From the iconic Niagara Falls to the great northern Mackenzie River, Canada is home to some of the world's most important freshwater systems. Water is essential to our environment, communities, and economy, and holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for many Indigenous peoples. It is fundamental to our individual and collective prosperity, making water security a national priority.
Today, the Honourable Terry Duguid, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, on behalf of Julie Dabrusin, the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature, and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency (CWA), announced the launch of public engagement to develop the country's first National Water Security Strategy.
The Government of Canada is inviting Canadians to share their views to inform the development of a National Water Security Strategy via an online platform accessible through the Canada Water Agency website.
A National Water Security Strategy will help ensure Canada's long-term sustainability by addressing freshwater-related challenges and seizing opportunities to protect freshwater ecosystems, ensure communities are resilient, and industries are water secure, sustainable, and thriving.
As we work to adapt to an increasingly unpredictable and extreme climate, a national approach to water security is more important than ever. To understand diverse needs, knowledge systems and priorities related to water security, the CWA is engaging provincial and territorial partners; First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners; and stakeholders across a broad range of sectors to ensure the Strategy reflects the values and lived experiences of people from coast to coast to coast.
The online platform at the link below includes survey questions to guide feedback. The survey will be open from Sep 9, 2026, to Oct 25, 2026, and a summary of the findings will be shared later this year.
MP Duguid also announced the extension of the Canada-Manitoba Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Respecting Lake Winnipeg and the Lake Winnipeg Basin.
This MOU facilitates a cooperative approach to protecting and improving the water quality and ecological health of Lake Winnipeg and its basin for present and future generations. It demonstrates Canada and Manitoba's shared commitment to the lake through investments, long-term collaboration on science and restoration efforts, and meaningful engagement of Indigenous peoples.
As part of today's announcement, MP Duguid also announced $2.8 million over three years, for 16 partner-led projects through the federal Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative. These projects focus on reducing nutrient loading and enhancing Indigenous participation in freshwater stewardship to improve the water quality and ecosystem health of Lake Winnipeg.
Among the recipients:
- Southern Chiefs' Organization Inc. (SCO) will receive over $130,000 to support community-based monitoring for participating SCO First Nations, providing foundational baseline data to support freshwater decision-making and stewardship.
- Manitoba Association of Watersheds will receive $490,000 to reduce nutrient pollution to Manitoba waterways in three watershed districts (Pembina Valley, Redboine, and Seine Rat Roseau) through water retention, wetland restoration, livestock relocation and other measures in partnership with local landowners.
Investments like these demonstrate how governments, Indigenous partners, communities, researchers and other partners can work together to address shared water challenges-an approach that will also help inform the development of Canada's first National Water Security Strategy.
Through the Canada Water Agency, the Government of Canada is strengthening coordination and collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous Peoples to address freshwater challenges and opportunities in Lake Winnipeg and across the country. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to building a cleaner, more secure, and prosperous future for Canadians.
