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 an ongoing effort to draft Canada’s first national water security strategy, now is an important time to take stock of Canada’s groundwater governance innovations, gaps, and future priorities. This session features case studies and lessons from governance challenges and responses across a range of scales, including (1) systems thinking about groundwater governance; (2) progress toward inclusivity and equity in groundwater governance; and (3) priorities and pathways for strengthening federal coordination and investment related to groundwater. This session follows an earlier session (morning of May 27th), which provides an overview of Canada’s evolving groundwater governance landscape and a spotlight on groundwater permitting reforms, drawing on a synthesis report commissioned by the Gordon Foundation. Together, the two sessions aim to contribute to a growing community of research and practice on groundwater governance within IAH-CNC.

• 2:00 pm – 2:15 pm | Groundwater as a social-ecological system: theoretical considerations and field experience – Ian Stewart
• 2:15 pm – 2:30 pm | Governing Groundwater for an Equitable Future – Carrie Jennings
• 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm | Legal and Policy Frameworks for Groundwater in Quebec: Recognition of Ecological Value, Biodiversity, and Contributions of Indigenous Knowledge – Sessinou Émile HOUEDANOU
• 2:45 pm – 3:00 pm | The Potential Role of IAH-CNC in Reporting to Parliament – Richard Jackson
• 3:00 pm – 3:15 pm | Groundwater and Modernizing the Canada Water Act – Mike Wei