MP Mark Warawa Announces National Water Strategy

March 28, 2007

Conservative MP Mark Warawa helped to mark World Day for Water by announcing the Conservative Government’s National Water Strategy.

“A sustainable and healthy water supply is crucial for our ecosystems, our economy and our environment. This is why Canada’s New Government is taking action through its proposed National Water Strategy to protect and improve the health of our lakes and oceans,” says Warawa who is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment.

“In Budget 2007, this Government committed $93 million to support a comprehensive National Water Strategy that will ensure clean and safe water for all Canadians. This strategy sets the direction for a concrete action plan that will improve the quality of drinking water, clean up polluted waters, help maintain water levels in the Great Lakes and protect our ecosystems,” says Warawa.

“As the caretaker of the world’s third-largest supply of fresh water, this is an important day for Canadians.  It is important because a clean and healthy water supply is something each and every Canadian has the right to enjoy.

As part of the National Water Strategy, this Government will invest in fisheries science research, water pollution prevention, and the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality agreement.  “Water is a resource shared by all Canadians, and it’s our Government’s responsibility to ensure this resource is managed responsibly,” says the Langley MP. “We will continue to work collaboratively with the provinces, the United States and the global community as we introduce new measures to deliver safe and clean water to Canadians.”

Warawa joined Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Jim Prentice, who reported on the progress of the Conservative Plan of Action, which started last year and is designed to ensure that all First Nations communities have access to clean, safe drinking water,

"We have made substantial progress during the past year," Minister Prentice said. "We have addressed the most pressing issues in communities. In the last 12 months the number of high risk water systems in First Nations communities has been reduced from 193 to 97.”

"Last year we also identified 21 priority communities. Today I am pleased to report that in seven of the 21 communities, the water problems have been addressed. They are no longer on that list," Minister Prentice added. 

A 24-hour hotline and emergency support system has been put in place and, the Minister said, "We are committed to putting a tough regulatory regime in place on reserves, including new standards."