Globally the statistics are stark: 780 million people do not have access to safe water and as a result every 20 seconds a child dies from a water-related illness. Of the 3.4 million people who die every year from water-borne illnesses, 99 per cent are located in developing countries.
As Canadians we are fortunate that there is an abundance of fresh water in this country. However, not all Canadians have equal access to potable water.
There are currently 113 First Nations communities across Canada living under drinking water advisories. This national tragedy of neglect has been allowed to continue for far too long.
The Conservatives are recklessly rushing to exploit Canada’s water resources without proper water protection legislation. Thanks to their dismantling of the Navigable Waters Protection Act, the number of protected lakes and rivers has been reduced to a few hundred, and they cut funding for the world renowned Experimental Lakes Area research facility.
Basic environmental protections are being ignored, allowing contaminants to be released into watersheds that thousands depend on, while governments continue to shirk their responsibilities to monitor and control pollution.
Our marine ecosystems are also in trouble. In his last report, the Environmental Commissioner warned that Canada’s oceans are increasingly threatened by pollution, overfishing and climate change.
Clean water is essential for life. We must recognize that water isn’t just a resource issue; it’s a health, economic and humanitarian issue.
MP Peter Julian (New Westminster–Burnaby), MLA Raj Chouhan (Burnaby–New Westminster), and MLA Jennifer Whiteside (New Westminster–Coquitlam) are inviting the media to attend a special Flag Day rally on Saturday, February 15, 2025, to emphasize the importance of national unity in the face of ongoing tariff threats from the Trump administration.
Flag Day Rally Details:
Media Contact:
Doris Mah, Office of MP Peter Julian
Phone: 604-353-3107
Email: [email protected]
Dear Neighbours,
I hope you and your family are doing well.
It’s an honour to serve as your Member of Parliament in New Westminster – Burnaby, one of the most culturally diverse communities in Canada.
On Monday, New Democrats announced the implementation of the NDP’s national dental care program, which will save millions of families across Canada around $1,300 a year. In my riding of New Westminster – Burnaby, over 26,000 seniors, people living with a disability, and families struggling to pay the bills will no longer have to choose between a visit to the dentist or keep a roof over their head.
