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 and
economic 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 are
very 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 than
much of the developing world. Many of the world’s freshwater sources have dried up, are polluted or are
receding, including Canada’s Great Lakes. Concurrently, inequities concerning access to clean, fresh
water are prominent throughout the world, as those with higher incomes tend to have greater access to
water. This problem is also existent in Canada’s own backyard, as many First Nations populations are
consistently presented with boiled water advisories. Moreover, Canada’s 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. We
outline 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.
Pros Cons

• Pricing spurs conservation • Not being able to afford water

• User-pay: cost is based on consumption • Encourages and privatization
• Eliminates cost disparities • Removal of public ownership
• Source of revenue

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.
Pros Cons

• Aim to guarantee access for everyone • Expensive to ship from water-abundant to

• Non-discriminating water-scarce
• Human rights carry considerable weight • Does not encourage conservation
• Access can increase quality of life • Does not always work, as it is hard to
administer, monitor and enforce

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, Israel’s 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.
Pros Cons

• Access and conservation • Nothing in practice, only theoretical

• More efficiency with decentralized control • Could lead to privatization
• Financial asset for the poor • Still requires governance
• Environmental control to citizens

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.