Share your thoughts: National Freshwater Data Strategy
Current status: Closed
A discussion paper on the creation of a National Freshwater Data Strategy, entitled Framework for the Development of a National Freshwater Data Strategy, was published on July 26, 2024. Comments received before September 15, 2024, will be considered when developing the draft Strategy.
Background
Every year, Canadians face important decisions related to fresh water. To make informed decisions, Canadians require data that is accurate, up-to-date, and readily available. Canada has an abundance of freshwater data, but the ability to access and use it is limited due to the lack of standard approaches for managing and integrating data.
Hence, the Canada Water Agency is leading the development of the National Freshwater Data Strategy in collaboration with partners and stakeholders. The Strategy will establish guidelines and principles for how freshwater information should be organized, stored, and shared in Canada. Once implemented, the Strategy will make it easier for Canadians to find and access freshwater data, as well as use and combine data from various sources. This, in turn, will support more informed decision-making and will help keep fresh water safe, clean, and well-managed.
The Strategy will build on existing data systems, data science, and analytics expertise. It will also align with broader federal data efforts, including the Government of Canada’s Digital Ambition and the 2023–2026 Data Strategy for the Federal Public Service.
Join in: How to participate
You are invited to review the discussion paper, entitled Framework for the Development of a National Freshwater Data Strategy, and provide comments to inform the drafting of the Strategy.
By email
Send an email with your ideas or comments to the email address provided below.
By mail
Send a letter with your ideas or comments to the address provided below.
Please include “Consultation – National Freshwater Data Strategy Discussion Paper” in the subject line of your email or letter.
Who is the focus of this consultation
The Canada Water Agency will engage with:
- Indigenous Peoples
- Federal, provincial, and municipal governments
- Non-governmental organizations
- Industry
- Academics
- Others who collect, manage, or use freshwater data in Canada
- The public
Privacy Notice Statement
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is seeking your comments on its discussion paper on the National Freshwater Data Strategy. Your participation is voluntary. The comments will be collected, used and disclosed for the purpose of informing the development of the Strategy. Any personal information is collected under the authority of section 5 of the Department of the Environment Act and subsection 7(1) of the Financial Administration Act. It is also protected under the Privacy Act and will be used, disclosed and retained in accordance with the conditions listed in the Personal Information Bank Outreach Activities PSU 938.
Any questions or comments regarding this privacy notice may be directed to ECCC’s Access to Information and Privacy Division at ECATIP-ECAIPRP@ec.gc.ca. If you are not satisfied that your privacy has been adequately respected, you have the right to file a complaint. You may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada by calling their information center at 1-800-282-1376 or by visiting their contact page.
Related information
Contact us
By email
Email: donneessurleau-waterdata@ec.gc.ca
By mail
Canada Water Agency - Data Office
c/o Jim Young, Data Lead
Environment and Climate Change Canada
4905 Dufferin St.
North York ON M3H 5T4