Water Is A Fundamental Human Right…..Right?

I’m sure you’d agree that access to water is a fundamental human right. In Ontario, with our abundance of fresh water, it may seem that water security is not an issue. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

The province’s new Water and Wastewater Public Corporations Act (WWPCA), which was shoehorned in omnibus Bill 60, paves a dangerous path towards water privatization in Ontario. While the province insists water privatization is not its intent, the Act has no limits on private ownership. In fact, the Act would enable the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to designate corporations under the Business Corporations Act to have control over water and wastewater systems.

Privatization Agenda?

These changes are yet another example of Premier Ford’s privatization agenda, prioritizing corporate interests over essential public services.

Water is a public good and a human right. We can’t sit back and allow this government to make it a commodity. Environmental Defence continues to urge the Ontario government to amend the WWPCA to ensure that water and wastewater services remain public. With your support, we will mobilize the public and raise awareness, calling on the provincial government to stop water privatization and safeguard water sources. How you can help us.

History shows the risk of privatization.

Since the early 2000s, hundreds of attempts to privatize water management worldwide have failed. Municipalities, including Hamilton, Ontario, have tried privatization before, resulting in significant environmental and financial consequences. Privatization often means less transparency and accountability, and could lead to higher water bills, contaminated drinking water, and polluted lakes and rivers.

Water privatization spells an uncertain future for water security in Ontario. Now’s the time to stand up and send a clear message that Water is Not for Sale!

For the Silo,  Rebecca Kolarich /Environmental Defence.