WEBINAR DATE: Feb 16/11
ADDRESSING NATURE'S WATER NEEDS: THE SCIENCE, POLICY AND POLITICS OF ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS
SPEAKERS:
Mathieu Lebel, Freshwater Management Specialist, World Wildlife Fund (Canada)
Tony Maas, Freshwater Director, World Wildlife Fund (Canada)
WEBINAR SUMMARY:
This webinar will examine if and how environmental flows are being adequately met in Canadian rivers. Environmental flows, also known as in-stream flow needs, refers to the quantity, timing and... [ + ]
This webinar will examine if and how environmental flows are being adequately met in Canadian rivers. Environmental flows, also known as in-stream flow needs, refers to the quantity, timing and quality of water required to sustain freshwater ecosystem- and the livelihoods and well-being of people dependent on them. The speakers will provide an introduction to the scientific principles of environmental flows, and then discuss the policy frameworks and decision-making processes that govern the protection and restoration of environmental flows in Canada. [ - ]
WEBINAR DATE: Dec 08/10
PROTECTING THE PUBLIC INTEREST IN WATER: PUBLIC TRUST DOCTRINE
12:00 - 1:30 EST
SPEAKERS:
Oliver M. Brandes, Project Leader, POLIS Project on Ecological Governance
Randy Christensen, Staff Lawyer, Ecojustice Canada
Sarah Jackson, Ecojustice Canada
WEBINAR SUMMARY:
This webinar will examine the legal concept known as the “Public Trust Doctrine”. The Public Trust Doctrine is a concept that seeks to provide the public with a mechanism to protect ecological... [ + ]
This webinar will examine the legal concept known as the “Public Trust Doctrine”. The Public Trust Doctrine is a concept that seeks to provide the public with a mechanism to protect ecological values, ensure water for future needs, and protect public uses and interests. It is in widespread use in the U.S. but has yet to emerge in a meaningful way in Canada. The speakers will outline the opportunity to inject the Public Trust Doctrine into BC water law by highlighting the foundational aspects required in any legal framework, and showing how this could be incorporated in BC. [ - ]
WEBINAR DATE: Nov 10/10
RECOGNIZING ABORIGINAL WATER RIGHTS: TOWARDS A NEW WATER ETHIC IN CANADA
12:00 - 1:30 EST
SPEAKERS:
Merrell-Ann Phare, Executive Director of Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resource
Mike Harlow, Executive Director of Northwest Territories Water Board
WEBINAR SUMMARY:
The ambiguity of First Nations land rights under Canadian law effects allocation and water rights regimes of many Provincial Governments. The presenters will highlight the legal and practical... [ + ]
The ambiguity of First Nations land rights under Canadian law effects allocation and water rights regimes of many Provincial Governments. The presenters will highlight the legal and practical implications of recognizing First Nations water rights and examine the opportunities it will bring in forming a new, sustainable water ethic in Canada.
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WEBINAR DATE: Oct 13/10
THE BLUE ECONOMY: UNDERSTANDING THE VALUE IN WATER
12:00 - 1:30 EST
SPEAKERS:
Dr. Steven Renzetti, Department of Economics, Brock University
Dr. Anastasia Lintner, Staff Lawyer and Economist Ecojustice Canada
WEBINAR SUMMARY:
There is a direct link between water security and the performance of the economy. There is also a growing market for solutions that address global water problems. The Government of Ontario has... [ + ]
There is a direct link between water security and the performance of the economy. There is also a growing market for solutions that address global water problems. The Government of Ontario has recently made headlines with promises of economic prosperity and innovation through a new Waters Opportunities Act. The speakers will examine water’s role in our economy, and the economic benefits of a progressive Act in Ontario, highlighting the potential opportunities for provinces and territories across Canada. [ - ]
WEBINAR DATE: Sep 16/10
IMPLEMENTING WATER POLICY STRATEGIES: BEYOND THE PRICE OF PAPER
12:00 - 1:30 EST
SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Hendriks, POLIS Project on Ecological Governance
Dr. Rob de Loë, Professor and University Research Chair in Water Policy and Governance, University of Waterloo
Nancy Goucher, Program Coordinator FLOW: Forum for Leadership on Water
WEBINAR SUMMARY:
The increased activity around water governance across the country brings hope for successful water management regimes but also mounting questions around if and how these strategies will be... [ + ]
The increased activity around water governance across the country brings hope for successful water management regimes but also mounting questions around if and how these strategies will be effectively implemented. The first webinar will set the stage for the series by focusing on the historical track record of water policy in the country and on the current momentum in Canadian water policy development. Expert Dr. de Loë will provide broad analysis of Canadian water governance, examining where we have been, trends emerging and the opportunities to move great policy from the paper to action. A special presentation will be made by members of the Forum for Leadership on Water and participants will provide their perspective on the path forward on sustainable water management. [ - ]