ParliamentWater resources in Canada are primarily the responsibility of the provinces. All provinces have laws to manage and protect lakes and rivers. However the federal government does have responsibility over:

Quebec FlagIn Québec, since water is considered something “common to all”, it is the responsibility of the government to define policies for the type of governance it would like to implement for water management.

Ontario FlagWater is a precious natural resource in Ontario, unfortunately incidents of water contamination in Walkerton and North Battleford have shown how damaging the consequences can be if we do not protect our water resources.

Grebe with chicksWater defines life in Canada. Relative to other parts of the world, Canada is blessed with abundant quantities of fresh, clean water. Our history, culture, communities, ecosystems, and the economy on which we depend have all been shaped by water. Water resources sustain our nation and represent an asset that few, if any, countries can match. We have a moral and ethical responsibility to manage our water resources wisely.

In Canada, the responsibility for water management is shared by the federal, provincial, and municipal governments, and in some instances, by Aboriginal governments under self-government agreements. For the most part, waters that lie solely within a province's boundaries fall within the constitutional authority of that province.