TakingITGlobal

Access to clean, fresh water across Canada is imbalanced and inconsistent. Our urban centres have abundant access to clean water, and are able to use that water freely. However, due to underfunding of many First Nations water systems, over 130 Indigenous communities spanning more than 50 000 people have had water boil advisories for extended periods. This means that 11 their tap water cannot be directly consumed, and at times cannot be used at all. Poor water filtration systems require people to boil their water to kill pathogens. However, toxic chemical contaminants like arsenic, manganese, and chlorine remain in the water, forcing many to rely upon bottled water. The cost of this dependency on bottled water leads to other serious socioeconomic disparities. A dozen bottles of water in Nunavut costs 83 dollars due to the expense of transport to remote communities. It is unacceptable that individuals do not have access to clean, affordable water, 12 especially since we are all Canadian citizens, and therefore, should be valued and treated equally. To complicate these issues further, the large geographic distances and vast ecological differences across the nation mean that people from different parts of Canada are not always aware of water concerns being faced in other areas. People who live in southern, urban centres like Toronto are not always as aware of ocean conservation issues as residents of the Maritimes; just as our Northern communities do not necessarily understand the issues relating to arid sections in the Interior of British Columbia. Water, despite its large presence across Canada, is available differently to all Canadians. More must be done by all Canadians to improve their understanding of water accessibility challenges across the nation. We believe that all Canadians should be advocating for communities that do not have as strong a voice in lobbying for equity in access to basic resources. We, the youth of Canada, believe that as well as not having equal access to water, not every Canadian has an equal say in solving water conservation challenges and water-safety issues. It is crucial that everyone's voice is included when making decisions about sustainable use, equitable distribution, and regulating industrial policies concerning this vital resource. However, currently, we feel that Indigenous perspectives and concerns are not being listened to as valued and valid political contributions. "It is not only Aboriginal people's vast knowledge of the land that must be considered in respect to Canada's industries and population however, but the immediate effect that these things have on their current homes and culture as well." - Melissa Clark, NWT 11 https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/water-treatment-plants-fail-on-reserves-across-canada-globe-reviewfinds/article34 094364/ 12 http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/05/09/food-prices-canadian-north_n_5297099.html

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