Designate Canada Water Week

AI summary

Petitioners ask the House to recognize the week of March 22 annually as Canada Water Week. The government responds that it already marks World Water Day and created the Canada Water Agency.

AI summaries describe petitioners’ requests and claims. Consult the official record for the full text.

Official petition

Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament assembled Canada has 2 million lakes, 8,000 rivers, 20% of the world’s freshwater reserves and 7% of global renewable supply, the third largest of any country; Water covers 9% of Canada’s surface area and 40% of Canada’s border with the United States; It is part of our national identity, uniting and connecting us. Indigenous peoples and water leaders like the late Josephine Mandamin teach us the cultural, spiritual and life-giving significance of water, its role in Truth and Reconciliation, and our responsibilities related to stewardship for future generations. Canada's waters support vital ecosystems, diverse plants, animals, fish and other species across all regions; Water is critically important to our health, wellbeing, environment, economy, sovereignty, and future prosperity; It is central to many of Canada’s most pressing challenges including climate change adaptation and resilience, food security, energy futures and economic security; It is integral to building a strong and sustainable economy through collaboration, innovation, entrepreneurship and new technologies. Public opinion polls consistently show Canadians believe water to be Canada’s most valuable natural resource; Every citizen, and sector of society and economy, has a role to play in ensuring the stewardship, sound management, protection and wise use of Canada’s precious waters; and March 22, the UN’s World Water Day, has inspired global water awareness since 1993 making this day and week an important opportunity for Canadians to celebrate, learn and take action to protect Canada’s water. We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to pass a resolution recognizing the week each year in which March 22 falls as Canada Water Week

Government response

Response by the Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature Signed by The Honourable Julie Dabrusin The Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their proposal to designate an annual “Canada Water Week” during the week in which March 22 falls, emphasizing the role that Canadians play in ensuring the stewardship, sound management, protection, and wise use of fresh water in Canada. Freshwater is one of Canada’s most important natural resources. It supports economic growth, sustains ecosystems, connects communities, and plays an essential role in the health, prosperity, and resilience of Canadians from coast to coast. Since 1993, World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to highlight the importance of fresh water and provide a moment to reflect on our shared responsibility to protect it. On this day, we celebrate water, raise awareness of water-related challenges, and take action. This is why a few months ago, we chose World Water Day to announce the launch of efforts toward a National Water Security Strategy, led by the Canada Water Agency. The Government of Canada established the Canada Water Agency in 2024 to improve freshwater management in Canada by providing leadership, effective collaboration federally, and improved coordination and collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples, to proactively address national and regional transboundary freshwater challenges and opportunities. In recognition that water management is a shared responsibility in Canada, the Canada Water Agency works with all orders of government, Indigenous partners, and stakeholders to help ensure that major freshwater ecosystems in Canada are safe, clean, and well-managed, today and for the future. The Government of Canada also continues to invest in freshwater protection and sustainability through initiatives such as the Freshwater Action Plan to support the protection, restoration, and management of freshwater ecosystems across Canada. Complementary to this work, EcoAction supports community-led actions, projects, clean technology, and innovation that contribute to freshwater sustainability. Continued citizen engagement, action and awareness on water stewardship, including through improved freshwater literacy, is crucial. Many partners, including provinces and territories, as well as civil society offer a range of online tools and resources to help Canadians access information about fresh water in their regions and across the country. At the federal level, Canadians can find federal freshwater information, tools and resources through the Water One Window. Across Canada, fresh water connects us – linking communities, regions, and generations – and holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. It sustains life, underpins the health of our environment, and supports the well-being of Canadians. It is also fundamental to our economy, powering industries, agriculture, and the growth of communities.