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

Government of Canada

Bill C-61 Introduced for First Nations Clean Water

Bill C-61 Introduced for First Nations Clean Water

The Government of Canada, acknowledging the long-standing water issues in First Nations communities, has introduced a new legislation, Bill C-61, known as the First Nations Clean Water Act. The announcement comes with the aim of ensuring clean and safe drinking water for First Nations for generations to come. “Created with First Nations, this legislation is the foundation of clean and safe drinking water for generations to come. It establishes the rights and supports that should have always been there for First Nations,” states Patty Hajdu Minister of Indigenous Services. “It creates the tools First Nations need to manage their water systems and ensure the water they draw from is safe. It holds the federal government accountable to provide sustainable funding so that communities never have to live with unsafe water. And it is thanks to the extensive expertise, work, and guidance of First Nations partners that this legislation will lead to a future where no one has to grow up without clean drinking water ever again.”

YVR welcomes government funding for low-carbon hot water system

YVR welcomes government funding for low-carbon hot water system

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) welcomes today’s announcement from the Governments of Canada and British Columbia, which confirms funding through the CleanBC Communities Fund, a component of the federal Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). As part of its Roadmap to Net Zero, YVR is replacing three, large tap water heating systems in the main terminal building to reduce carbon emissions and retrofit the terminal to be more energy efficient. On top of YVR’s investment of $1.8 million, the federal and provincial governments will provide a combined $3.57 million, enabling the replacement of the natural gas hot water heaters with air source heat pumps. This project will reduce the airport’s carbon emissions by eight per cent annually (855 tonnes of CO2) once complete.

B.C. attempts to facilitate discussions with U.S. on selenium contamination from province's coal mines

B.C. attempts to facilitate discussions with U.S. on selenium contamination from province's coal mines

The British Columbia government has changed its tune on a long-requested investigation into contamination from mines flowing into U.S. waters, opening the door to progress on an issue that has drawn the attention of President Joe Biden. The province has confirmed to The Canadian Press that it would now welcome a role in such an investigation for the International Joint Commission, a body created in 1909 to resolve water-related disputes between the two countries.

Big Grassy and Ojibways of Onigaming First Nations, Canada, and Ontario settle the First Nations' flooding specific claims

Big Grassy and Ojibways of Onigaming First Nations, Canada, and Ontario settle the First Nations' flooding specific claims

Today, Chief Lynn Indian of Big Grassy First Nation; Chief Jeff Copenace of Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation; the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations; and the Honourable Greg Rickford, Ontario's Minister of Indigenous Affairs, announced that the Big Grassy and Ojibways of Onigaming First Nations, the Government of Canada, and the Government of Ontario have concluded tripartite negotiations and reached a settlement agreement for the First Nations' flooding claims.

Government of Yukon partners with Government of Canada and City of Dawson to address housing demand and neighbourhood sustainability

Government of Yukon partners with Government of Canada and City of Dawson to address housing demand and neighbourhood sustainability

The North End Development project will see the municipality lead the creation of new building lots, located within walking distance of downtown. As part of this project, municipal water and wastewater services will be extended to properties in the area, ensuring sustainable local services for current and future residents. Recently, a project milestone was achieved with the awarding of a contract for the engineering work. Upon completion this will encompass residential building lots and over 200 metres of freshwater lines and sewer mains, accompanied by well designed roads and ditches.

Government of Canada moves forward on federal pesticide commitments

Government of Canada moves forward on federal pesticide commitments

Today, Health Canada, along with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), announced the next steps toward a sustainable approach to pesticides management in Canada. Establishing Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) is one component of Health Canada’s rigorous pesticide risk assessment process. Health Canada scientists consider information from all available scientific studies and conduct a dietary risk assessment before they set MRLs.

