availability and access to high quality data is critical to effective decision-making on all freshwater issues in Canada, including adaptation to climate change.

Context

Along with freshwater science, data and information are paramount to supporting evidence-based decision-making. The growing volume of data and advancements in analytics open new freshwater management possibilities. Many initiatives are in place to collect and share data and information on freshwater quantity, quality, use and demand. ECCC, AAFC, NRCan, DFO, Parks Canada, Statistics Canada, and other federal departments provide more than 1,000 datasets on the Open Data website.

What We Heard

Data featured prominently in the input received from a majority of participants. Comments frequently underscored the importance of access to reliable freshwater data through increased sharing and access to open data.

A significant number of participants highlighted the need for a strategy to support a more integrated, coordinated and standardized approach to data collection, management and sharing. Several suggested national standards, consistent methodologies, and defined operating procedures and protocols are needed to increase the reliability of freshwater data, and to enable interoperability of datasets collected by different organizations. Others suggested data standardization could help advance communitybased monitoring by ensuring data quality, compatibility, harmonization and interoperability. A number of participants also stressed that appropriate and respectful inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge should be given special consideration in development of a data strategy.

Many participants voiced support for a central data hub or data portal to increase efficiency in freshwater data access.

Satellite technologies and advances in remote data collection and analytics were noted as aids to freshwater decision-making and management, as were automated data collection, open-sourced data management tools, big data analyses, machine learning tools and artificial intelligence. Together, these technologies can improve forecasting and support predictive modelling, participants said. It was also recommended that stakeholders be provided with training and support to use new technologies.

Several participants raised the importance of ensuring internet and satellite connectivity for sharing and accessing data.

Transboundary freshwater management

Canadians told us enhanced collaboration between jurisdictions is essential to managing and protecting shared waters.

Context

Three-quarters of Canada’s 25 major basins cross provincial or territorial boundaries. Nine share waters with the U.S., more than 40% of the frontier between Canada and the U.S. runs through shared water, and over 300 lakes and rivers cross the international boundary. Transboundary water management can be complex, as decisions made in one jurisdiction can have significant impacts on another.

What We Heard

Participants recommended a collaborative approach to transboundary freshwater management between all levels of government, including Indigenous governments. They suggested that boards responsible for overseeing transboundary freshwater management include or engage with experts in order to collaborate on solutions to pollution problems and other freshwater issues.

Access and sharing of standardized, harmonized and interoperable data was noted as critical to effective management and protection of transboundary waters, as was investment in long-term data collection to evaluate change over time and as new issues emerge. Participants also recommended cooperative transboundary climate change modelling and scenario development, and several stated that data sharing between jurisdictions could strengthen transboundary agreements and help to identify and address priority transboundary freshwater issues such as the impacts of climate change.

Participants highlighted the need for clarity on differences between jurisdictions in laws, regulations and policies that affect decisions in transboundary waters, and to identify and address inconsistencies that can contribute to challenges in transboundary freshwater planning and coordination.

Participants advocated for increased involvement of Indigenous Nations and governments in transboundary freshwater management and decision-making. It was also suggested that financial and technical support be provided to support their involvement.

Freshwater technology, innovation and infrastructure

Canadians agreed investment in technology, innovation and infrastructure are essential to addressing freshwater challenges.

Context

Water technologies and infrastructure mitigate freshwater pollution, provide drinking water and wastewater services, improve freshwater conservation, and help manage extreme water events. Federal government support for research, development and adoption of freshwater technologies includes Sustainable Development Technology Canada; NRC’s Industrial Research Assistance Program; NRCan’s Clean Growth Programs; and AAFC’s Clean Technology Program. The federal government supports investments in water, wastewater, stormwater infrastructure and natural infrastructure, through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, the National Disaster Mitigation Program, the Canada Infrastructure Bank, the Green Municipal Fund and the First Nations Water and Wastewater Infrastructure on Reserves Fund.

What We Heard

Participants emphasized the importance of developing climate-proof and climate-resilient infrastructure. As well, developing suitable infrastructure and technologies to address freshwater issues in Northern areas and Indigenous communities was identified as a priority.

