Canadian Council of Ministers
of the Environment
Le Conseil canadien des ministres
de l'environnement
Current Priorities
Water
Water is an essential natural resource that shapes regional landscapes and is vital for human well-being and ecosystem functioning. Management of water in Canada has evolved in response to the changing demands placed on water, as well as to growing awareness of the effects of human activities on the aquatic environment. Water management continues to be a priority for governments. CCME is implementing a strategic vision for water endorsed by ministers in 2009. Current priorities are:
- improving jurisdictions’ ability to evaluate cumulative impacts of allocation and withdrawals on surface water and groundwater.
- increasing jurisdictions’ capacity to manage the impact of land use activities on surface water and groundwater quality, by continuing to develop technical tools such as Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines
- developing tools to assist jurisdictions adapt to climate change impacts on the hydrologic cycle.
CCME is also monitoring implementation of the Canada-wide Strategy for the Management of Municipal Wastewater Effluent, which was endorsed by ministers in February 2009.
The delivery of water activities is coordinated by CCME's Water Management Committee.
CCME resources on water can be found here
In October 2009 ministers endorsed a Canada-wide strategic vision for water…
The conservation and wise use of water is needed to ensure human well-being, ecosystem functioning and a strong economy…
CCME is increasing jurisdictional capacity to manage the impact of land use activities on surface water and groundwater quality …
Climate change will eventually dramatically change the availability of water, frequency of floods and droughts, permafrost, crops that can be grown, the types of forest and wildlife that thrive…