April 15, 2015
MP introduces legislation to cover irrigation
Francis Scarpaleggia, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Louis and Chair of the National Liberal Caucus, in February tabled legislation in the House of Commons to amend the Canada Water Act to authorize the federal government to play a lead role in promoting the optimum use of water resources in Canada.
If passed, An Act to amend the Canada Water Act (recycling, conservation and efficiency) would allow the federal government to make “regulations respecting water devices and standards for water recycling, water conservation and water efficiency” and develop and undertake “programs relating to the development and promotion of water devices and water-recycling, water conservation and water efficiency practices.”
It would also allow the government to establish or recognize “standards for water recycling, water conservation and water efficiency” and to enforce minimum water-efficiency standards in water-related devices (water-applying devices, water-consuming devices, water-recycling devices, water-conserving, and water efficient devices) sold in Canada through the federal power to regulate international and inter-provincial trade.
The bill would also allow Ottawa to “enter into agreements with the government of the United States, provincial governments, industrial and trade organizations and communities with an interest in the recycling, conservation and efficient use of water, to provide programs to develop water devices” and “promote the adoption of water devices and water-recycling, water conservation and water efficiency practices.”
“Water efficiency, recycling and conservation is becoming increasingly important in a world with growing water stresses causes by population growth, economic growth and the impacts of climate change on water supplies” said the Montreal West Island M.P. “There is a need to set optimum standards for water-using products, devices and processes, from rain-harvesting devices to irrigation systems. The creation and enforcement of broad national standards that dovetail with evolving international standards is a legitimate role for the federal government to play around the protection of Canada’s most vital resource.”
If passed, An Act to amend the Canada Water Act (recycling, conservation and efficiency) would allow the federal government to make “regulations respecting water devices and standards for water recycling, water conservation and water efficiency” and develop and undertake “programs relating to the development and promotion of water devices and water-recycling, water conservation and water efficiency practices.”
It would also allow the government to establish or recognize “standards for water recycling, water conservation and water efficiency” and to enforce minimum water-efficiency standards in water-related devices (water-applying devices, water-consuming devices, water-recycling devices, water-conserving, and water efficient devices) sold in Canada through the federal power to regulate international and inter-provincial trade.
The bill would also allow Ottawa to “enter into agreements with the government of the United States, provincial governments, industrial and trade organizations and communities with an interest in the recycling, conservation and efficient use of water, to provide programs to develop water devices” and “promote the adoption of water devices and water-recycling, water conservation and water efficiency practices.”
“Water efficiency, recycling and conservation is becoming increasingly important in a world with growing water stresses causes by population growth, economic growth and the impacts of climate change on water supplies” said the Montreal West Island M.P. “There is a need to set optimum standards for water-using products, devices and processes, from rain-harvesting devices to irrigation systems. The creation and enforcement of broad national standards that dovetail with evolving international standards is a legitimate role for the federal government to play around the protection of Canada’s most vital resource.”