As the largest watershed in Canada, the Mackenzie River Basin spans five provinces and territories. It holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for many Indigenous communities. The river also plays a major economic role, supporting key sectors like agriculture, forestry, resource extraction, and hydroelectricity.
However, the health of the river basin is challenged by impacts to water quality, quantity and traditional use due to industrial activities, and by climate change impacts such as increasing sediment from melting permafrost and changes to aquatic species. Investing in the health of Canada's freshwater ecosystems ensures a water secure future for Canada, benefiting the economy, the environment, and our health and well-being.
Today, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature, and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency is announcing an investment of over $1 million dollars in six new projects focused on protecting and restoring the health of the Mackenzie River.
These projects are funded through the Canada Water Agency's Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative, a part of Canada's strengthened Freshwater Action Plan. The projects address key priorities that have been shaped through the ongoing collaboration with the Mackenzie River Basin Board, and through dialogue with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners.
Among the recipients:
- Aurora College is receiving $198,950 over two years to advance the development of a permafrost-lake landsystem to better understand environmental characteristics of lakes and their responses to climate change. This project, taking place in Inuvik, Fort McPherson, Yellowknife and Behchoko in the Northwest Territories, will also show how sensitive the different types of permafrost lakes are to climate shifts. This will help communities and decision-makers plan and monitor watersheds more effectively.
- Gwich'in Renewable Resources Board is receiving $196,326 over two years to study the health of freshwater ecosystems in the Northwest Territories. Water samples, sediment cores, and aquatic life will be examined to better understand long-term changes in water quality. The findings will help show how these changes affect the health of the freshwater ecosystem that support traditional food security of Gwich'in and Dene families. This work will also support local communities in building the skills and knowledge needed to monitor freshwater health and the impacts of climate change on traditional food security.
The projects announced today will create lasting social, ecological and economic value by helping local and Indigenous communities build capacity to better understand and protect their freshwater ecosystems and by building resilience around the impacts of climate change.
Through the new Canada Water Agency, the Government of Canada enhances coordination and collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples to address freshwater challenges and opportunities in the Mackenzie River and across the country. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to building a cleaner, more secure, and more prosperous future for all Canadians.
