Nicole Hancock
Indigenous community hosts full moon ceremony ...

Kristen Villebrun and Wendy Bush hoped they wouldn't have to pray for Chedoke Creek, but four years after they first raised alarm about the water's condition, they were part of an Indigenous full moon ceremony to do just that. About 50 people showed up near Princess Point on the dark and frigid Monday evening for the monthly ceremony, which was particularly special as it focused on Chedoke Creek. The body of water that runs into Cootes Paradise had about 24 billion litres of sewage and storm water runoff leak into it due to a gate being left open.

Indigenous community hosts full moon ceremony to heal Chedoke Creek

CWA

Canada Water Agency: A new focal point for freshwater protection

Canada Water Agency: A new focal point for freshwater protection

Canada is a water-rich nation responsible for 20 per cent of the global resource. This seemingly limitless bounty is easy to take for granted but, as the very basis of life, freshwater cannot be left behind as we work our way through the challenges of a changing world. In recognition of the need for broader coordination, the Canada Water Agency (CWA) was launched in 2023 as part of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). Based in Winnipeg, Man., the agency will become an independent entity in the coming months with a mandate to modernize and integrate freshwater management in Canada.

At last, a federal water agency

At last, a federal water agency

Terry Duguid, Liberal member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, was given the task of turning the notion into reality, a fairly straightforward assignment given the unusual clarity of the promise; at least one would think. Ottawa is spending billions of dollars on water-related programs scattered among more than a dozen departments with co-ordination and common direction lacking for all but a few of these. The guiding policy — federal water policy — was crafted in 1987 and has been a dead letter for at least a couple of decades. An academic study of federal water expenditures conducted in 2020 found it impossible to determine from public records exactly how much Ottawa was spending on water and for what specific purposes.

Looks like Sault got a hub snub from Canada Water Agency

Looks like Sault got a hub snub from Canada Water Agency

It’s been nearly one week since local officials learned the federal government chose Winnipeg over Sault Ste. Marie as the host city for the Canada Water Agency (CWA) headquarters. Disappointed by the decision, members of the CWA task force in town remained hopeful the Sault could still have some involvement with the federal agency by hosting a regional hub.

Water agency must focus on current crises

Water agency must focus on current crises

The Liberal Party of Canada promised during the 2019 federal election to create the Canada Water Agency. During its first 20 months in office, it has repeated the pledge in ministerial mandate letters, in the 2020 speech from the throne, and in the most recent federal budget. This repetition has provided a pretty clear indication of just what the elected government has in mind. The Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) is repeatedly cited as, if not a blueprint, at least a model that the new agency should emulate. While co-ordinating the diverse water programs now spread over several government departments, agricultural water issues are seen as a major focus of the CWA, with those issues being linked to climate-change adaptation.

Sault College professor appointed to Canada Water Agency Taskforce

Sault College professor appointed to Canada Water Agency Taskforce

Sault College's Natural Environment Coordinator and professor Ryan Namespetra has been appointed to the taskforce designed to help bring the Canada Water Agency (CWA) to the City of Sault Ste. Marie. This taskforce is part of the city's proposal to bring freshwater conservation to the Upper Great Lakes, which the college has endorsed and will work collaboratively on. "Strongly aligning with many of Sault College’s core values, our college enthusiastically endorses the City of Sault Ste. Marie’s proposal to bring the Canada Water Agency to our City along with the creation of a taskforce to lead this initiative," the college stated in a news release issued today. "Having it (the CWA) located within our city will not only benefit our community as a whole, but also future students and generations."

Regina hoping to become home of new Canada Water Agency

Regina hoping to become home of new Canada Water Agency

The City of Regina has submitted its proposal to be home to the new Canada Water Agency. The bid has support from government, academic, business, and environmental organizations from around the province. Mayor Sandra Masters says she’s excited about the proposal. “Regina has a compelling story to tell, and I’m very pleased at the regional Economic Development cooperation from all over Saskatchewan, with Saskatoon playing a significant role in this bid,” said Masters. “We have the history, partnerships, commitment and unique advantages to seize this generational opportunity and serve all of Canada in this vital role.” The CWA will work with jurisdictions across the country to find the best ways to keep Canada’s water resources safe and clean.

SARM concerned about creation of new Canada Water Agency

SARM concerned about creation of new Canada Water Agency

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities is worried about a proposal to create a federal water agency. In a media release issued March 25, SARM said the creation of a Canada Water Agency (CWA) causes concern and raises questions about how the overlap of federal regulations will impact provincial rules.

Sault vying to host Canada's water agency

Sault vying to host Canada's water agency

The push is on to bring a yet-to-be formed Canada Water Agency to Sault Ste Marie. The agency was first identified during the Liberal government's previous mandate. City councillor Corey Gardi and Mayor Christian Provenzano are spearheading the effort. "Coun. Gardi and I have been working to lobby the federal government to locate that new agency here in Sault Ste Marie," said Provenzano. "We think there are a lot of natural qualities of the community that make it amenable to that type of agency and we think it would be a great fit."

Regina hopes to host new Canada Water Agency headquarters

Regina hopes to host new Canada Water Agency headquarters

The City of Regina and File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council want the Queen City to be the home of the Canada Water Agency (CWA) headquarters. The announcement was made on Monday morning that the City of Regina and the File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council will be putting in a bid for the headquarters of the Federally-owned CWA to be in Regina.

Government of Canada launches consultation process for new Canada Water Agency

Government of Canada launches consultation process for new Canada Water Agency

“Through the Canada Water Agency, our government is looking to strengthen collaboration between the federal government, the provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples and other partners to find the best ways to safeguard our freshwater consultations are an important part of this process and I look forward to input from Canadians,” Terry Duguid said in a statement. Mr. Duguid is Parliamentary Secretary to Minister Wilkinson and has been key in the development process. The discussion paper, ‘Toward the Creation of a Canada Water Agency,’ presents key issues and provides an overview of the federal government’s existing activities to enhance freshwater management, and a virtual national freshwater policy forum is planned for January 27 and 28. A series of regional forums will be held in February that will provide additional opportunities to participate in consultations. The discussion paper and additional information can be found at placespeak.ca. Comments can be submitted until March 1.

Toward The Creation Of A Canada Water Agency Environment And Climate Change Canada Seeks Comments On Discussion Paper

Toward The Creation Of A Canada Water Agency Environment And Climate Change Canada Seeks Comments On Discussion Paper

The federal government seeks feedback on whether the objectives outlined in the Discussion Paper are the right objectives for the government to pursue and input on which objectives should be prioritized. Input is sought from provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, local authorities, the private sector, non-government organizations, and the public. Feedback will inform the federal government's next steps in implementing the CWA. The deadline for providing feedback on the Discussion Paper is March 1, 2021. Information about where to send responses is provided in the Discussion Paper. In January 2021, the federal government will host a virtual national freshwater policy forum. A series of regional forums will be held in February 2021 to provide further opportunities for Canadians to participate in consultations on the Discussion Paper.

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