Mohammad Ali Akbar

After two weeks of high-stakes negotiations, the Liberal government’s first budget has passed the House of Commons. Prime Minister Mark Carney may be leading a minority government, but with the Conservatives embroiled in internal disputes and the NDP leaderless, the opposition has had very little role in shaping this budget. Fear of an election trumped the fear of letting an austerity budget pass. So what’s in Budget 2025?

As we confront challenges such as wildfires, droughts, and declining aquifer levels, the protection of our freshwater resources remains of critical importance. This encompasses not only the preservation of habitats and access to clean drinking water but also the health of our entire ecosystem. Healthy water systems are essential in mitigating wildfire risks, preventing soil erosion, and supporting our agricultural productivity. We must recall that Water is Life.

Earlier this year, leaked text messages revealed a plan for deep cuts to the newly formed Canada Water Agency.These cuts follow an earlier threat by the Trump administration which has been signaling that it considers Canada’s fresh water to be for sale, a “giant faucet” to compensate for depleted groundwater south of the border.