“We have been quick to assume rights to use water but slow to recognize obligations to preserve and protect it…” - Sandra Postel, Last Oasis

Water in the context of Alberta Maude Barlow UNA clip Blue planet project part 1/3 10:35 BarlowUNAAGM

Fact: Alberta has a growing water crisis

CLIMATE CHANGE

Current Allocation System Based off of the 1894 North West Irrigation Act to encourage people to settle in the west Became the First in Time, First in Right system (FITFIR) Review in the 90’s led to adoption of the 1999 Water Act

Problems with the current system Junior licenses have no water security in dry years (FITFIR) No prioritization of basic human needs or for clean water users Ecosystem and instream flow levels not recognized Disrespect for First Nations water rights Poor enforcement

We need change

What are water markets? The 1999 Water Act introduced “water transfers” to allow reallocation of water between users August 30, 2006 the government placed a moratorium on new water licenses in the SSRB Created Canada’s first water market

Reasons for Concern Commodification of the commons: selling the right to use water Licenses to use collective water given away and can now be sold Leaves social and environmental needs to be determined by the market Municipalities, small farmers and others must now compete with industry Water will go to the highest bidder, not public interest

Visualize A River Given all of the demands on the use of water, how would you decide to prioritize those uses? Who do you think should be involved in this decision making process?

Provincial Review of the Water Act In 2008, Alberta Environment Minister Rob Renner, announced he would review and update Alberta’s water allocation system. “The water allocation system that we have in place needs to be reviewed.” (Minister Rob Renner who added that a public review will come within 18 months) -Calgary Herald September 4 th, 2008

Top Down Decision Making “Come August or September, I’ll have enough of an idea on the direction we want to go that we’ll put together a document that will then become the focus of public consultations; it’s important that the people have something specific to comment on.” – Calgary Herald, March 9, Since then three reports have been publicly submitted to the Government of Alberta, all assuming water markets are THE policy option.

The Reports The reports are from the Minister’s Advisory Group, Alberta Water Council (WATSUP team), Alberta Water Research Institute The AWC’s mandate: “Review the water allocation transfer system to ensure a viable market that moves water to support sustainable economic development.”

What did the ‘experts’ Say? Maintain FITFIR system Protect water? WCO’s are Problematic Treat water licenses like a private property in a water market Set up private brokers to Facilitate water transfers Tiered review process Abolishing need for planning and enforcement (WMP’s)

Problems with the proposed system No security for junior licenses in times of water scarcity (FITFIR) No prioritization for clean water users, basic human needs, and the ecosystem No deterrents for dirty water users No respect for First Nation’s water rights Poor enforcement

Clean Water Uses?

Quotes directly from the Reports “Abolish the requirement to have a Water Management Plan, approved by Cabinet, before transfers are allowed.” (MAG) “Remove operational barriers and streamline the transfer system” (MAG) “Provide an efficient means of re- allocating water from lower-value uses to higher-value uses.” (AWC)

Higher Value Uses “…one that translates into a higher Gross Domestic Product, more money circulating in a community, more tax dollars, etc.” (AWC)

Myth: Water markets could increase GDP and that can only be good for society Fact : Car accidents, oil spills, and extreme weather also increase the GDP.

Myth: Water markets encourage conservation Fact: Water is not a typical commodity and water markets have proven to have drastic consequences worldwide. Water markets create a profit incentive for license holders to use the entirety of their allocation taking water previously available for in-stream flow away.

Quotes from Conference Board of Canada Report: “Greater use of market principles… may end up excluding certain users from access” “Significant increases [in prices] can be expected as markets establish themselves.” “Trade agreements…may pose significant risks.”

“We are far too willing to gamble with things that are precious and irreplaceable.” -Naomi Klein

Failures of markets internationally Australia : John Caldecott, Convenor of the Water Allocation Coalition, stated “it has become the biggest scandal and disaster of our time…in terms of its economic, social, and environmental significance.” Chile : major contributing factor to the declining financial well being of small farmers

Headlines Growing Pressure on water supplies affecting one in five global businesses – The Guardian, November 12, 2010 Okotoks makes ‘critical’ request for more water – Calgary Herald, November 15, 2010 Our water might be for sale - Bonnyville Nouvelle, November 16, 2010 Okotoks loses bid for more river water – Calgary Herald, January 1, 2011 Water corporation raises its water delivery rates – Brooks Bulletin, Tuesday January 11, 2011

Alternatives Prioritize environment and basic human needs UN recognition of water as a human right Public Trust Doctrine Replace FITIFIR with a “share system” based on flows Take unused water portion of licenses back for water protection with no impact on real use of water Proposal coming soon!

What can you do? Sign on to the open letter to Environment Minister Rob Renner. Learn more about the water review and your own watershed. Spread the word! Talk about the issue with your friends and family or host a presentation! Action tool kit coming soon! Stay informed! Sign up for updates and action alerts.

Stay Connected! Our Water Is Not For Sale Network: le.com le.com Council of Canadians: Prairie Water Directive: Sierra Club Prairie Chapter: Public Interest Alberta:

Thank You!