Statement: BC-Canada Cooperative Prosperity Agreement

Watershed Security Recognized as the Foundation of BC’s Prosperity

August 20, 2026

The Watershed Security Coalition is encouraged by the recognition—and commitment—to watershed security in the recent BC–Canada Cooperative Prosperity Agreement signed by the governments of British Columbia and Canada.

The agreement recognizes the essential role of water in B.C.’s future prosperity, stating:

“As industrial demand grows, maintaining and expanding power generation is essential, as is protecting water as the foundation of B.C.’s economy, energy systems, major projects, health and well-being, wildlife, and climate resilience.“

The agreement also commits Canada and B.C. to collaborate on watershed protection, including exploring a federal contribution to B.C.’s Watershed Security Fund through the Canada Water Agency by June 2027.

This commitment comes at a critical moment.

B.C. is once again faced with widespread drought, water scarcity and wildfires. At the same time, rapidly increasing water demand from new major projects, including mines, LNG expansion and data centres will place increasing pressure on already stressed watersheds.

Every major sector of B.C.’s economy depends on secure, healthy watersheds. These watersheds are critical infrastructure that provide the reliable water supplies that support industry, agriculture, communities, fisheries, tourism and recreation. Healthy, resilient watersheds are also our best insurance policy against climate disruption, reducing the impacts of drought, floods and wildfires while helping ensure clean, dependable water supplies.

Over the last decade, the economic costs of watershed insecurity in B.C. have become impossible to ignore—from disrupted production and agricultural losses to business water shut-offs, community emergencies, huge fish kills, and billions of dollars in disaster recovery.

Rebuilding watershed security must be central to B.C.’s economic strategy. Investing in watershed planning, restoration, monitoring and governance will provide a triple win by strengthening communities, creating skilled jobs in the watershed workforce, and building long-term economic resilience.

The commitments in the BC–Canada Cooperative Prosperity Agreement provide an important foundation. Turning them into action through stronger watershed governance and sustained investment will determine whether B.C. can deliver lasting prosperity.