Environment committee  Thank you very much. It's a very interesting and relevant question. I think there are a number of aspects. The first is that consolidating the fragmented governance of water within the federal government under one agency, the Canada water agency, would be a very positive step.

Environment committee  Yes, we have talked. We have had a number of conference calls, and we provided comments during those conference calls. As well, we provided written comments on what types of issues and challenges there are, based on our experience, and how those issues or challenges should be addressed within this new agency.

Environment committee  I would like to begin by thanking the chair and honourable members for inviting the Department of Environment and Climate Change of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to appear before this committee to share our experience with fresh water. Water is embedded inside everything we consume or manufacture, and it is the essence of life itself.