Speeches/Hansard

Water Management

April 22, 2008

Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's increasingly clear that our water is being mismanaged. This was highlighted in the national report released recently called Fight to the Last Drop on the growing conflict over water in southern Alberta . More evidence: $ 85 million to settle a lawsuit over water with the Western irrigation district, a legal challenge announced this week from two First Nations bands, contention last year over the Balzac mall racetrack, and finally Eastern irrigation district's application for selling unused water licences for purposes other than irrigation. A perfect storm is brewing.

To the Environment minister: how much longer must Albertans wait to have clear and fair rules on new water allocations to ensure protection of our most vital values?

Mr. Renner: Well, Mr. Speaker, the government of Alberta takes very seriously its responsibility to manage our water resources in a responsible manner, but I have to point out to the member that it's probably more of a truism today than it was back in the 1800s when it was first coined by Mark Twain, “ Whiskey is for drinking; water is for fighting over.” It is not going to go away quickly. That doesn't undermine the necessity for us to deal with it.

Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, given that a government report released from AMEC Earth & Environmental in late ' 07 stated that the government cannot make valid decisions on water allocations or adequately plan because it lacks current, reliable information on actual water use, what assurances do Albertans have that this minister can protect our water? Are we supposed to take his word?

Mr. Renner: Well, Mr. Speaker, I was very pleased to participate in one of many such opportunities this morning when the Red Deer River Watershed Alliance announced that it is initiating its total evaluation of existing data with respect to the state of the watershed to identify what data is available, what data is known, and whether there are any gaps that need to be put in place so that we can do just what the member is suggesting needs to be done.

Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Given that water is a public resource and is not owned by the irrigation districts, will the minister convene a public review of water allocation with a view to ensuring that it is transparent and fair in protecting our primary values of human need and ecosystem preservation.

Mr. Renner: The government is involved in the implementation of the Water for Life strategy. The development of that strategy has been a very public involvement, and a broad base of stakeholders have contributed and will continue to contribute to the development and implementation of that strategy.