Support major investments in Canada’s fresh water
Environment and Climate Change Canada, Government of Canada
(
Government
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#SDGAction52345
Description
Advancing freshwater protection is a priority of the Government of Canada, which has made commitments to implement a strengthened Freshwater Action Plan and establish a Canada Water Agency.
The Canada Water Agency is a unique opportunity for Canada 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.
On March 28, through Budget 2023, the Government of Canada announced a major investment in Canada’s freshwater, including:
• $650 million over ten years, starting in 2023-24, to support monitoring, assessment, and restoration work in the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, St. Lawrence River, Fraser River, Saint John River, Mackenzie River, and Lake Simcoe.
• $22.6 million over three years, starting in 2023-24, to support better coordination of efforts to protect freshwater across Canada.
• $85.1 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, and $21 million per year ongoing thereafter to support the creation of a Canada Water Agency, which will be headquartered in Winnipeg. By the end of 2023, the government will introduce legislation that will fully establish the Canada Water Agency as a standalone entity.
The Government of Canada has also committed to advance the modernization of the Canada Water Act to reflect Canada’s freshwater reality, including climate change and Indigenous rights.
Canada is home to 20 per cent of the world’s freshwater supply. Recognizing the threat to fresh water caused by climate change and pollution, the federal government is moving forward on these freshwater investments.
For many Indigenous Peoples water is sacred, protected, and honoured as the giver of all life. Fresh water is essential to health and critical for the economy. Lakes and rivers across Canada support fisheries, forestry, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, recreation and tourism, shipping, and navigation.
Strong freshwater stewardship is critical to ensure the well-being of ecosystems and communities. As such, implementing a strengthened Freshwater Action Plan and investing in the restoration of large lakes and river systems are key freshwater priorities for the Government of Canada. Watershed-based approaches are and will continue to underpin Canada’s investment in freshwater protection and management.
The Canada Water Agency represents an opportunity for the federal government to work collaboratively with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, and local governments to strengthen Canada’s water resilience.
The modernization of the Canada Water Act is an opportunity to reflect climate change, Indigenous rights, and potentially other topics into the legislation.
Implementing a strengthened Freshwater Action Plan, the creation of a Canada Water Agency, and the modernization of the Canada Water Act will directly contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 6 – clean water and sanitation for all, by protecting fresh water in Canada. These investments will also benefit other Sustainable Development Goals and advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Parallel to these freshwater initiatives, Canada also works with First Nations to support the development and implementation of community-based source water protection plans to help ensure the sustainable provision of safe drinking water now and for future generations. These initiatives are separate from the implementation of the Freshwater Action Plan, creation of the Canada Water Agency, and modernization of the Canada Water Act and will be completed on a separate timeline.
SDGS & Targets
Goal 6
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
6.1
By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
6.1.1
Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services
6.2
By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations
6.2.1
Proportion of population using (a) safely managed sanitation services and (b) a hand-washing facility with soap and water
6.3
By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
6.3.1
Proportion of domestic and industrial wastewater flows safely treated
6.3.2
Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality
6.4
6.4.1
Change in water-use efficiency over time
6.4.2
Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources
6.5
By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate
6.5.1
Degree of integrated water resources management
6.5.2
Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation
6.6
6.6.1
Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time
6.a
6.a.1
Amount of water- and sanitation-related official development assistance that is part of a government-coordinated spending plan
6.b
Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management
6.b.1
Proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies and procedures for participation of local communities in water and sanitation management
SDG 14 targets covered
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Deliverables & Timeline
Resources mobilized
Partnership Progress
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Timeline
Entity
SDGs
Region
- North America
Other beneficiaries
- Indigenous Peoples, provincial and territorial governments, stakeholders, and the public
Website/More information
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Contact Information
Gemma , Director, Water Policy, Canada Water Agency Transition Office
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