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ARTICLE · 25 SEPTEMBER 2026

Federal Government Seeks Public Input On First National Water Security Strategy

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The federal government has launched public engagement on Canada's first National Water Security Strategy, seeking input on how to address freshwater challenges, protect ecosystems, and support water-dependent industries. Led by the Canada Water Agency, this initiative aims to establish a national roadmap for coordinating water management across jurisdictions while building upon existing provincial frameworks. Stakeholders have until October 25, 2026, to provide feedback on priorities, definitions, and imple

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On September 9, 2026, the federal government launched a public engagement process to inform the development of Canada’s first National Water Security Strategy (the “Strategy”). Led by the Canada Water Agency (“CWA”), the Strategy is intended to address freshwater-related challenges and opportunities, protect freshwater ecosystems, strengthen community resilience, and support water security for Canadian industries amid growing environmental and infrastructure pressures.

Feedback on the development of the Strategy is being accepted from individuals and organizations across Canada until October 25, 2026.

Background

The Strategy builds upon earlier federal initiatives aimed at enhancing coordination in freshwater management. In September 2024, the CWA convened a National Freshwater Data Strategy Workshop to advance a more coordinated approach to freshwater data collection, management, and sharing across jurisdictions. Canada announced its intention to develop the Strategy on March

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