Trudeau repeats pledge to establish Canada Water Agency in Winnipeg, speaks at U of W town hall
CBC
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday reannounced the new Canada Water Agency, which will protect the country's freshwater supply and be headquartered in Winnipeg.
"This province is home to over 100,000 lakes and rivers, with water flowing in from the Rockies and the [United] States, all the way out to Hudson Bay," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday, overlooking the convergence point of two of those rivers — the Assiniboine and Red — at The Forks in Winnipeg.
"It only makes sense that it's [the new agency] here."
But he had no answer when asked where in the city it will be located or when it will be up and running.
"We are working with the municipality on physical infrastructure and location," Trudeau said.
He then spoke about climate change and attacked the Conservatives, under then-leader Stephen Harper, for cancelling the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration, which had been in place to help farmers during times of drought.
A news release accompanying Trudeau's announcement said the federal government will spend $85.1 million over five years on the water agency, then $21 million ongoing thereafter.
The agency will work with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, local authorities, scientists and other partners to find the best ways to keep Canada's fresh water safe, clean and well-managed for everyone, the release said.
"This is the planet that young people will be inheriting and it's up to all of us to protect it," Trudeau said.
The creation of the independent departmental agency was first mentioned in the 2023 federal budget in March.
It's not known how many employees will be based at the Winnipeg headquarters.
Mayor Scott Gillingham said the agency will serve as an economic engine and create hundreds of jobs but offered no other specifics.
WATCH | Prime Minister's announcement on the Canadian Water Agency:
He doesn't know where the agency will be located but hopes it will be downtown.
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