Mr. Speaker, yesterday was World Water Day, a moment to reflect on an extraordinary truth, which is that Canada is a water nation. We are home to 20% of the world's fresh water. This abundance shapes our lives, provides safe drinking water, sustains agriculture and fisheries, and supports our economy. For indigenous peoples, water holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning. For all Canadians, it is part of who we are, yet we have too often taken it for granted.
Climate change is bringing more floods and droughts, while pollution and invasive species threaten our waters. That is why we are taking action through the new Canada Water Agency and a strengthened freshwater action plan.
I want to recognize the Bruce fellows students at Toronto Metropolitan University who will be presenting a petition calling for a Canada water week. It is a reminder that the next generation is stepping forward to protect this vital resource, because protecting our water is a shared responsibility between this generation and those that follow.