2001:03PU WATER AND MULTILATERAL TRADE AGREEMENTS
Whereas:
The Government of Canada is urged in the National Council of Women of Canada’s Policy 93.1 on Water, Free Trade, and NAFTA to prohibit all water-related commitments except the sale of bottled water in containers of 5 liters or less under NAFTA; and in Policy 85.6 on National River Basin Management to prohibit the construction of structures that would permit inter-basin water transfer to a foreign country and any agreements allowing Canada to supply water to foreign nations. However, these policies do not specifically prohibit the export of bulk water by pipeline, tanker, or bulk carrier. Additionally, Policy 98.6 on Globalization urges Canada to sign only agreements that guarantee Canadian ownership and control over vital water resources.
Whereas:
The federal government drafted an Accord for the Prohibition of Bulk Water Removal from Drainage Basins, which has been signed by all jurisdictions except British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec as of May 2001.
Whereas:
In 2001, Newfoundland’s new Premier is contemplating exporting bulk water from one of its lakes, raising concerns, leading NCWC President Elizabeth Hutchinson to send a protest letter to the Prime Minister.
Whereas:
The Federal Government is being sued by Sun Belt Corp. for millions of dollars under NAFTA Chapter 11, after the British Columbia Government banned the export of bulk water to California.
Therefore, be it RESOLVED:
That the National Council of Women of Canada confirm as principle and policy:
- The long-term supply of water as a national/provincial resource is essential to the health and well-being of all Canadians.
- Bulk water is not a commodity and should not be traded as such.
- There must be prohibition of the export of bulk water by pipeline, tanker, bulk carrier, surface or groundwater diversion by watercourse.
- Canada must sign only agreements that guarantee Canadian ownership and control of water resources.
- All provinces should confirm this policy and not act unilaterally.
RESOLVED:
That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:
- Protect the long-term supply of water for domestic, agricultural, commercial, industrial, and other uses.
- Prohibit the export of bulk water by pipeline, tanker, bulk carrier, or inter-basin transfer.
- Assert Canadian sovereignty over water resources and ensure multilateral trade agreements guarantee compliance with Canadian ownership and control over water resources.
- Work with the provinces to prohibit water exports and prevent trade repercussions under NAFTA or other trade agreements.
RESOLVED:
That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Provincial and Local Councils to:
- Sign and abide by the Accord for the Prohibition of Bulk Water Removal from Drainage Basins.
- Prohibit the export of bulk water, surface, or groundwater from any source by any means.