Background on the Promise

During his 2025 election campaign, Mark Carney pledged to support modern water management practices and safeguard local water resources as part of Canada's Freshwater Action Plan. This commitment aimed to address threats like climate change, pollution, and human activity to ensure clean and sustainable freshwater for communities, ecosystems, and the economy. The promise emphasized collaboration with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, and other stakeholders to enhance water protection and management.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

Since taking office in May 2025, the Carney administration has advanced several initiatives under the Freshwater Action Plan. The Canada Water Agency, established prior to Carney's tenure but now under his government's oversight, released its inaugural Departmental Plan for 2025-2026, outlining priorities for freshwater stewardship, including investments in ecosystem restoration and community-led projects. In February 2025, the government announced funding for 65 community projects aimed at strengthening freshwater protection against threats such as invasive species and climate change.

Further, the Freshwater Action Plan has been positioned as a core federal program for managing, restoring, and protecting freshwater resources. This includes regionally specific actions to improve water quality and ecosystem health in significant bodies like the Great Lakes, with ongoing investments totaling $76 million in 2024-2025 for 50 partner-led projects, and applications under review for 2025-2026. The plan also supports the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, enhancing binational efforts to address nutrients, chemicals, and other pollutants.

Legislation and Policy Developments

No new standalone legislation has been passed specifically tied to this promise as of August 2025, but the government has built on existing frameworks. First Nations leaders have urged Carney to reintroduce water legislation within his first 100 days, focusing on clean drinking water and Indigenous-led initiatives. While such a bill has not yet been tabled, the administration has committed to the Freshwater Action Plan's long-term funding, including a $650 million investment over 10 years announced in prior years but continued under Carney. This funding supports modern management practices like data-driven monitoring and community engagement.

The 2025-2026 Future-Oriented Statement of Operations for the Canada Water Agency emphasizes freshwater stewardship, integrating climate adaptation into water management. Additionally, announcements on World Water Day in March 2024 (pre-Carney) have been followed by 2025 actions, such as expanded community interaction programs under the St. Lawrence Action Plan, which align with safeguarding local resources.

Progress on Key Promise Elements

The promise's focus on modern water management practices is being addressed through investments in science-based approaches and technology for water monitoring, as seen in the Canada Water Agency's plans. Safeguarding local water resources is evident in the 65 community projects and ecosystem initiatives targeting areas like the Great Lakes. However, full implementation requires broader legislative backing and measurable outcomes, such as reduced pollution levels or resolved boil-water advisories in Indigenous communities.

This initiative remains in progress, with ongoing funding and projects showing commitment, but it has not reached completion. To become kept, the government must pass supportive legislation, achieve tangible improvements in water quality metrics, and fulfill long-term funding commitments by the end of Carney's term. It could be at risk of being broken if budget cuts occur, legislative efforts stall, or external factors like economic downturns halt projects.

Overall Status

This promise is in progress.