Calgary — July 16, 2026
The Government of the Northwest Territories and the Canada Water Agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) earlier this week to strengthen collaboration on shared freshwater priorities and advance the protection and stewardship of freshwater ecosystems across the Northwest Territories.
The two-year agreement establishes a framework for cooperation on issues affecting northern waters, recognizing the critical importance of fresh water to Indigenous peoples, communities, ecosystems, and the economy. The MOU supports joint efforts to address emerging challenges, including the impacts of climate change on northern freshwater systems.
The agreement also recognizes the unique position of the Northwest Territories as the ultimate downstream jurisdiction within the Mackenzie River Basin and the importance of partnership in managing freshwater resources across jurisdictions.
The MOU supports practical collaboration, including:
- Sharing data, research, expertise, and knowledge to support informed decision-making.
- Identifying opportunities to address freshwater information and monitoring gaps.
- Strengthening engagement and relationships with Indigenous partners.
- Supporting mentorship, learning, and collaboration among organizations.
- Advancing strategic freshwater protection and stewardship initiatives.
Quote(s)
“Protecting water is not only an environmental priority. In the Northwest Territories especially, it is essential for community well-being, traditional harvesting, transportation, economic opportunity and future generations of Northerners. Water is fundamental to our health, culture, and well-being. This agreement strengthens our partnership with the Canada Water Agency and supports our shared commitment to protecting freshwater resources for current and future generations. By working together, we can improve our understanding of freshwater ecosystems, strengthen stewardship efforts, and help ensure northern waters remain healthy and resilient in the face of a changing climate.”
- Jay Macdonald, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“Strengthening freshwater stewardship across the Northwest Territories is a shared responsibility that requires meaningful partnerships and sustained collaboration. This Memorandum of Understanding establishes an important foundation for the Canada Water Agency and the Government of the Northwest Territories to bring together diverse knowledge and expertise, support informed decision-making, and advance efforts to address freshwater challenges and opportunities in the North.”
- Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature
“Fresh water is central to life in the Northwest Territories. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to protecting these waters through collaboration, respect for Indigenous knowledge, and science-based decision-making. By working together, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Canada Water Agency, are ensuring our freshwater ecosystems remain healthy and resilient for generations to come.”
- Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories
“Fresh water carries significant meaning to Indigenous communities and is critically important to the regional economy. This Memorandum of Understanding serves as a key foundation for the Canada Water Agency and the Government of the Northwest Territories to continue collaborative work on strengthening freshwater stewardship across the Territory. Our government will continue to support informed decision-making as we advance the protection of northern freshwater ecosystems together.”
- Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Quick facts
- The Northwest Territories contains vast freshwater resources that are essential to Indigenous cultures, northern communities, wildlife, and ecosystems.
- Climate change in some parts of the NWT is occurring at three to four times the global average, creating challenges for freshwater ecosystems.
- The MOU supports collaboration on freshwater stewardship, information sharing, Indigenous engagement, and shared initiatives.
- The agreement complements existing efforts under the 1997 Mackenzie River Basin Transboundary Waters Master Agreement.
Related links
For media requests, please contact:
ECC Communications
Environment and Climate Change
Government of the Northwest Territories
Canada Water Agency
Media Relations