Government of Canada invests in renovation of Rhineland's Gretna Arena

Government of Canada invests in renovation of Rhineland's Gretna Arena

Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and Minister responsible for CanNor, and Don Wiebe, Reeve for the Municipality of Rhineland, announced a federal investment of $798,000 to support the energy-efficient renovation of Rhineland's Gretna arena. The replacement of old, outdated fixtures with new low-flow fixtures will also improve water conservation.

Building the Infrastructure Canada Needs: the Government of Canada successfully works with provincial and territorial partners to invest more than $33 billion in projects across the country

Building the Infrastructure Canada Needs: the Government of Canada successfully works with provincial and territorial partners to invest more than $33 billion in projects across the country

To date, the Government of Canada’s investments have improved access to safe drinking water by building or rehabilitating over 1,000 water and wastewater systems, strengthened communities with 800 projects to improve cultural and recreational spaces, and enhanced public transit systems by acquiring over 4,200 public transit vehicles like buses, subway cars and light rail transit trains.

Clean water and a clean economy: DUC welcomes new investments in freshwater protection in 2023 federal budget

Clean water and a clean economy: DUC welcomes new investments in freshwater protection in 2023 federal budget

Today’s federal budget recognized that investing in clean water and climate action will deliver many benefits to the economy, to communities, as well as to the health and quality of life of Canadians. As the Government of Canada outlined its intentions to build a clean economy, one that aims to advance sustainable development while reducing environmental risks, new investments in freshwater protection and biodiversity will make important contributions to this goal. Budget 2023 announced new measures to support monitoring, assessment, and restoration of some of Canada’s most iconic – and threatened – lakes and rivers. Over 10 years, $650 million will help to assess and rejuvenate the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, St. Lawrence River, Fraser River, Saint John River, Mackenzie River, and Lake Simcoe.

Government of Canada Invests in Upgrades to Heart Lake Conservation Park

Government of Canada Invests in Upgrades to Heart Lake Conservation Park

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) Heart Lake Conservation Park has received funding from the Government of Canada that will help create more community access to this valuable greenspace. On March 26, MP Ruby Sahota and TRCA CEO John MacKenzie were present at Heart Lake Conservation Park to make the announcement and recognize the vital work that will be accomplished with this investment support. As part of the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), over $660,000 in federal government funding will go towards essential infrastructure improvements to strengthen accessibility, the use of the greenspace, and the overall visitor experience at this location.

World Water Day marked with funding announcement for research and protection of our most precious natural resource: fresh water

World Water Day marked with funding announcement for research and protection of our most precious natural resource: fresh water

We are taking advantage of World Water Day to support our ambitious climate change actions that keep our air and our fresh water clean. Already, the Government of Canada has committed to create a Canadian Water Agency to protect this natural resource, which provides us with clean drinking water, transportation, energy, and economic opportunities, as well as recreation. Parliamentary Secretary Terry Duguid is also attending the United Nations Water 2023 Conference in New York this week as Canada's representative to discuss the mid-term review of the goals of the International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028.  

Government of Canada invests $74 million in the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site

Government of Canada invests $74 million in the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site

The network of protected areas administered by Parks Canada is a gateway to nature, history, and 450 000 km² of stories from coast to coast to coast. Investing in these locations helps support the protection of natural heritage and our rich history, increases climate resiliency and creates jobs in local communities, while providing visitors with high-quality, safe and meaningful experiences across the country.

‘Agreement is coming’: Oneida Nation of the Thames to announce water deal with Government of Canada

‘Agreement is coming’: Oneida Nation of the Thames to announce water deal with Government of Canada

Oneida Nation of the Thames First Nation (ONTFN) has been under a boil water advisory since 2019. However, the first steps in the slow process of changing that are expected shortly. “There is an agreement coming, it's just at the table now,” said ONTFN Chief Todd Cornelius. “We're expecting to inform our community soon of the agreement.” Cornelius was tight lipped about the timeline, but CTV News has learned an announcement is imminent.

