Managing Canada's Natural Resources · Term 1

Sustainable Aquaculture & Fisheries

Investigating the potential of sustainable aquaculture and improved fisheries management to prevent future resource crises.

About This Topic

Canada holds 20% of the world's freshwater, making water one of our most precious and controversial resources. This topic explores the ethics of water as a commodity, focusing on the bottling industry and the potential for bulk water exports to the United States. Students learn about the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and the importance of protecting our shared watersheds.

This unit also addresses the critical issue of clean drinking water in Indigenous communities. Students investigate why many First Nations remain under long-term boil water advisories despite Canada's abundance of water. This topic benefits from structured discussions where students must grapple with the question: Is water a basic human right or a commercial product to be sold?

Active Learning Ideas

Formal Debate: The Ethics of Bottled Water

Students debate whether the commercial bottling of water should be banned in Ontario. They consider the perspectives of beverage companies, local residents, and environmental activists.

⏱ 50 min·Whole Class

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Inquiry Circle: The Clean Water Gap

Groups research a specific First Nation under a boil water advisory. They investigate the geographic and political reasons for the delay in fixing the system and present a 'call to action' poster.

⏱ 60 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: Bulk Water Exports

Pairs discuss the pros and cons of Canada selling its freshwater in bulk to drought-stricken regions in the US. They share their thoughts on whether this would compromise Canadian sovereignty.

⏱ 30 min·Pairs

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Canada has an infinite supply of freshwater.

What to Teach Instead

While we have a lot, much of it is 'fossil water' that isn't easily renewed, and most of it is in the North, far from where people live. Using a 'water availability' map helps students see the regional imbalances.

Common Misconception

Tap water in Canada is always safe to drink.

What to Teach Instead

While generally true in cities, many Indigenous communities and some rural areas face significant water quality issues. Looking at the 'Boil Water Advisory' map of Canada quickly corrects this belief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should water be treated as a human right or a commodity?

This is a major global debate. Many argue it's a human right essential for life, while others see it as a valuable resource that should be priced and sold like oil or timber to encourage conservation.

What is the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement?

It is an agreement between Canada and the United States to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the waters of the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem.

Why do some Indigenous communities have boil water advisories?

This is due to a combination of factors, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of funding for maintenance, source water pollution, and complex jurisdictional issues between different levels of government.

How can active learning help students understand water issues?

Water issues are deeply ethical and political. Active learning through debates and collaborative research allows students to explore these complexities safely. By investigating real-world cases of water inequality, students move beyond the 'abundance' myth and realize that managing water requires both scientific knowledge and a commitment to social justice. These strategies help them become more informed and active citizens.

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