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House Bill

Bill C-217

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
December 16, 2021
National Freshwater Strategy Act
  • This bill, called the National Freshwater Strategy Act, aims to create a national strategy for the conservation, protection, and use of fresh water in Canada. The Minister of the Environment will work with representatives from provincial and municipal governments, Indigenous groups, scientists, researchers, and environmental organizations to develop this strategy. The strategy will address various aspects such as drinking water standards, freshwater issues in international agreements, climate change's impact on water infrastructure, reducing eutrophication in lakes, protecting biodiversity and ecosystems, and addressing knowledge gaps about groundwater. The Minister will hold a conference with these stakeholders to gather their input. Within two years, a report outlining the national strategy will be prepared and presented to Parliament. The report will also be published on the Department of Environment's website. After five years, a co
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Context: House Hansard - 19 - Dec/16/21
Ms. Lindsay Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP)
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-217, An Act respecting the development of a national strategy in relation to fresh water. She said: Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to reintroduce this bill from the 43rd Parliament and from an incredible member who first introduced it in the 42nd Parliament. I am also grateful to the member for Edmonton Strathcona for seconding this bill. I have worked and consulted over the years with local environmentalists, conservation authorities and members from the Oneida Nation of the Thames on this bill. It calls on the government to commit to a national freshwater strategy. The Thames River runs through my riding of London—Fanshawe, and we are also fortunate to have several wetlands and environmentally significant areas in my riding. These areas are home to an incredible number of birds, wildlife and vegetation. Of course, we are also influenced by the beauty of the Great Lakes which provide all of our communities with environmental benefits that deserve targeted protections and sustainable planning. It has been well over 20 years since the government established a policy on fresh water, and environmental conditions certainly have changed over that time. While Canada has seemingly abundant fresh water, very little of it is actually renewable. We need a modernized national freshwater strategy. Protection of our fresh water is vital.
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