Statement

World Water Day – Protecting and Conserving Canada’s Water

Ottawa, Ont. -- March 17, 2011 -- In recognition of World Water Day the Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment, issued the following statement:

“Each year on March 22 – World Water Day – we reflect on the importance of water and what we can do as individuals, and as a government, to protect this life-sustaining, fundamental resource. As Canadians we are fortunate to have significant freshwater resources, with this good fortune comes considerable responsibilities.

“To safeguard our water resources our government has implemented the Comprehensive Approach to Water, an approach that includes significant investments in water quality and quantity monitoring and science, contributions to addressing problem areas and the building of partnerships. Water management is a shared responsibility, involving all levels of government and the international community so these partnerships are of great importance to us.

“This past year we’ve spent over $140 million on water-related programs and science. We have made significant advancements in a number of areas including in chemicals management, in moving forward on proposed wastewater regulations, and in taking the first steps towards development of a world class water monitoring program for the oil sands.

“In the coming year we will continue our work with our partners across this country and internationally. We will continue to work collaboratively on the clean up of the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg, we will continue our world class research and technology development, and we will continue to take steps to safeguard Canada’s ongoing access to clean and safe water.”

For more information, please contact:

Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008
1-888-908-8008

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