Strategic Vision for Water

In October 2009 ministers endorsed a Canada-wide strategic vision for water, which outlines how CCME will help ensure that Canadians have access to clean, safe and sufficient water to meet their needs in ways that also maintain the integrity of ecosystems.

VISION: Canadians have access to clean, safe and sufficient water to meet their needs in ways that also maintain the integrity of ecosystems.

MISSION: CCME facilitates forward-thinking research and integrated policy, standard and/or guideline development, that contribute to the sustainable management, protection, restoration and conservation of Canada’s water.

GOAL 1: Aquatic ecosystems are protected on a sustainable watershed basis.
Rationale: Enhance understanding and application of Integrated Water Resource Management to improve ecosystem health.

GOAL 2: The conservation and wise use of water is promoted.
Rationale: Improve understanding of the full value of water to achieve behavioral change.

GOAL 3: Water quality and water quantity management is improved, benefitting human and ecosystem health.
Rationale:  Promote nationally consistent approaches to water quality and quantity monitoring, guidelines and multi-jurisdictional public reporting. Encourage research and networks to enhance knowledge and understanding of ground and surface waters.

GOAL 4: Climate change impacts are reduced through adaptive strategies.
Rationale: Enhance water quality and quantity monitoring networks to support water and adaptation needs.

GOAL 5: Knowledge about Canada’s water is developed and shared.
Rationale: Help to spearhead value added information on water quality and quantity by supporting jurisdictional reporting efforts to Canadians in a systematic and consistent fashion.