Western Experts make a Splash with Water Priorities
10-Aug-2011CALGARY – August 10, 2011. With increasing food and energy prices, a growing world population and the potential effects of climate change, water—and how it is managed—is more important than ever. A new publication by the Canada West Foundation delves into the views of water policy experts across the West to determine key highlights and priorities for our water future.
Wave of the Future: Water Policy in Western Canada by Dr. Roger Gibbins and Larissa Sommerfeld highlights viewpoints from over 50 individuals across the West with a background in water management, governance or the study of water, brought together by the Canada West Foundation for the Honourable James A. Richardson Discovery Roundtables. As a result of these discussions, it was obvious that water experts have similar priorities.
“Canada needs to take a long-term approach to planning water policy,” advises Dr. Gibbins. “In addition to ensuring that policy developments progress in a timely matter, we also need to appropriately value this natural capital while increasing public awareness about water issues.”
Our water has the potential to be a challenging issue for western Canada in the coming years, yet the participants at the spring 2011 James A. Richardson Discovery Roundtables shared a general sense of optimism. Although there are challenges that lie ahead with this resource and how we can best manage it, decision-makers should recognize that addressing any one of the priorities highlighted will be a step in the right direction.
The Honourable James A. Richardson Discovery Roundtables were launched in 2006 to seek out new thinking to strengthen the voice of western Canadians and gain a sense of policy challenges to come. The annual roundtables are designed to engage a small group of individuals with a background in, and a passion for, the topic under discussion. In the spring of 2011, the Roundtables featured water and were held in Victoria, Lethbridge, Saskatoon and Winnipeg.
Canada West Foundation is the only think tank dedicated to being the objective, nonpartisan voice for issues of vital concern to western Canadians. For 40 years, through its research and commentary, the Foundation has contributed to better government decisions and a stronger Canadian economy.
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For copies of Wave of the Future: Water Policy in Western Canada, or any other Canada West Foundation report, visit www.cwf.ca.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Grace Kucey
Communication & Media Manager
403-700-9535 communication@cwf.ca