Water Watcher’s Action Alert

There’s deep irony in using the language of water － the stream － to describe a process of systematically removing water protections.

We are seeing the idea of streamlining being used more and more to mask policy agendas that uphold corporate interests and private profit while whittling away at existing requirements for environmental impact evaluations, consideration of public input, and Indigenous consultation and consent. This is a trend we cannot get behind.

For this reason, streamlining has become one of our least favourite words at Water Watchers of late, and with more proposed changes coming from the federal government, we have to be vocal in our dissent.

The latest ‘streamlining’ ploy is unfortunately coming straight from the top, with the federal government proposing radical changes to the way we evaluate potential projects. We have a small window of opportunity until June 7th to submit public comments to the federal government and our MPs, letting them know “streamlining” cannot come at the cost of robust, accountable public policy processes.

If this price also feels too high for you, we invite you to learn more and take action with us below because we believe people power always has a chance to prevail over the people in power, even those at the very top.

Yours in the escalating work of water protection & justice,

🚨 Feature Action Alert 🚨

Add Your Voice in the Federal Consultation on Streamlining Major Project Reviews

Across Canada, decisions that could shape our waters, ecosystems, and communities for generations are being pushed toward faster approvals and weaker oversight.

The federal government released a discussion paper proposing a massive overhaul of how major industrial and infrastructure projects, such as pipelines, mines, and transmission lines, are reviewed and approved.

The government wants to:

• Compress environmental review timelines 
• Allow pre‑approved special economic zones where projects could bypass environmental assessment processes
• Give Cabinet the power to override protections for endangered species if a project is deemed in the “public interest”
• Move some pipeline reviews from the Impact Assessment Agency to the Canada Energy Regulator

This moment calls for collective action and a refusal to accept false choices between economic well-being and ecological survival. We must demand a future where public trust, Indigenous rights, strong environmental safeguards, and democratic accountability are treated as the foundation of responsible nation-building. 

Please take a moment now to submit your comment to the federal government’s official public consultation process and your MP, to let them know that environmental protections, Indigenous rights, and democratic accountability must not be sacrificed to fast-track industrial development.

❤️‍🔥 Upcoming Webinar, May 28th: Disarming Bill 5 / C-5 ❤️‍🔥

Water Watchers announced in March we are joining forces with 14 First Nations and several eNGOs like Sierra Club Canada, Council of Canadians, and 8th Fire Rising to support the forthcoming legal challenge against Bills 5 & C-5.

Now, the co-intervenors and Indigenous litigants are coming together with a webinar to share more about this legal challenge and how you can support.

Federal Bill C-5 and Ontario Bill 5 are moving fast — and their implications are profound. These bills contain what legal experts call “Henry the VIII clauses”: sweeping powers that allow Cabinet to designate projects of “national interest” (PONIs) that are exempt from democratic process: free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), environmental assessments and protections, labour protections, and more — all behind closed doors.

This webinar brings together Indigenous leaders, legal experts, and frontline water defenders to share what’s at stake, what’s being fought for by First Nations and civil society, and how you can get involved. RSVP today for the Zoom link, and please share far & wide!

🌊 Add Your Input 🌊

Water Watchers AI & Data Centres Survey 

Your responses will help us guide our organizational decision-making as we consider launching a new campaign focused on the harms of data centres and AI, so please add your voice.

Every time we’ve looked under the hood of streamlining policies, it’s been easy to identify what’s really unfolding: trading public & environmental protections for expediently green lighting development and resource extraction.

We hope the nefarious promise of “streamlining” will become a not-so-secret alert signal to our Canadian comrades and allies to lean in, listen deeply for what is being sacrificed, and let it move us in action.

Yours in the important work ahead,
Water Watchers

PS – Like we’re hearing from many non-profits, fundraising has been tough for us lately. If you can help keep us afloat as we work to get some bigger grants, you can make a donation here 💙. If you need a tax receipt for your donation, support us through our partnership with Small Change Fund here!