Changing the FLOW: The Future of Freshwater in Canada Symposium

On Wednesday, September 20, Public Policy at Massey and FLOW Canada are hosting Changing the FLOW: The Future of Freshwater in Canada Symposium. Bringing together freshwater allies from across Ontario and Canada the symposium will discuss the future of freshwater in the country following the creation of the Canada Water Agency.

Agenda

Panel Descriptions and Panellists

Panel One: Flowing Together, The Canada Water Agency, Co-governance and Co-operation 

The Canada Water Agency represents a monumental opportunity to practice meaningful co-governance and collaboration across Municipalities, Provinces, Territories, Indigenous Nations, The Federal Government and Internationally with the US. How can we ensure that the Agency takes advantage of this moment and, critically, amplify Indigenous Governance regarding freshwater issues.

Speakers:

• Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
• Daniel Wolfish or ECCC representative
• Carolyn Dubois – Head of Water at the Gordon Foundation
• Chair: John Pomeroy
• Animator: Colleen Sklar

Panel Two: Show Me the Money – Spending the Freshwater Action Plan 

An interactive panel discussing meaningful ways the Canada Water Agency can utilize the historic investment of over $650 million over 10 years to address the urgent issues facing freshwater in Canada today. 

Speakers:

• Glenn Benoy – Director of Science at the International Joint Commission
• Coree Tull – Director of BC Freshwater Initiatives
• Joel Brammeier – Director of the Alliance of the Great Lakes
• Chair: Mark Fisher
• Animator: Zita Botelho

Panel Three: Bringing the Canada Water Act into the 21st Century 

The Act is Canada’s primary federal freshwater legislation, yet it has not been modernized since it was passed in 1970. Now, Canada has an opportunity to be a water leader by safeguarding our own waters, working with our American neighbour to ensure effective transboundary management, and exporting our water expertise and innovations to other parts of the world. We cannot fulfil this role without a robust and modern legislative framework. 

Speakers:

• Merrell-Ann Phare – Canadian Commissioner of the IJC
• Oliver Brandes – Director of Water Law at UVIC, Co-Director at POLIS
• Kyle Vermette – Acclaimed Métis Nations Lawyer
• Chair: Aimée Craft
• Animator: Emily Lorra Hines

Registration

FREE

Register here

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