Advocacy
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Advocacy
One credible voice for the water treatment industry
- Join in the discussion regarding Manganese with Health Canada, see event calendar for details.
- Further discussion are happening with Ministry of Government and Consumer Services regarding the Consumer Protection Act.
Freshwater Study (PDF) – CWQA was invited to testify before the Environment and Climate Change Committee with respect to the Freshwater Study on February 8, 2024. Our representatives were able to speak to the challenges in groundwater contaminants and the need to have more information available to consumers and water treatment professionals through a water quality map of Canada. Continued work with the Canada Water Agency and with other associations to bring awareness to water quality is ongoing.
Government Relations Summary 2023-2024
The Canadian Water Quality Association made significant strides in lobbying efforts with the federal government. The CWQA met with key members of parliament on the Standing Committee of Environment and key members of the public service.
Meetings
Members of Parliament:
- Terry Duguid, Special Advisor on Water
- Gerard Deltell, Conservative Critic on the Environment and Climate Change
- Lloyd Longfield
- Francis Scarpaleggia
- Branden Leslie
- Damien C. Kurek
Public Service
- Daniel Wolfish, Interim director of the Canadian Water Agency
- Arash Shahsavarani, Director | Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance | Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
- Joanne Volk, Director General | Water Science and Technology | Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
- Jim M.C. Young, Data Lead | Freshwater Policy and Engagement Directorate | Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
- Meghan L Sullivan, Acting Director, Indigenous and External Relations | Strategic Integration and Federal Freshwater Hub | Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
- Greg Carreau, Director of the Safe Environments Directorate
- Stephanie McFadyen, Manager | Water Quality Division | Health Canada (HC)
- Viviane Choy, Senior Policy Analyst | Water and Air Quality Bureau | Health Canada (HC)
- Rita Finley, Senior Advisor | Safe Environments Directorate | Health Canada (HC)
- Kathleen Buset, Director | Water and Air Quality Bureau | Health Canada (HC)
Political Staff
- Eshan Naik, Director of Policy for Minister of Holland
Additionally, the CWQA submitted their recommendations to the Minister of Finance and the Standing Committee on Finance in the pre-budget process in February 2023, and for the 2024 pre-budget process in August 2023, and February 2024.
The CWQA submitted a brief to the Standing Committee on the Environment and Sustainable Development and was invited to testify in front of the Committee on February 8th, 2024. Executive Director Peters and educational consultant Jason Jackson testified to the committee and answered questions on the water quality industry, a Canadian Water Quality Map, and the further certification of water quality professionals.
CWQA has also made connections with the Assembly of First Nations to further cooperation between CWQA and individual First Nations.
The CWQA has also responded to upcoming legislation such as the Federal Plastics Registry, by sending letters to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, as well as Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu’s bill on First Nations water.
These advocacy activities have increased the Canadian Water Quality Association’s esteem in the eyes of the government, which will allow the CWQA to continue to advance our interests on the federal level.