Thursday, November 6, 2025
The federal government’s 2025 budget, Building Canada Strong, lays out more than $115 billion for infrastructure projects over five years, including billions earmarked for water, wastewater and climate resilience. While the plan signals renewed investment in Canada’s infrastructure deficit, water sector leaders say it falls short of the coordinated water leadership the country needs.
Core public infrastructure—including water, wastewater and public transit—will receive $54 billion over five years, with additional funding flowing through the new Build Communities Strong Fund, a $51-billion, 10-year program to revitalize local infrastructure. Within that fund, a community stream will direct $27.8 billion toward essential assets such as local roads, bridges and water systems, while a provincial and territorial stream will provide $17.2 billion for infrastructure priorities in areas like housing, health care and water facilities.
The government also committed $2.3 billion over three years to improving First Nations’ access to clean water through the First Nations Water and Wastewater Enhanced Program. This is part of the federal government’s aim to end all long-term drinking water advisories on reserves.
Soula Chronopoulos, president of AquaAction, said that while continued funding for the Canada Water Agency is a relief, broader support for water innovation remains absent.
“Building Canada Strong means securing our water future,” said Chronopoulos. “We are enormously relieved the Canada Water Agency remains relatively whole—a big win for all the freshwater groups who stood up in its defense. We are left waiting for the strong water leadership Canada needs.”
Chronopoulos emphasized the opportunity for Canada to capture a share of the growing global water technology market.
“With targeted support, Canadian companies could capture 2–3 per cent of the $600 billion international water technology market, equating to $20 to $30 billion in annual exports by 2030,” Chronopoulos said. “Investments into our water innovation ecosystem are a win-win-win for our economy, our environment and achieving our NATO commitments.”
AquaAction is calling on the federal government to deliver on its $100-million Water Security Technology Fund, a commitment that has yet to be implemented but could be “the biggest investment in water innovation in Canada’s history,” according to Chronopoulos.
The group also praised the budget’s new Youth Climate Corps and ongoing work to end boil-water advisories in Indigenous communities but warned that without dedicated water technology incentives—such as those available for clean energy—Canada risks falling behind.
As Canada develops its upcoming Water Security Strategy, water leaders are urging the government to align infrastructure investment with long-term freshwater protection and innovation goals.
Featured image: Government of Canada
