As our neighbour to the south threatens to tear up Great Lakes agreements, gut environmental protections and turn shared waters into a “tap”, the future of freshwater in Canada is more precarious than ever.

20% of the world’s freshwater is found in Canada, but less than half of it is actually renewable.

Freshwater is priceless. Defending freshwater and ensuring it is healthy, sustainable, and resilient for future generations must be a top priority. Sign-on to urge Prime Minister Carney to protect and restore freshwater, and the thriving ecosystems and healthy communities it nurtures.​

That involves honouring existing domestic and international commitments. Including:

• The International Boundary Waters Treaty Act which prohibits bulk water removals from boundary and transboundary waters. 
• The Canada–United States–Mexico agreement (CUSMA) which is careful not to oblige either Canada or the U.S. to “exploit its water for commercial use” and if kept strong when it’s renegotiated, can help prevent water privatization and bulk exports in future. 
• The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement which commits Canada and the U.S. to restoring and enhancing water quality in the Great Lakes. 
• Continued investment in the Great Lakes, especially as the U.S. administration dismantles agencies designed to protect them.
• Respecting Indigenous water rights, including inherent, treaty and legislative rights.

Our freshwater security is non-negotiable. Canada must stand firm. We must uphold and strengthen these and other policies that protect and restore freshwater.

Your message will be sent to The Right Hon. Prime Minister, Mark Carney.