National Freshwater Data Strategy
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Overview
Every year, Canadians face important decisions related to freshwater. Such decisions can link to:
- The environment, for example, how to protect or restore a waterbody
- The economy, for example, where to locate a factory
- Health, for example, whether to drink tap water, or
- Safety, for example, how to mitigate the risk of floods
To make informed decisions, Canadians require data that is accurate, up-to-date, and readily available. Canada has an abundance of freshwater data, but the ability to access and use it is limited by a lack of standard approaches for managing and integrating data.
Vision
A National Freshwater Data Strategy will begin to establish guidelines and principles for how freshwater information should be organized, stored, and shared in Canada. Once implemented, the Strategy will make it easier for Canadians to find and access freshwater data, as well as use and combine data from various sources. This, in turn, will strengthen decision-making and knowledge generation and will help keep fresh water safe, clean, and well-managed.
The Strategy will build on existing data systems, data science, and analytics expertise through collaboration with partners and stakeholders. It will align with broader federal data efforts, including the Government of Canada’s Digital Ambition and the 2023–2026 Data Strategy for the Federal Public Service, while protecting Indigenous data sovereignty.
Vision for a National Freshwater Data Strategy
Vision
Working together to enable all Canadians to have access to the best available freshwater data to inform their decisions.
Core pillars
- Quality data
- Findable and accessible data
- Data stewardship
- Capacity building and mobilization
Foundational principles
- Trust and respect
- Communication and collaboration
Key partners and stakeholders
The Canada Water Agency is leading the development of the National Freshwater Data Strategy. The Agency will work in close collaboration with partners and stakeholders including:
- federal departments and agencies
- provinces and territories
- First Nations
- Métis
- Inuit
- municipalities
- academia
- the private sector
- non-government organizations and
- others who collect, manage, or use freshwater data in Canada.
Engagement with interested parties will continue throughout the development of the Strategy.
To be part of this collaborative exercise or for more information, please contact the CWA via the email address below.
Building the National Freshwater Data Strategy
To collaboratively develop this strategy, the Canada Water Agency is continuing engagement with Canadians to understand how we can work together to improve our knowledge and understanding of freshwater in Canada.
In 2021, a National Freshwater Data Engagement Workshop was held online in March 2021 with representatives from all provinces and territories, 12 Indigenous partners, 24 non-governmental organizations, 13 academics, and 5 federal departments. This framework document outlines the messages we heard and the vision moving forward.
In 2024, the National Freshwater Strategy Workshop was held in Burlington, Ontario, to bring together members of Canada's freshwater data community together. Visit the National Freshwater Strategy Workshop 2024 - Summary page for highlights.
Contact us
For any inquiries or feedback, please email: waterdata-donneessurleau@cwa-aec-.gc.ca
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