The state of aging freshwater infrastructure was highlighted as a concern, while other participants underlined the importance of investing in innovation, such as water reuse technologies. A number of participants stressed the need for enhancing “natural infrastructure” — nature-based ways to improve climate resiliency and control pollution.

Given the widely differing infrastructure needs and requirements of communities across Canada, a “one-size-fits-all” approach to technology and innovation is not applicable, said some participants. The infrastructure needs of remote, small and Indigenous communities were highlighted for special attention, and it was suggested that a prioritizing of infrastructure needs in each region would be helpful.

Participants also underscored the importance of sharing information, experiences and solutions among communities and regions with similar freshwater challenges.

Collaboration in freshwater technology development should be a priority, including collaboration between jurisdictions, and sectors, we were told. An information sharing platform, where technology users and developers could network, share data, best practices, decision-making tools and modern digital infrastructure and architecture models, was identified as an important opportunity to facilitate collaboration and accelerate research and development.

Engaging Canadians in managing and protecting fresh water

Canadians told us they value freshwater and want to do their part to help manage and protect Canada’s freshwater resources.

Context

Canadians care deeply about fresh water. There are successful citizen and community engagement models nationwide, ranging from initiatives to better understand the state of local waters to monitoring and on-the-ground stewardship activities to protect freshwater ecosystems.

What We Heard

Participants emphasized the importance of increasing information on the state of Canada’s freshwater to build awareness of challenges and how Canadians can contribute to solutions. Regular forums to encourage networking and information sharing among stakeholders, both within and between regions, were also suggested.

Participants also told us that Canadians want to be engaged in freshwater science and stewardship activities, including through citizen science and communitybased efforts. Many non-governmental organizations across the country are already supporting freshwater science, education, engagement, and stewardship of freshwater resources. We heard that it is important to recognize the important role these organizations play and seek opportunities to support, leverage and build on their initiatives and expertise.

Participants noted that enhancing community-based water monitoring programs, including support for monitoring by Indigenous communities, is an efficient and effective way to support the growing need for freshwater data and to fill information gaps in rural and remote areas where government and academic research and monitoring are limited.

To help build capacity to engage in science and stewardship activities, some participants told us organizations would benefit from greater access to scientific expertise and technical training, as well as long-term sustainable funding.

Governance considerations

Canadians shared perspectives on governance considerations for the CWA, highlighting models for watershed-level management, freshwater governance between different jurisdictions, involvement of Indigenous peoples, as well as inclusion of subject-matter experts.

Context

Federations like Canada are more likely to have sub-national governments with freshwater management responsibilities. A wide range of factors beyond a country’s constitutional division of powers also determine countries’ freshwater management organization; there is no single, common model. In considering the structural and operational design of a CWA, it is important to keep in mind the Canadian context.

What We Heard

We heard from participants that a CWA should promote a holistic, collaborative and integrated approach to freshwater management, characterized by a whole-of-government approach at the federal level, and by effective collaboration and
engagement with provinces and territories, Indigenous governments and rightsholders, water users, stakeholders and the public.

We also heard that a CWA must have a well-defined mandate and focus so that progress is made on addressing the most pressing freshwater management challenges in Canada.

Participants told us that a CWA must be responsive to differences in freshwater priorities and management challenges in different regions of Canada, and engage regional freshwater experts, stakeholders and the public.

We also heard that many freshwater issues are best addressed on a watershed basis and that the CWA should build on and support existing watershed based initiatives, including those focused on the management of transboundary waters shared between provinces and territories and between Canada and the United States.

Atlantic Canada

Panelists addressed key concerns around groundwater quality, changing conditions under climate change, and water pollution. They also identified openaccess data and data sharing, specifically baseline ecological data, as key opportunities for the CWA. Supporting and improving collaboration between jurisdictions was also identified as an area of opportunity. Inclusion of Indigenous communities and knowledge in freshwater management was raised.

During forum breakout sessions, we heard from participants that sharing information and improving data accessibility were valuable, that the CWA could act as a hub for consolidating and standardizing data, and that it could convene regular freshwater conferences for sharing information and innovations. In many groups, participants highlighted improving the public’s understanding of water and a need to change our collective attitude toward water as important objectives.

