WHEREAS one in six people in the world do not have access to clean drinking water; AND WHEREAS the United Nations Conference on Water in 1977 affirmed the right of all persons to clean drinking water in order to satisfy their fundamental needs; AND WHEREAS there is a global campaign to have all nations recognize water as a common good and access to drinking water as a basic human right: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities recognize and affirm: - that water supports and connects all life; - that access to clean water is essential to the health and sustainability of all life on this planet; - that the value of Earths fresh water to the common good takes priority over any possible commercial value; and - that fresh water is a legacy, a public trust, and a collective responsibility; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities work with all levels of government to develop water policies that protect and conserve natural sources of water, and ensure that the delivery, management and regulation of water and services is a public responsibility, affordable and accountable to BC citizens.
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT The Province of British Columbia recognizes that we need water in every aspect of life, whether to protect natural ecosystems, support healthy communities or to fuel the economy. In recognition of the vital nature of water, we have committed to leading the world in sustainable environmental management, with the best air and water quality, and the best fisheries management bar none. In support of this goal, the Ministry of Environment created the Water Stewardship Division to lead the development and implementation of Water for B.C., our governments plan for sustaining and protecting British Columbias water resources. Achieving our goal and implementing the plan will require strengthening partnerships among all levels of government, First Nations, industry, and communities.
MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES Natural Resources Canada works to ensure the sustainable development of Canadas natural resources including energy, forests, minerals and metals. You indicated you had informed my colleague, the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, regarding your resolution B27 on water. Minister Baird is the lead minister for water policy and he will no doubt respond to your concerns. Natural Resources Canada NRCan, along with other federal science-based departments, is working to advance knowledge to better understand, preserve and protect water resources in Canada. To provide you with a better idea of NRCans freshwater-related activities, please refer to the report entitled Freshwater: The role and contribution of Natural resources Canada, available on our Web site at the following address: www.nrcan-nrcan.gc.casd-ddpubsh2opree.html. Water is fundamental for life and health. Canadas position regarding the recognition of a human right to water falls under the purview of various federal, provincial and municipal jurisdictions in Canada. At the federal level, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade DFAIT coordinates Canadas position with other federal departments, which have responsibility in the area of water. DFAIT is conducting ongoing consultations to further elaborate our policy on this matter. I have therefore taken the liberty of sending a copy of this to my colleague, the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on this correspondence. Providing a clean and sustainable supply of water where it is needed and when it is needed, is one of the greatest sustainable development challenges of our time. Through Budget 2007, the Government of Canada has committed 93 million over two years to improve the water we drink, clean polluted waters, help maintain water levels in the Great Lakes, protect our ecosystems and ensure the sustainability of our fish resources.