In a recent newsletter published by the Forum on Leadership on Water (FLOW), Ralph Pentland and Oliver Brandes recount in "Activity but no Action: Failed attempts at Implementing a Federal Water Strategy in Canada" the failed history to adopt a federal water strategy and the need for the federal government to "make a clear commitment and start delivering."

A timeline dating back to the mid-1980s suggests numerous attempts to adopt a federal policy but with little success.

The article was included as part of a newsletter issued by the Forum for Leadership on Water (FLOW) to encourage government action to protect and steward our freshwater resources. FLOW evolved from the Gordon Water Group which published Changing the Flow: A Blueprint for Federal Action on Freshwater promoting strategic actions and policy by all orders of government.

Figure 1: History of Attempts at a Federal Water Strategy

Articles in the Fall 2009 edition include:

• commentary reviewing Environment Canada's progress on select policy priorities as outlined in Changing the Flow
• reflection on the success of the International Joint Commission
• review of the numerous failed attempts to develop a Federal water strategy
• update on the status of First Nations drinking water policies
• summary of the sustainable groundwater management report

Click here to read the FLOW Monitor available in English and en français.