e-4278 (Environment)

A clean and safe freshwater supply is essential to the wellbeing of Canadians, the health and sustainability of the environment, and to the economy. Freshwater sustains life on earth – it supplies drinking water, grows food, and supports ecosystems. It is also sacred to many Indigenous peoples, a source of life that plays a central role in Indigenous cultures, ceremonial practices, governance, welfare, and societies. The Government of Canada is committed to safeguarding our country’s freshwater resources for current and future generations.

Water features prominently in the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change’s mandate letter from the Prime Minister. The Minister has been asked, with the support of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, to establish a Canada Water Agency and implement a strengthened Freshwater Action Plan, including a historic investment to provide funding to protect and restore large lakes and river systems starting with the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River System, Lake Simcoe, the Lake Winnipeg Basin, the Fraser River Basin, the Saint John River, and the Mackenzie River Basin.

On March 24, 2023, the Prime Minister confirmed Canada’s commitment to restore and protect freshwater by announcing a new historic investment of $420 million over 10 years to accelerate Great Lakes restoration and protection under the Freshwater Action Plan. This new investment was reaffirmed in the March 28, 2023 federal budget announcement of $650 million over 10 years, starting in 2023-24, to support a stronger Freshwater Action Plan including monitoring, assessment, and restoration work in eight major water bodies, which included the Great Lakes and Lake Simcoe. A further $22.6 million over 3 years, starting in 2023-24, was also proposed through Budget 2023 to improve coordination of freshwater protection efforts across Canada. The Government of Canada has also announced that the Canada Water Agency will be established in 2023, supported by an initial investment of $85.1 million over 5 years plus $21 million ongoing thereafter.

The Government of Canada remains dedicated to restoring and protecting Canada’s freshwater, while working in collaboration with others. Freshwater management in Canada is a responsibility shared by federal, provincial and territorial governments as well as many other partners. Creating the Canada Water Agency presents a unique opportunity for Canada to work with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, local authorities, scientists and others to strengthen collaboration, and find the best ways to keep our water safe, clean and well-managed, while also respecting the jurisdictions of other governments.

In Lake Simcoe, the Government of Canada looks forward to building on advancements supported through past and current federal investments. Given provincial jurisdiction over the management of waters within its boundaries, discussions and collaboration with the Government of Ontario will be essential.

Further details about the Freshwater Action Plan, including in Lake Simcoe, as well as the creation of the Canada Water Agency will be communicated at a later date.