Freshwater legislation and policy

Freshwater legislation

Freshwater legislation in Canada involves a collaborative, multi-layered approach to ensure sustainable water quality and quantity. The authorities of the Canada Water Agency and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) are outlined here:

• Key freshwater-related laws, regulations and policies

Additional freshwater-related federal laws are listed below.

• The Canada Water Act provides a framework for cooperative water management between federal and provincial governments, supporting research, monitoring, and sustainable use of freshwater resources in Canada.
• The International River Improvements Act provides for licencing of activities that may alter the flow of rivers flowing into the United States.
• The Department of the Environment Act assigns various water-related functions to the Minister of the Environment
• The International Boundary Waters Treaty Act implements the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 in Canada, providing the legal framework for managing and protecting waters shared between Canada and the United States.
• The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (1999) is Canada’s primary federal legislation for preventing pollution and protecting the environment and human health through the assessment and management of toxic substances and other environmental risks.
• The Fisheries Act is a key federal law that protects fish and fish habitat by regulating fishing activities and preventing pollution that could harm aquatic ecosystems.
• The Navigable Waters Protection Act regulates works and activities in navigable waters to ensure that navigation is not obstructed or interfered with.  
• The Northwest Territories Waters Act regulates the use of waters and the deposit of waste in the Northwest Territories through a permitting system aimed at protecting the territory’s aquatic environment.
• The Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act establishes an integrated system of land and water management, including environmental assessment and regulatory boards, for resource development in the Mackenzie Valley.
• The Nunavut Waters and Nunavut Surface Rights Tribunal Act establishes a regulatory framework for water use and waste disposal, and creates a tribunal to resolve disputes over surface rights in Nunavut.
• The Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act protects the Arctic marine environment by regulating activities and preventing pollution in waters north of the 60th parallel.
• The Canada Shipping Act regulates marine safety and environmental protection in Canadian waters, including measures to prevent pollution from ships.
• The Dominion Water Power Act governs the authorization and management of water power developments on federal lands and waters in Canada.