This briefing note outlines the opportunity to use the Public Trust Doctrine in BC water law. The Public Trust Doctrine helps protect ecological values, ensure water for future needs, engage the public, and protect public uses and interests. The principles embedded in the Public Trust Doctrine are being used in many places around the world to form the cornerstone of effective, efficient and modern sustainable water management regimes. Many of the foundational aspects of the doctrine—as applied to freshwater management—already exist in British Columbia’s legal framework. Proactively adopting the public trust as part of the Water Act modernization process allows the BC Government to implement the doctrine in a comprehensive and efficient way that is best suited to decision making processes and existing Living Water Smart priorities.
As recognized by Government in Living Water Smart, BC water laws need to be revised in order to sustain the environment and the social and economical well being of British Columbians. This formal submission offers the position of the University of Victoria’s POLIS Project on Ecological Governance and answers the call of the Ministry of Environment and Premier of British Columbia to provide solutions for securing our water future.
The WSP team contributes regularly to the FLOW Monitor -- a regular bulletin by the Forum for Leadership on Water (FLOW). Each edition includes a review on progress on key national water priorities, celebrates success, and reviews leading efforts to move towards a Federal freshwater strategy.
This document answers the call of the Premier of British Columbia for citizens to become part of the solution for securing our water future. It outlines key minimum steps critical to protecting this precious resource. This statement of expectations was developed through study and consultation, and the signatory groups urge the BC government to take swift and decisive action on the issues described within.
In February 2009, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson launched the Greenest City initiative, with a goal to develop innovative solutions that tie economic growth to new technology, green solutions, environmental stewardship and vision. WSP submitted a series of recommendations to the Water Working Group in June 2009.
An introductory briefing note by POLIS CWN partners at the University of Waterloo, Rob de Loe and Georgia Simms, launching the multi-year Governance for Watershed-Based Source Water Protection in Canada research initiative.
A briefing note submitted to federal Minister of Environment Jim Prentice. This initiative was a joint project of POLIS, the Alliance for Water Efficiency, FLOW Canada, and the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA).
A report for the Capital Regional District's Water Advisory Committee outlining ways to apply the soft path in a municipal setting.
A briefing note outlining priorities and opportunities for sustainable water management in British Columbia prepared for the BC Real Estate Association by Oliver Brandes and Jon O'Riordan.
The WSP team contributed to a Foundation Research Bulletin on the topic of Water Conservation in Oliver, BC published by Smart Growth on the Ground in April 2006.
An article in Environment Policy & Law Journal, Vol 15, No 8, November 2004, p.669.
The POLIS Project and Friends of the Earth Canada were invited by the Gordon Foundation along with three other experts to review drafts of the Implementing Agreements for Annex 2001 and make recommendations to the Council of Great Lakes Governors in September, 2004.
This background paper for Environment Canada provides viable action plans with federal leadership for a comprehensive and long-term approach to freshwater management in Canada.
A joint submission briefing note presented to the Prime Minister's Office by the POLIS Project and Friends of the Earth Canada on March 16, 2004 in anticipation of the federal budget.
