4.2 Federal Government

The Constitution Act assigns the federal government a specific set of water management responsibilities, including navigable waters, commercial fisheries and fish habitat, water on First Nations land, transboundary flows, international relations, trade and commerce, agriculture, and federal lands.¹ The federal government also develops water policy. For example, refer to: Federal Water Policy. The following are some of the key federal roles and responsibilities in water management and planning:

Environment Canada

• operates hydrometric, climate and water quality monitoring networks in partnership with the provincial Ministry of Environment;
• undertakes research on water quality and quantity, watershed management and climate change.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

• administers the Fisheries Act, which protects anadromous and marine fish habitats.

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

• manages water on Indian Reserves jointly with First Nation governments.

Health Canada

• sets drinking water quality standards for Canadians.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

• conducts research and provides information on water use in agriculture and agricultural impacts on the water resource.

Transport Canada

• regulates transportation on water.

Natural Resources Canada

• conducts research on groundwater and hydrologic impacts of climate change.

Over the years, the federal government has also had roles in funding infrastructure, including water, wastewater and flood protection infrastructure. In 2011, at the time this guide was completed, these functions were implemented through the Building Canada Fund, administered by Infrastructure Canada.