Groundwater is central to Canada’s wellbeing and water security. Effective and inclusive groundwater governance supports economic policy and security priorities, and it is fundamental for reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. However, groundwater crosses multiple jurisdictions and sectors, which poses unique challenges and opportunities. With the creation of the Canada Water Agency, the renewal of the Canada Water Act, and ongoing legislative reforms, now is an important time to take stock of Canada’s groundwater governance innovations, gaps, and future priorities. We propose two sessions on the theme of inclusive and innovative groundwater governance. The first session will provide the soft launch of a new report, commissioned by the Gordon Foundation, that reviews Canada’s groundwater governance and policy and makes recommendations for addressing gaps and priorities at all scales. The review will (1) examine how provinces and territories allocate and manage groundwater; (2) map existing federal roles in groundwater governance; (3) learn from Indigenous perspectives on groundwater governance; and (4) make recommendations for addressing gaps and priorities, including potential federal roles. Further, the recommendations will identify opportunities for groundwater management to contribute to the fulfillment of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. A presentation (20 minutes) and panel session will launch the report, and feature the insights, perspectives, and priorities from the diverse contributors. A second session will invite contributions on the above themes with a particular focus on interdisciplinary and early career research and practical perspectives on groundwater governance. Together, the two sessions strive to strengthen and contribute to communities of practice working on groundwater governance and build a foundation for regular dialogue on these themes among the IAH-CNC community and beyond.