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Regina bids to be home to Canada Water Agency

Regina – The City of Regina has formally bid to make Regina home to the new Canada Water Agency.

“We’re excited to take this next step in making Regina’s case for the Canada Water Agency,” Regina Mayor Sandra Masters said in a news release. “Regina has a compelling story to tell, and I am very pleased at the regional Economic Development cooperation from all over Saskatchewan, with Saskatoon playing a significant role in this bid”.

“We have the history, partnerships, commitment and unique advantages to seize this generational opportunity and serve all of Canada in this vital role.”

The Canada Water Agency’s mandate is to work with the provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, local authorities, scientists and others to find the best ways to keep Canada’s water resources safe, clean and well-managed. This spring’s federal budget included a commitment to developing the CWA, which would be located outside the National Capital Region.

Regina’s bid for the CWA touches on five key themes:

• support for the federal government’s environmental, Indigenous and economic agendas
• a long tradition of water stewardship, from the First People on this land to the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration and well beyond
• a ground-up partnership with Indigenous peoples
• a robust academic foundation in water stewardship, including First Nations University of Canada and the University of Regina, the University of Saskatchewan and SaskPolytech
• a welcoming, supportive community

The bid has support from government, academic, business and environmental organizations from across Saskatchewan. It was made on behalf of the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council.

“As stewards to the land, we must recognize we are nothing without water,” Tribal Chief and CEO, Edmund Bellegarde said. “Our sacred connection through water braids traditional knowledge found through the First Nations University of Canada and western science found at the University of Regina together that puts reconciliation into action, seeking lasting water solutions for all.”

Read the full proposal.

An update on the Canada Water Agency will be available during the Canadian Water Resources Association on June 4 national conference.