You rely on clean water every day. Now New Brunswick lawmakers face a critical decision that impacts your daily life and the provincial economy. An environmental lawyer wants the province to guarantee your right to clean water by law. Meanwhile forestry executives warn that new regulations hurt economic growth.

The Push for a Legal Right

Environmental advocates want New Brunswick to become the first Canadian province to enshrine the right to clean water into law. Richelle Martin from East Coast Environmental Law told a legislature committee that lacking this law creates unequal access to water.

“This protection of the right to clean water will recognize the importance of water for human health and wellbeing,” Martin said.

She noted that while federal laws protect a healthy environment generally no specific Canadian law guarantees clean water rights. Martin also urged the province to create formal ways to cooperate with Indigenous communities on freshwater issues.

The Economic Warning

Saint John based forestry giant J.D. Irving warned lawmakers about the economic fallout of strict new regulations. Jason Killam is the company chief forester. He defended the current Clean Water Act.

“The bones of it are good the foundation of the act and the regulations it is very strong,” Killam stated.

Jason Limongelli is the woodlands vice president. He added that domestic policies hurt Canada forestry competitiveness more than market forces. The forestry sector makes up about eight percent of the New Brunswick GDP. Limongelli urged the committee to avoid decisions that restrict growth or productivity.

Municipalities Seek a Voice

Local governments want a voice in this decision. Brittany Merrifield is the president of the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick. She asked the government to create an expert working group to protect the provincial water supply.

“Municipalities need to be at any sort of table where this type of subject is being discussed,” Merrifield said.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Canada have a law guaranteeing clean water?

No. While the Canadian Environmental Protection Act covers a healthy environment no specific law guarantees the right to clean water.

Why is the forestry industry concerned?

Industry leaders argue that adding strict environmental regulations restricts economic growth and hurts global competitiveness.

What happens next?

The legislature committee continues to hear presentations from physicians environmental groups and First Nation representatives to decide on updates to the Clean Water Act.