Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has a busy Wednesday ahead of him in Winnipeg.

The Prime Minister met with Indigenous high school students this morning to discuss the importance of protecting nature. That was followed up by an announcement about protecting Canadian freshwater.

At the press conference, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of a new Canada Water agency.

"From supplying our drinking water to being the places we love to spend time in nature, Canadians rely on safe, clean fresh water every day. By establishing the Canada Water Agency, we will work together across levels of government and with Indigenous Peoples, while bringing new, good jobs to Winnipeg. Together, we can keep our water clean now and into the future.”

Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Canada Water Agency will work with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, local authorities, scientists, and other partners to find the best ways to keep our water safe, clean, and well-managed for everyone.

As the Prime Minister announced, one of the first priorities of the Agency will be to begin the work of modernizing the Canada Water Act to reflect the changing reality of fresh water in Canada, including the impacts of climate change and the importance of Indigenous rights.

“Canadians are concerned about the impacts of a changing climate on freshwater quality and quantity. In a country as vast as Canada, freshwater management is complex and challenges vary by region. Creating the Canada Water Agency presents a unique opportunity for Canada to work closely with regions, Indigenous Peoples, scientists and communities, among others, to find the best ways to ensure our freshwater is well managed and protected for future generations,” said Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Budget 2023 also renews and expands the Freshwater Action Plan, which will support regionally specific measures to further protect Canada’s freshwater reserves across the country – from Lake Winnipeg, to the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes, to the Mackenzie River.

Later this evening, the Prime Minister will participate in a town hall.