Tuesday, March 24, 2026
The government of Canada announced on March 22, World Water Day, that it is launching efforts to create the nation’s first national water security strategy.
The Canada Water Agency (CWA) will lead the work while engaging with provinces, territories, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners, stakeholders across sectors and the public, a CWA release said.
“To help ensure a water‑secure future for all, we are advancing work on a National Water Security Strategy—one that reflects Indigenous Knowledge Systems and stewardship of water, and the value that all Canadians place on our iconic lakes, wetlands, and rivers. From the Wolastoq/Saint John and St. Lawrence rivers in the east to the Fraser and Mackenzie rivers in the west and north, these waters flow through our landscape and shape our way of life. I look forward to engaging with provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, stakeholders, and the public to explore what water security means to them,” federal minister of the environment, climate change and nature and minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency Julie Dabrusin said.
The announcement builds on the Government of Canada’s $650 million commitment over 10 years in the Freshwater Action Plan to manage, restore, and protect fresh water, a CWA release said.
Current water challenges for Canada include droughts, floods, pollution, wildfires, aging critical water infrastructure, stresses on groundwater, permafrost degradation, and algal blooms, the release added.
