World Water Day is Tuesday, March 22, and I would like to draw your attention to some important issues concerning water in Canada.
Water is one of our most precious resources. Canada has one-fifth of the world’s fresh water, yet it is the only G8 country that lacks legally enforceable drinking water quality standards oat the national level. On any given day, more than 1,000 boil water advisories are in effect across this country, including in our own area and in indigenous communities. At the provincial level, Canada relies on a patchwork of water policies, which jeopardizes people’s health and compromises clean water for future generations.
Water is a fundamental human right. Canada joined the international consensus and recognized the right to water at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012. We must live up to that commitment here at home.
It’s time for the Canadian government to recognize our right to clean water at the national level. On World Water Day, we call on the federal government to pass an environmental bill of rights that will protect, respect and fulfill our right to clean water and to the health and well-being of communities in ways that are transparent, predictable and sustainable.
Blue Dot (what the earth would look like seen in space) is a movement to recognize every Canadian’s right to live in a healthy environment. We invite everyone to stand up for the people and places you love.
Sandra Hartline, Kootenay Blue Dot Group, Nelson