Governments Of Canada And Saskatchewan Partner To Invest $485 Million In Saskatchewan Under The New Five-Year Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership

Governments Of Canada And Saskatchewan Partner To Invest $485 Million In Saskatchewan Under The New Five-Year Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership

Today, Gudie Hutchings, Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development, on behalf of Marie-Claude Bibeau, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit, announced $485 million for strategic agricultural initiatives in Saskatchewan under the new five-year Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

Deadline for First Nations Drinking Water Settlement claim extended

Deadline for First Nations Drinking Water Settlement claim extended

First Nations and Indigenous individuals can breathe a sigh relief as the deadline to submit for compensation with the First Nations Drinking Water Settlement has now been extended. The First Nations Drinking Water Settlement is a settlement (agreement) between the Government of Canada (Canada) and certain First Nations and their members. Any Indigenous individual or First Nation affected by a long-term drinking water advisory that lasted for at least one year between November 20, 1995, and June 20, 2021, will now have until March 7, 2024, to submit their claims.

Canada continues investing to protect nature and freshwater in Ontario

Canada continues investing to protect nature and freshwater in Ontario

Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, announced over $11.7 million to support the Ontario Land Trust Alliance to conserve wetlands, grasslands and forests that are currently under threat. Spanning much of the province, the projects will protect from conversion up to 6000 hectares. The projects will also restore another 300 hectares of habitat that supports 60 species at risk, including the Kirtland's Warbler. In addition to protecting species at risk and important ecosystems in people's neighbourhoods, these projects will help keep our air clean and fight climate change, by capturing and storing carbon.

The Government of Canada partners with the Government of New Brunswick and the City of Moncton to upgrade municipal infrastructure in Moncton's downtown core

The Government of Canada partners with the Government of New Brunswick and the City of Moncton to upgrade municipal infrastructure in Moncton's downtown core

Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Honourable Daniel Allain, Minister of Local Government and Local Governance Reform and Her Worship Dawn Arnold, Mayor of the City of Moncton, announced a joint investment of more than $36.3 million to upgrade Moncton's municipal infrastructure and improve its climate resiliency.

Government of Canada invests in 17 Canadian companies creating economic growth and good jobs

Government of Canada invests in 17 Canadian companies creating economic growth and good jobs

Symbient Environmental ($1.5 million) of Mississauga, Ontario – a start-up wastewater treatment company that is pioneering a low-cost system to disinfect wastewater using performic acid instead of chlorine, reducing impacts on aquatic environments.

The Barclay Construction Group Inc. agreed to pay $175K to the Environmental Damages Fund as part of an alternative measures agreement related to excavation work near Lake Ontario

The Barclay Construction Group Inc. agreed to pay $175K to the Environmental Damages Fund as part of an alternative measures agreement related to excavation work near Lake Ontario

Canadians value a safe and clean environment. Environment and Climate Change Canada's enforcement officers strive to ensure that individuals and companies comply with Canadian environmental laws. An alternative measures agreement has been concluded between the Government of Canada and The Barclay Construction Group Inc. As a result of the agreement, the company has agreed to pay $175,000 to the Government of Canada's Environmental Damages Fund. The agreement, as recommended by the court, was entered into as an alternative to prosecution of charges that had been laid by Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers under the Fisheries Act. The charges, which have since been stayed, were related to an incident where sediment-contaminated water was deposited into Lake Ontario. 

Government of Canada investing $71 million in infrastructure funding for Parks Canada

Government of Canada investing $71 million in infrastructure funding for Parks Canada

Through this federal investment, Parks Canada will continue to improve critical infrastructure in communities, maintain high standards for visitors, and enhance safety on the highways and roadways that take the public and visitors to and through the mountain national parks. In the Lake Louise area, critical repairs to community water and sewer infrastructure will improve service quality for residents, stakeholders and visitors, while the redesign of Lake Louise Drive will improve safety and visitor experience.

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