Water Economics, Policy and Governance Network

Canadian Water Valuation

Water Economics, Policy and Governance Network

The Water Economics, Policy and Governance Network: Brief Description

BROCK NEWS: "Brock Takes Lead on Major Water Research Network"

Background

There is a growing concern regarding the health of Canada’s water resources and whether our current water policies promote sustainable and efficient water use. Canada’s past profligacy in water use is well known. However, it is also widely recognized that our lakes, rivers and wetlands are under threat from rising water demands; urban, farm and industrial pollution; and the impacts of climate change. To meet these challenges we must reconsider past and current attitudes, practices and regulations relating to water.

Purpose

We propose to create a national network that will bring together many of Canada’s best researchers, government agencies and NGO’s. The goal is to carry out world-class research that will lead to improved water use in Canada and internationally. Doing this will yield significant economic, environmental and social benefits to all Canadians. The first step in the creation of WPRN is to broaden our base for funding. In addition to the resources being brought by researchers, universities and partner organizations, funding will be sought from the Social Sciences and Humanities Partnership Research Grants (previously the Major Collaborative Research Initiatives grants).

Themes

These will be developed during the summer and fall of 2010 through dialogue between researchers and partners. Some possible themes include the following: