Waterloo, Ontario - The Government of the Northwest Territories has entered into a scientific partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University based in Waterloo, Ontario. "The Canadian Aquatic Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Boreal Ecosystem Research (CALIBER) program based at Wilfrid Laurier University and in the Northwest Territories will develop leading-edge scientific studies essential for making water resource management decisions that will ensure the sustainability of northern ecosystems, including those in the Northwest Territories," said Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, J. Michael Miltenberger. "The partnership will support and enhance the work being done through the NWT Water Stewardship Strategy, and provide some of the vital information needed to protect our water resources and address critical issues such as the current and future impacts ... continue reading.

Media release from the Pembina Institute: Current water management practices cannot protect water in northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories from the impacts of oil sands development, according to a new report by the Pembina Institute. The report, The Waters That Bind Us: Transboundary Implications of Oil Sands Development, recommends that new oil sands lease sales and oil sands approvals be suspended until stronger environmental rules to protect water are put in place. The Mackenzie River Basin links water resources in Alberta's oil sands region with communities downstream. Oil sands development uses large quantities of water and produces large amounts of toxic waste, posing risks to water resources in the basin. "Downstream communities are asking for greater accountability from the ... continue reading.

The chairman of a mining company proposing an operation near Nahanni National Park says his company is willing to do whatever is needed to protect the park's watershed. - CBC ... continue reading.