British Columbia to lead Western Water Stewardship Council

OFFICE OF THE PREMIER – British Columbia will establish a secretariat to support a new Western Water Stewardship Council, which will ensure western provinces have a safe supply of water, Premier Gordon Campbell announced on May 30, 2008  after the Western Premiers' Conference held in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan..

“All provinces recognize that we share the same water interests and supply chains, and that we must work together on conservation, quality and supply,” said Premier Campbell. “When you consider that the Rocky Mountains are a source of water for B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan and much of the water that flows east is collected in Manitoba, it is important that we have a collective water plan that benefits citizens in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.”

The Western Water Stewardship Council will undertake work such as monitoring and reporting; water supply assessment; demand management; aquatic ecosystem health; education and outreach; watershed planning and
governance; and sharing information networks and systems. The council will also explore the potential for developing a western drought preparedness plan.

Since watersheds cross provincial, territorial and international borders, effective collaboration and coordination of trans-boundary water issues is critical to ensuring the continued growth and success of the West. Premiers noted the important role the federal government must play in managing cross-border water issues with the United States and urged the federal government to work closely with provinces and Territories to ensure Canadian water resources are fully protected.

To view all the press releases from the Western Premier's Conference in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, go to: http://www.scics.gc.ca/new_e.html

Released May 30, 2008