News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following message was issued today by Environment and Local Government Minister Brian Kenny:

Each year, we remind New Brunswickers about the importance of protecting our water resources during Canada Water Week, which is held annually during the third week of March to coincide with World Water Day on March 22.

This year's theme of World Water Day is Water and Jobs. It highlights how water can change workers’ lives and livelihoods – and even transform societies and economies.

The availability and sustainable management of water has a clear and direct link with the creation of quality jobs worldwide. About 1.5 billion workers worldwide are employed in water-related sectors or in industries where water is essential. This underscores the need for global efforts to raise awareness of the importance of protecting water for sustainable development.

Our government joins the international observance and invites New Brunswickers to learn more about water-related issues, be inspired to tell others and take action to make a difference.

Our government has made clean air, water and a safe environment a priority. Water is fundamentally vital to food security, energy production, health, sustainable economic and social development. That is why we are developing a new water strategy, beginning with a series of consultations with the public.

The public, stakeholders and First Nations are encouraged to have their voices heard on the protection and management of this important resource by attending one of the public open houses being held across the province or submitting comments online or by mail. The process is open until April 29.

We value healthy communities and healthy residents, and that starts with thoughtful environmental policy. The new provincial water strategy will provide a foundation for enhanced water protection and management. It will recognize areas of success and build on them, identify areas needing more attention and improvements, and result in better planning overall.

During this week, and throughout the year, we encourage New Brunswickers to take measures to conserve water, we invite educators to instill our youth with knowledge and environmental awareness, and we ask businesses and communities to join in the collective effort to protect this important natural resource.