FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON - April 7, 2026 - Days after the federal government announced the development of Canada's first-ever National Water Security Strategy, leading water experts are welcoming the move while warning the country is already falling behind the pace of escalating water risks and missing important market opportunities.
Convened by AquaAction, the group of water leaders met with Wade Grant, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Environment and Climate Change Canada, who leads on water, and the Canada Water Agency, to outline the scale of the challenge and urge rapid advancement of the strategy. The group presented a set of six guiding priorities.
The water experts emphasized Canada is entering a new era in water. Climate extremes, population growth, aging infrastructure, depleting water sources, and cross-border pressures are converging faster than existing systems can respond. The experts echoed the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, who declared "protecting water is not just an environmental imperative—it is a national one."
Water security is a matter of:
- Economic security, underpinning agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and industry.
- Community well-being and equity, with ongoing access and quality challenges.
- National sovereignty, in a context of growing global and continental water pressures.
- Reconciliation, and relationship building with Indigenous Peoples.
The Key Priorities for a National Water Security Strategy are:
1. Strengthening Data Collection, Prediction, and Freshwater Research Infrastructure
Canada's ability to manage water risk depends on robust data and predictive systems. Freshwater data must be treated as critical infrastructure, enabling early detection of drought, contamination, and ecosystem change. Long-term datasets are fragile, groundwater data remains limited, and gaps can result in permanent loss of knowledge. Canada must invest beyond short-term forecasting into long-term prediction.
2. Advancing Inclusive Governance and Indigenous Leadership
Water security requires inclusive governance and shared decision-making, particularly with Indigenous Peoples. A national strategy must integrate Indigenous knowledge systems alongside western science, strengthening outcomes through place-based expertise.
3. Aligning Investment, Philanthropy, and Public Financing
A national strategy presents an opportunity to catalyze water innovative funding mechanisms that leverage federal, philanthropic, and private investment. Canadian philanthropy is mobilizing at scale, but requires a strong federal signal to unlock co-investment. Proven models, such as the BC Watershed Security Fund, demonstrate how aligned funding can deliver tangible outcomes.
4. Scaling Innovation, Technology, and Economic Opportunity
While Canada has strong potential in water innovation, structural barriers limit scaling. A full value-chain approach—from research to commercialization and procurement—is needed. With global demand for water solutions rising, coordinated federal action is essential to retain talent, protect intellectual property, and strengthen competitiveness. The promised $100M Water Security Technology Fund is a key opportunity to anchor this effort.
5. Adopting a Holistic Ecosystem Approach with Integrated Groundwater Management
Water security depends on a holistic approach that integrates surface water, groundwater, ecosystems, and human systems. Groundwater remains under-recognized despite its foundational role in communities and the economy. Effective governance requires integrating these systems through shared data, coordinated investment, and inclusive institutions, while recognizing ecosystem health as central to long-term resilience.
6. Raising Public Awareness and Advancing Water Literacy
Most Canadians currently lack awareness of water systems and risks, limiting political will and investment. A national strategy must prioritize education and workforce development.
Concluding Priority: The Importance of Budget 2026
Canada has the foundations to build a world-leading water security system, but success will depend on clear priorities, coordinated action, and sustained investment. Participants all agreed: a strong signal in Budget 2026 will be essential to advancing the National Water Security Strategy, demonstrating federal leadership that will help to unlock philanthropic and private capital.
This is a generational moment. Acting decisively now will determine whether Canada secures its water future or continues to manage it piece-meal.
List of Roundtable Participants*:
- Wade Grant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Terry Duguid, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South
- Mark Fisher, President, Canada Water Agency
- Soula Chronopoulos, President, AquaAction
- Marie-Paule Jeansonne, Executive Director, de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation
- Meredith Brown, Director of Water and Land Relations, Canadian Geographic & Riverkeeper Emeritus, Ottawa Riverkeeper
- Jérôme Marty, Executive Director, International Association for Great Lakes Research
- Leanne Sexsmith, Director, Strategic Programs & Partnerships, Real Estate Foundation of BC and the BC Watershed Security Fund
- Dustin Garrick, Associate Professor and University Research Chair, University of Waterloo and consultant to the Gordon Foundation
- Dr. Alain Pietroniro, Professor, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary
- Pauline Gerrard, Executive Director, IISD Experimental Lakes Area
*Roundtable participants may be available on request for interview
Associated Links:
- AquaAction publication showing the full list of priorities from the Roundtable
- Canada Water Agency news release on launch of National Water Security Strategy
- Prime Minister Carney Nature Strategy that includes National Water Security Strategy
- AquaAction public opinion research on water literacy rates
About AquaAction
At AquaAction, we develop leaders to protect and restore our most vital resource: freshwater. We empower people, from young innovators to community advocates, to protect and restore freshwater through innovation, advocacy, and conservation. By supporting entrepreneurship, advancing education and awareness, and driving policy change, we help communities build resilience and ensure access to clean water for generations to come. Our mission is simple yet profound: a generation of leaders safeguarding freshwater for the health of people and the planet.
Media Contact
AquaAction:
Melanie Fontaine
Senior Manager, Media and Communications
melanie.fontaine@aquaaction.org
450-735-3721
