Overview Access to reliable supplies of water is an essential component of Canada's future economic security and prosperity. Not only is clean, safe water critical for communities, but also numerous economic activities are dependent on water.
Agriculture is a prominent example.
The challenge facing Canadians is to provide water for economic activities without compromising environmental quality and disrupting ecological systems. The main thrust of the Chair research program is the analysis of factors that influence local capacity for water management, and, following from this, the identification of capacity building strategies. To capture the diversity of circumstances in Canada, and to facilitate a comparative perspective, the research will take place in several rural areas across Canada. Status The Chair began on July 1, 2001. Projects within the Rural Water Management Group are the main vehicle through which I'll be conducting research during the tenure of the Chair.