Thank you.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chair, members of the committee and fellow witnesses.
Thank you for the opportunity to appear today on behalf of the Alberta Irrigation Districts Association, otherwise known as AIDA.
My name is Alex Ostrop. I'm a farmer in southern Alberta and chair of the association. I am joined by Richard Phillips, vice-chair.
When it comes to water and water management, irrigation is woven into the fabric of Alberta. Representing 11 irrigation districts that irrigate over 600,000 hectares of agricultural land, AIDA members utilize approximately 8,000 kilometres of conveyance infrastructure and 52 water storage reservoirs, which provide water across the southern region of Alberta. This supports businesses, wildlife and wetland habitat, as well as recreational opportunities throughout the region that would otherwise not exist due to the dry climate in southern Alberta.
Over 50 municipalities receive water for their community needs through irrigation conveyance infrastructure. Our industry generates approximately $5.4 billion annually towards Alberta's GDP, creates nearly 50,000 jobs and significantly contributes to Canada's agricultural production and food security.
Investments like McCain's historic $600-million expansion near Lethbridge would not be possible without irrigation and its ability to provide reliable water to producers.
Given the increasing rise and severity of extreme climatic events in Canada, which particularly impact flood and drought patterns, irrigation and its related water management activities are an increasingly vital tool for ensuring agricultural and community resiliency through monitoring, predicting, conserving and overall distribution of this important resource.
Reservoirs are used as a key climate change adaptation and mitigation measure to protect and control water supply of high variability. Every day, we see the importance of collaboration, coordination and proactive planning among all partners when it comes to water management in southern Alberta, as well as the innovative practices that the agricultural sector is continuously at the forefront of.
We also see the risks of inaction and the hardships that producers, businesses and communities face if sustainable water management and infrastructure are not prioritized. We see multiple opportunities for irrigation to be scoped into government policy, planning and programming.
Our primary recommendations are the following.
One, government should recognize irrigation for its environmental and climate change adaptation benefits and implement policy that encourages rather than inhibits its development and maintenance.
Two, the Canada water agency must work with non-apparent industries, as well as work within the unique regional considerations of water management and water issues of the provinces. A regional office in Lethbridge can support meaningful inclusion and direct consultation with partners on mutual issues and interests.
Three, Canada must bolster its regulatory competitiveness by funding research for new agricultural management products. It can also strengthen the consideration of existing approvals and data within comparative and trusted jurisdictions when evaluating applications. This includes treatment options to address aquatic invasive species and aquatic weeds. It is important that Canada's water stakeholders and stewards have access to the most effective and up-to-date tools and products to address issues specific to their region in order to avoid detrimental impacts to water systems and to the countless people who rely on them.
Four, continue to invest in irrigation infrastructure. Supporting rehabilitation, modernization and expansion projects is crucial to ensuring that water is protected and delivered to municipalities, communities, agricultural producers and more. Every dollar invested into Alberta's irrigation districts has provided a 350% return in revenue.
As managers and stewards of fresh water in southern Alberta, this precious resource is at the heart of all decisions that AIDA's members make. We believe that the success of the agricultural sector and the prairie provinces are an integral part of Canada's future. The irrigation industry is vital to advancing sustainable freshwater solutions.
Canada is in the position to develop the infrastructure, research and programs necessary to protect and future-proof its freshwater resources. It must do so before water scarcity impacts the country's agricultural industries, businesses, food security, biodiversity, municipalities, communities and, ultimately, all Canadians.
Thank you for your time. We look forward to answering the questions you may have.