Concerns in the breakout sessions included agriculture and industry-related contamination of water and impacts from climate change. Natural and engineered infrastructure to protect both communities and ecosystems from flood risks and from industrial accidents were areas of need discussed, as was the need for groundwater quality data and mapping.

A common discussion point across several breakout groups was the need to understand cumulative impacts on freshwater, including research that supports an integrated watershed approach. Conversations explored the need for a holistic view of freshwater resources, including understanding the many stressors, competing uses, increasing demands, land-use practices, and climate change. Some participants proposed increasing the authority of regulators.

Quebec

Panelists identified climate change impacts and adaptation as the province’s most significant water challenges, and discussed the issue of inadequately adapted technology. They also highlighted safe drinking water for all Indigenous communities as a top priority. Panelists discussed the need for increased awareness of water issues and personal responsibility among the general public. They identified the need for additional hydrometric and meteorological monitoring and flood forecasting, as well as gaps in data coverage. Panelists also suggested that the CWA could play a key role in education and supporting collaboration between freshwater organizations.

Centralized data management was identified by forum panelists as a key longerterm opportunity for the CWA. Three noted areas of opportunity for the CWA were: making local freshwater, including groundwater, balance models available, establishing guidelines for monitoring, and supporting optimization of knowledge and collaboration between disciplines. Panelists also discussed the CWA’s role in supporting inclusion of Indigenous peoples and communities in freshwater-related decision-making.

In the breakout sessions, increasing public education and engagement in freshwater were identified as priorities. Data and forecasting related to climate change impacts were identified as key gaps in current information and capabilities. Recognition of and opportunities to build on the work of existing organization and initiatives was also discussed. A common theme across the breakout discussions was the potential for the CWA to establish a comprehensive and harmonized process for collecting, analyzing and sharing data.

Concerns noted in the breakout sessions included a lack of coordination between levels of government, and many suggested the CWA work to improve communication and collaboration between entities working on freshwater management. They also suggested that any federal efforts apply a regional approach to implementation due to the size and various landscapes in Canada. Groups suggested the CWA create standards and recommend methodologies but must also focus on supporting community-based solutions.

The need to address ageing infrastructure as well as to build new infrastructure resilient to climate change and appropriate for increased population growth and urbanization was also highlighted by breakout groups.

Ontario

Panelists identified water quality as Ontario’s greatest freshwater management challenge. Concerns included nutrient runoff, algal blooms, inadequate wastewater treatment, and the loss of wetlands and the natural filtration services they provide. They also noted pressures due to urbanization and the need for more groundwater data, floodplain mapping and, to support urban planning, predictive models that consider climate change. Also discussed: a more holistic approach, particularly in terms of managing Great Lakes ecosystems and watersheds.

Panelists and breakout groups talked about the need for greater collaboration on data, and also on leveraging expertise, resources, funding, and research. Also identified as an important role for the CWA was the provision of long-term support and collaboration to ensure water data and metadata is centralized, cohesive, and standardized, with long-term monitoring support provided.

In breakout sessions, water quality issues and restoring Great Lakes’ health were highlighted as priorities. Many groups also expressed concerns about flood risks, the effects on communities, and the need for resilient infrastructure.

A common topic of discussion: increasing resources for coordination and communication between levels of government, local organizations and regional non-government initiatives.

Breakout groups highlighted Indigenous communities’ involvement in leadership roles in water management, with formalized working relationships and dedicated funding to build capacity for more effective participation by Indigenous peoples.

Prairie Provinces

Panelists identified floods, drought and climate change as the region’s key freshwater issues. They noted gaps in weather and hydrologic forecasting and climate modelling, particularly in rural and agricultural areas, and overall lack of regional surface and groundwater monitoring. They also noted the loss of wetland areas and nutrient loading to waterways as concerns, and the challenge posed by an increasing demand on limited freshwater resources.

Panelists highlighted the Indigenous perspective and way of life in relation to land and water, and that Indigenous communities need to be partners in water management. Opportunities were highlighted around nature-based solutions and for supporting the role of Indigenous knowledge in innovation and best practices for water management.

