QUESTION PERIOD — Environment and Climate Change
Canada Water Agency
October 1, 2025
Senator Moreau, fresh water is fundamental to the survival of species and societies. Fresh water is a limited resource, and with 20% of the world’s supply, Canada carries a special responsibility to protect it.
The Canada Water Agency was created to provide national leadership on freshwater protection, management and conservation. Scientists and experts are warning that rumoured budget cuts to the Canada Water Agency would jeopardize restoration work on vulnerable waters, putting clean drinking water, ecosystems and local economies at risk.
Senator Moreau, can the government assure Canadians that the Canada Water Agency will have the resources it needs to keep our fresh water clean and well managed for current and future generations?
Senator Osler, thank you for the question. You know — as do all senators — that I cannot comment on any future potential spending or cuts.
Having said that, I have every confidence that this government will always protect our water. It is one of Canada’s important resources, and the commitment of the government to protect our water is there for sure.
The Canada Water Agency’s mandate covers management of our freshwater systems, but it does not specifically address water security within the broader context of national security.
Shifting U.S. policies and funding cuts will put pressure on long-standing cross-border water treaties, such as the Columbia River Treaty and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
What is the government’s plan to safeguard Canada’s freshwater supplies to ensure their abundance and security?
Canadians don’t just share a border with the U.S. — we also share much of the same environment.
The government remains focused on what it can control. This includes delicate management of a number of shared issues ranging from transboundary water management to air pollution to wildlife protection. Canada remains committed to working with American partners to advance our shared environmental and economic prosperity goals while also proceeding in areas where our priorities are not aligned in a way that is clear-eyed and aligned with what Canadians expect. And Canadians expect the government to protect our water.
