Recently, I received an email from an organization that felt they couldn't support Share the Water because they felt it would require them to take a political stance. While I respect that some may not want to weigh in with a particular opinion, I hope that this would not translate into not engaging in the debate at all. If anything, our water future depends on a robust public debate.

Share the Water promotes an updated water rights system that prioritizes water for people and the environment. So, yes we have a perspective. But the main goal of the Share the Water campaign is to raise awareness among Albertans that the government is reviewing and planning to update the current water rights system. In that sense, everyone should care. Share the Water wants to help explain the current water rights system and the challenges this system faces so that Albertans can participate in upcoming public consultations in the Spring of 2010.

My larger concern is that Albertans will remain unaware the government is conducting this important reviewg. These changes could affect every Albertan.

Water Matters does propose solutions to the Government of Alberta's dilemma to update the current water rights system. Naturally, everyone who supports Share the Water may not agree with all of the proposed solutions. For this reason, Water Matters invites debate on solutions or policies because this discussion needs to happen.

Regardless to the solutions we propose, the challenges facing the Government of Alberta and all Albertans, are challenges that will be the same. Simply put, those challenges are increasing populations, new industries, climate change, and sustaining rivers themselves, all of which will have to adapt with a shorter supply of water.

Ultimately, the public should be able to shape the solutions that will affect them. Above all, the public needs to encourage the Government of Alberta to consider progressive policies and invest in a secure water future for Albertan families. This isn't a debate to sit out.