Key opportunities and essential roles for the CWA noted by the panel members included collaboration and inclusion of stakeholders in watershed management and planning. Panelists suggested the CWA support investments in water management, including infrastructure to prepare for future freshwater challenges due to climate change. Also discussed by panelists were ways to mitigate difficult trade-offs between economic development, healthy aquatic ecosystems, and safe drinking water. They identified sharing of best practices, joint decision-making between sectors, learning from innovations in other countries, and incentives for efficiencies as important to meeting freshwater challenges. Other suggestions included strong regulations for industries that significantly impact water, support for innovation and for implementing best practices, and collaborative planning to ensure reliable water for various needs.

Breakout group concerns included the impacts of climate change and future availability of water for agriculture and possible effects on Canadian food security. Concerns about over allocation of water resources and about industries’ effects on freshwater were also often expressed.

Participants noted how challenging it is to navigate the federal government’s many departments and the layers of other regional governments with jurisdiction over freshwater. Highlighted as opportunities for the CWA included the need for communication and support for sharing information between groups and jurisdictions, information collection and dissemination, and data coordination and centralization.

British Columbia

Panelists discussed climate change implications for freshwater, water as central to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and the importance of balancing the ecological needs for water with human needs. Concerns were voiced about water supply, particularly climate change-related unreliable snowpack and summer shortages, and the possibility of over allocation of water resources given the lack of data on the cumulative extent and availability of these resources (e.g. surface, ground and aquifer). They also expressed frustration over the lack of coordination on freshwater issues, from grassroots organizations to government, and on the complexities of understanding and navigating jurisdictional responsibilities for water management. Panelists also noted increasing concerns over ageing urban water infrastructure and impacts to water quality related to urban stormwater runoff and sewer system overflows.

Suggested opportunities for the CWA included supporting greater engagement and dialogue between entities involved in water management; compiling, centralizing and maintaining data from across the country; and ensuring the information is verified and easily accessible.

Breakout group discussions identified the need to understand the required minimum streamflow and seasonal flow patterns for ecosystems and aquatic life. They also highlighted that land-use planning and water management are disconnected, and that the CWA could address this issue. Concerns about industry effects on freshwater were expressed, particularly open-pit coal mining.

Breakout groups also suggested a need for more green infrastructure funding designed for low-cost operations, and an increasing need for nature-based solutions for flood control, sediment management, and pollution.

Many breakout groups also discussed the importance of involving local groups, Indigenous governments, and stakeholders in freshwater management and decision-making. It was noted that ensuring each group understands where and how they can provide input or objections to decisions builds trust in the collaborative process and in decision-making.

The groups emphasized that water quality and quantity data and predictions should be used to inform decision-making, and that the CWA could play a role here. Supporting better data collection, information storage, collaboration and information dissemination were also identified as key roles for the CWA.

Northern Territories

Panelists identified climate change as the biggest challenge currently facing the North. They also noted the need for improved prediction capacity and flood forecasting to help communities prepare for and adapt to changing conditions. Groundwater data and mapping was identified as a significant gap. They also highlighted the importance of water monitoring and making the connection between data and information and its audience. Monitoring was noted as important to food security, travel, forecasting, and community water management decisions. Panelists raised the difficulty of monitoring across the North’s vast geography and disperse populations, and highlighted the importance of community-based programs in addressing this challenge.

Panelists and breakout group participants identified challenges related to lack of capacity and resources. Factors noted included small community sizes, limited municipal resources, lack of easily-accessible training and capacity building, and the sheer scale of land and water to be monitored and managed. Breakout groups also highlighted the need for a centralized and accessible hub for sharing water and land data and information from across the region.

Panelists and breakout groups pointed to the Mackenzie River Basin as a good example of effective, formal transboundary watershed management. They also noted that many water challenges in the North are directly connected to governance, legislation, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. It was stressed that ongoing work in Northern Canada on water co-governance between Indigenous governments and local, provincial or federal government can be used as a model for the rest of Canada.

Breakout group discussions highlighted the high importance of using and acknowledging Indigenous knowledge for freshwater management. Participants suggested the CWA could lead and support a necessary shift in attitude toward water to one that is more holistic and ecosystem-focused, acknowledging water as a highly valued and shared resource.