But the other governments that signed NAFTA still have the option of challenging provincial laws. It is possible that people who challenge provincial or Quebec legislation on extraction may want to make water into a tradeable commodity. All the irritants in NAFTA that prevent the free trade of goods become subject to challenge to some extent. The possibility exists. People would like an express guarantee that water, not just in its natural state but Water with a capital "W", will be excluded from NAFTA. Then we could say that there is no harm in being extra careful.
On May 10th, 2007. See this statement in context.