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News: Canada's federal government scores an 'F' for water-protection efforts

I'm a big advocate of tap water — as long as it's relatively cold I'll drink it. To stay hydrated throughout the day I fill up a reusable water bottle (and add a little ice) in order to be more environmentally friendly. Plus, as a Canadian, I've luckily never had to worry much about the quality of water I'm drinking. But should I? The latest report from Ecojustice has given the federal government an 'F' for failing to ensure all Canadians have access to safe drinking water.

The environmental organization's third report, Waterproof 3, evaluated water polices, programs and legislation across the country, and assigned the provinces, territories and federal government a grade based on how well they're protecting drinking water. Ontario scored the highest — an 'A', followed by Nova Scotia with an 'A-'. Other provinces picked up grades ranging from 'B+' to 'C-', while the three territories received grades ranging from 'C' to 'D'.

According to the report, the federal government's failure is due to little improvement in the quality of water for First Nations communities, drastic budget cuts and the fact that some drinking water improvement funds are available only to municipalities that engage in public-private partnerships. Water protection was particularly lacking in industry-heavy areas where the risk of contamination is high.

This is the first time the report has expanded beyond treatment and monitoring to look at the protection of drinking water sources. But it's findings found only seven of 13 provinces and territories have implemented source-water protection plans. Ontario, however, was praised in the report for implementing the country's "most ambitious source-water protection program," with strong treatment, testing, operator training and public reporting standards.

Are you concerned about the safety of Canada's water supply?

Posted by Melissa Greer onWednesday, November 16th, 2011 - 4:50pm

6 Comments

How did the grades ranging from D to A add up to an F?

Submitted by Samantha on Fri, 2011-11-18 12:19pm.

Water is the GOLD of the future! Correction...it is the GOLD now! This is the single most important Canadian and WORLD resource to safeguard!! Everyone must write their MP and even Steven Harper and tell them so! This is where the money should go...not to any other program. Without water you aren't going to live very long. This should without a doubt be where Gov't money is allocated FIRST and foremost! Doesn't matter how good your economy is if there is no water to drink. Doesn't matter how many immigrants you bring into the country if everyone is dying of thirst. Doesn't matter what the schools system looks like if the kids don't have water to drink or bathe in. Who cares about roads if the workers have no water...Get the picture?? Pretty simple.

Submitted by CanadianCutie on Thu, 2011-11-17 1:36pm.

Ecojustice is, let me guess, a left-wing, granola munching, Birkenstock wearing, David Suzuki slobbering, anti-conservative, climate change believing insane green weenie outfit? So their grade of F really means the federal government should be given a B. Right?

Submitted by potvin on Thu, 2011-11-17 1:32pm.

What more would you expect from a government that sits squarely in the lap of big business (and American big business, at that...). Hands up everybody who actually thinks they could care less about the people of Canada.

Submitted by Greg on Thu, 2011-11-17 1:18pm.

Any pronouncements from a group called Ecojustice should be treated with the scorn and derision they deserve.

Submitted by jethro on Thu, 2011-11-17 12:12pm.

Our Federal GVMT. is a far sight better than that fascist US system. They turn off water to protect a Delta Smelt while a major area agriculture interest is brought to a screeching halt throwing people out of work. They caved in to the tree huggers in regards to the Trans Canada Pipleline. Our elected members are and better keep doing the job we hired them to do. This includes no bail outs to failing fiscally irresponsible countries or domestic concerns. It is nauseating to see how Barack Obama who never lifted a tool or did a days work in his entire life and in fact spent a great deal of his formative years liveing outside the US is kow towing to every treee hugging economy destroying special interest group out there not to mention his blatant support of the very unions who destroyed the manuf industry in North America. And our FG gets a failing grade. lol

Submitted by Mary Taylor on Thu, 2011-11-17 10:29am.

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