ministerial brief for global environmental policy

8/9/2019 Ministerial Brief for Global Environmental Policy

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Ministerial Brief:

A Proposed International Convention on Water

March 24, 2010

Minister of Environment: The Honourable Jim Prentice

Minister of International Trade: The Honourable Peter Van Loan

Cc. Minister of Fisheries and Oceans: The Honourable Gail Shea

Cc. Minister of Foreign Affairs: The Honourable Lawrence Cannon

Cc. Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada: The Honourable Chuck Strahl

Cc. Ontario Minister of the Environment: The Honourable John Gerretsen

By: Chris Ferguson-Martin & Tim Shah

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ISSUE

There is limited access to clean and affordable fresh water for billions of people throughout the world. At

present, there is no international convention that addresses water resources in a social, environmental andeconomic framework. Without an international convention on water, it is extremely difficult to have a

global conversation about the importance of preserving and protecting this precious natural resource.Furthermore, the pressures on fresh water are expected to increase given uncertainties around climate

change, population growth and increased contamination.

BACKGROUND

Each year, about 2.8 million people die due to problems with poor water supply, sanitation and hygiene.1.1 billion people have no access to clean water. Distributing, collecting and treating water is usually

through water pipes and infrastructure. However, the construction and maintenance of water systems arevery expensive; if a government cannot finance these projects, then they turn to global financial

institutions such as the World Bank or IMF to receive a loan. If there is corruption within government

then the maintenance of the water system is compromised; this negatively affects the distribution and

access of water resources.

CURRENT STATUS

Currently, there is unsustainable consumption of water resources in the world. Canada and the United

States use the most water per capita than any other country in the world. Indeed, citizens use 343 litres

and 382 litres per day, respectively, nearly 1.5 times more than the EU and at least 20 times more thanmuch of the developing world. Many of the worlds freshwater sources have dried up, are polluted or are

receding, including Canadas Great Lakes. Concurrently, inequities concerning access to clean, freshwater are prominent throughout the world, as those with higher incomes tend to have greater access to

water. This problem is also existent in Canadas own backyard, as many First Nations populations areconsistently presented with boiled water advisories. Moreover, Canadas national water policy is diluted,

outdated and does not clearly account for future international pressures, particularly from the United

States.

STAKEHOLDERS

It is critical to include the following stakeholders in an international convention on water:

NGOs such as the Council of Canadians, the Pacific Institute and the World Water Council

All levels of governments, including regional governments

The United Nations (UNEP and UNDP), World Bank and World Trade Organization

Private sector water companies i.e. RWE, Veolia Environment and Suez Environment.

Representative Organizations such as the World Business Council on Sustainable Development and

the Indigenous Environmental Network

Farmers and the agricultural sector Universities, think tanks and religious groups are all important stakeholders that need not be

excluded.

CANADIAN POLICY OPTIONS

In establishing an international convention on water, Canada has several paths it could explore. Weoutline these paths below, as well providing a recommendation for the Canadian government.

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OPTION ONE: World Water Price

A world water price would be set by a globalized water market based on supply and demand.

OPTION TWO: Recognize Water as a Human

Right

Recognize safe and clean water as a legal entitlement for everyone in the world without a price.

OPTION THREE: Water as a Property

Right

Everyone is legally entitled to a finite amount of water as their property to use at their discretion. For

example, Israels renewable water supply per capita is 611 litres/capita/day (lcd). Citizens would be given

135 lcd and the remaining 467 lcd can be traded, sold, or left in the environment.

RECOMMENDED OPTION

We recommend option three, initially by introducing pilot projects throughout Canada to explore the idea.However, in order to achieve this, the Canadian government must establish a more effective national

water policy. With a stronger national water policy, Canada could be a more prominent player at an

international water convention and help with establishing an international water governance framework.This recommended option would require Canada to recognize water as an economic good to ensure the

preservation and protection of the resource.

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Pros

Pricing spurs conservation

User-pay: cost is based on consumption Eliminates cost disparities

Source of revenue

Cons

Not being able to afford water

Encourages and privatization Removal of public ownership

Pros

Aim to guarantee access for everyone

Non-discriminating

Human rights carry considerable weight

Access can increase quality of life

Cons

Expensive to ship from water-abundant to

water-scarce

Does not encourage conservation

Does not always work, as it is hard to

administer, monitor and enforce

Pros

Access and conservation

More efficiency with decentralized control

Financial asset for the poor

Cons

Nothing in practice, only theoretical

Could lead to privatization

Still requires governance

Environmental control to citizens

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