Government of Canada supports international water conference in Saskatoon

SASKATOON, Aug. 13, 2018 /CNW/ - Experts from around the world are in Saskatoon to discuss managing water for sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change. The 2018 annual conference of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage is being supported by the Government of Canada through a $15,000 investment from Western Economic Diversification Canada's Western Diversification Program.

The funding was announced by the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, at the conference's opening ceremonies.

The theme of the conference is "Innovative and Sustainable Agri-water Management: Adapting to a Variable and Changing Climate." In addition to conference sessions and workshops dealing with water resource management, delegates get the opportunity to see Saskatchewan farms and learn about Western Canada's innovative strategies and practices related to irrigation, drainage and water security.

Quick Facts

• The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) is a leading scientific, technical and not-for-profit Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). Through its network of professionals in 80 countries, ICID has facilitated sharing of experiences and transfer of water management technology for more than six decades. ICID promotes policies and programs to enhance sustainable development of irrigated agriculture through a comprehensive water management framework.
• The conference is being hosted by the Canadian Water Resources Association, a national not-for-profit organization of members from the public, private and academic sectors who are committed to promoting responsible, innovative and effective management of water resources.

Quotes

"Water is critical to agriculture in the Prairies, and to taking advantage of expanding global demand for high quality food. But to realise that potential in the face of more severe floods and droughts caused by climate change, we need to better manage this precious resource. This investment is one example of what the Government of Canada is doing to enable Canadians to make better use of our exceptional water resources."
- The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"Through the Innovation and Skills Plan and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, the Government of Canada is investing in innovations aimed at protecting the environment and improving the sustainability of agriculture and natural resource development. The fact that this conference is being hosted in Canada is a testament to the expertise of Canadian researchers and producers."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

"As the globe experiences an increasingly variable climate, the need to share information regarding sustainable agricultural water management has never been greater. Saskatoon – and Canada – is pleased to host this international conference with delegates from over 40 countries sharing their technical knowledge and experience. We're excited to showcase how Canada is contributing to meeting the challenges of feeding a growing world population and we look forward to a vibrant exchange of ideas."
- Warren Helgason, ICID Conference Co-Chair, Associate Professor of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering, University of Saskatchewan

Additional Links

• Western Diversification Program
• 2018 ICID International Conference

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SOURCE Western Economic Diversification Canada

For further information: Mallory Clyne, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, 343-291-2500, Email: [e-mail]; Rhonda Laing, Director, Policy, Planning and External Relations, Western Economic Diversification Canada, Telephone: [phone], Email: [e-mail]; Sarah Fruin, Manager, Communications, Canadian Water Resources Association, Telephone: [phone], Email: [e-mail]