November 24, 2003

A national water strategy involving federal, provincial and territorial governments would serve Canadians well, Water Stewardship Minister Steve Ashton and Conservation Minister Stan Struthers said today.

"Manitoba has adopted a water strategy in recognition of this vital resource, but what the country really needs is a better approach, a truly national view that will include federal, provincial and territorial concerns," said Ashton. "Rivers can cross provincial boundaries and activities in one part of Canada may impact on others so, as governments, we need to work together."

"A national strategy needs the participation of all senior levels of government to be effective in bringing about sustainable plans and uses for Canada’s vast water resources," said Struthers. "Manitoba will be asking our federal, provincial, and territorial counterparts to move forward on a strategy that would protect the long-term sustainability of our water resources."

Struthers will raise the topic at the Nov. 24 and 25 meeting of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) in Victoria, B.C.

At the meeting, Struthers hopes to discuss the importance of developing a co-ordinated approach to all environmental challenges, including those related to water. "By sharing information on best practices and discussing successful approaches to water management and protection, we hope to instill in Canadians the confidence that their governments are working together on this issue which transcends our borders", said Struthers.

Ashton noted that Manitoba’s Water Strategy, announced in April 2003, focused on three main areas: better planning on a watershed basis, stronger legislation and more investment. Ashton noted the high level of co-operation between Manitoba and the federal government on projects such as the Red River Floodway expansion, and the Devils Lake Project that threatens to bring invasive species into Manitoba waterways via the Red River.

The council is based in Winnipeg with participation from all provinces and territories as well as the federal government. The ministers work together to promote effective co-operation and co-ordinated approaches to cross-Canada issues such as air pollution and toxic chemicals. Council members set out consistent national environmental standards, strategies and objectives to achieve a high level of environmental quality across the country.

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