Bob Rae in Moose Jaw -- Canada Must Protect Our Water Supply

Canada's water resources will be one of the issues facing Canadians in the next federal election.



Speaking to in Moose Jaw recently, Bob Rae, the Federal Liberal Party's election platform committee co-chair, says Canada must ensure there are no bulk exports of water to other nations; he says there are serious issues around conservation.



"With climate change there's going to be some serious issues with drought in certain parts of the country, of water shortages in others parts of the country that we're going to have to deal with. and make sure that we've got a real handle on how to make sure we become a leader in conservation and protecting what is a very valuable Canadian resource".



Rae says his party will be talking about water in the next election campaign. "It's going to be a serious issue for us as for other parties. I can only say that to me this is a critical resource for Canada. There definitely cannot be bulk exports to other countries, we've got to make sure that we're preserving this resource".



Rae says we must ensure there are no bulk exports of water to other nations, and that our resources are not vulnerable under NAFTA. "I think there's a concern that if water were to be perceived as a commodity that some people might try to take advantage of that under NAFTA. But I can tell you emphatically that it is my view and I think it should be embodied in legislation that water is not a commodity, it's a precious natural resource that belongs to all Canadians and we should make sure it's protected".