The first of two reports examining the future of water supply in Canada has just been published by the "National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy" (NRTEE), a research organisation on climate change, air and water quality established in 1988.  Based on a partnership with the Canadian Water Summit, the report entitled "Changing Currents: Water Sustainability and the Future of Canada’s Natural Resource Sectors" is the culmination of the inter-sectoral research phase and of the mobilisation process regarding the future of water in Canada. 

The study begins by finding a sense of abundance of Canadians with respect to water resources. It notes, however, that "the apparent abundance of water masks a looming scarcity". According to the report, the Canadian economy and its future growth are dependent on the resource. In fact water is central to the economy, whether in food production, forestry, mining, or the oil industry.

Consequently, the study points out that Canada should consider a more sustainable approach to the management of water resources. Three critical issues are defined as priority:

  • Preserve the quality of fresh water,
  • Undertake a better coordination of governance structures,
  • Take into account the impacts of climate change.

In conclusion, the authors believe that approaches to the distribution of water are increasingly obsolete across Canada. According to Mr. McLaughlin, president of the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE) this is due to a lack of coordination and control of the public authorities: competencies are divided into several levels (national, regional and local ) leading to a lack of clarity which "is likely to pose a significant challenge to the sustainability of Canada’s water resources unless measures are taken now," said McLaughlin.

Furthering this initial report and the issues it highlights, in an upcoming publication the NRTEE will make recommendations that will specifically address policymakers. These recommendations will focus on improving current approaches to water allocation, improvements in the collection of data on water uses and will include proposals to manage the impacts of climate change, including the implementation of instruments based on market principles (carbon trading and emissions trading).

 

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